Catching Up
– Bit of an omnibus post this morning as I attempt to catch up on recent Saratoga racing, to which I have been paying much attention, but about which I have written woefully little. I blame the Spa. As I was saying to someone the other day, Saratoga takes you back 100 years in more ways than one. Internet what? But where actually being at the racetrack and lacking wireless access inhibits, technology finds a way: I’m sending out Spa updates daily via Twitter. (The news that Curlin was going to the Woodward and that last Friday’s card was canceled was broken via tweet, and who else is dispensing this kind of handicapping advice?) You can follow along, by phone and web or by RSS.
– It’s a cloudy morning, but no rain yet, and there was only one light shower that passed through on Friday (and that was shortly before the eighth, which was run under a rainbow that arched over the grandstand and appeared to end at the tote board). Races might actually be on the turf this afternoon. [9:00 a.m. update: With rain forecast, races will be off the turf, except for the Lake Placid.]
– Music Note is entered in the Alabama, but still possible for the Travers, and the decision to keep the filly in or scratch her on Saturday might not come until the afternoon. Assistant trainer Rick Mettee said Godolphin was waiting to consider the weather and post draw before committing to either race. Trainer Larry Jones, meanwhile, is hoping for a rematch between the Mother Goose winner and Proud Spell, who finished second in that race, but is respectfully challenging. “We want another shot at Music Note since that Belmont [race] turned out so bad, but believe me, I’m not saying, ‘Bring her on,’” Jones told Sherry Ross. And just to clarify an earlier uncertainty, should Music Note win the Alabama, she will not win the Filly Triple Crown, despite what was reported in this Post Star article.
– In the ninth, trainer Bill Mott debuts Evolutionist, a half-brother to Hopeful winner Majestic Warrior. The El Prado colt (coupled with stablemate Herr Mozart and MTO-only Stormalory) shows a record of steady works, but Mott remains winless with first-time starters at Saratoga, so Evolutionist may be one for the watch list or exotics, not a straight win. Todd Pletcher sends out Hype, a More than Ready colt out of 2-year-old stakes winner Western Woman. I’d post updated stats for both these guys, but Web Formulator isn’t working for me today …
– “I had a great trip,” said Robby Albarado, explaining how he won the Special with buzz horse Run Away and Hide. Can’t quibble with the rider, who settled his colt behind a wicked fast early pace of :21.66 and :44.80, saved ground along the rail, then drew away mid-stretch to a 1 1/2 length win (final time of 1:15.67, BSF of 93). Run Away and Hide is now 3-for-3 and boasts two graded stakes scores. “He’s the pro tem Juvenile Champ, isn’t he?”, said one delighted connection in the winner’s circle. “I mean, who else has accomplished that?” Well, let’s not get ahead of things … the Breeders’ Cup is still nearly three months away.
– On Wednesday, 8-1 Mani Bhavan upset the Adirondack with a wire-to-wire run. The race, the same distance as the Special, returned a Beyer figure of 100 for a final time of 1:18.09. That’s the best BSF assigned a juvenile at the meet so far. “She’s a real horse,” said trainer Steve Klesaris.
– I wish I had written this. Brilliant, Foolish Pleasure! Or this (DRF+). Thanks for pointing out what Jackson got wrong about synthetics, Brad Free.
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