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Updated: August 18, 2010, 6:44 PM ET
Arlington Million: Gio Ponti gets post 6
By Marcus Hersh
Daily Racing Form
Archive
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. -- The same horses pre-entered Friday in the 28th Arlington Million were officially entered Tuesday in an informal racing-office draw at Arlington Park, with the 7-5 morning-line favorite, Gio Ponti, landing post 6 in a 10-horse field.
Gio Ponti, who was scheduled to travel Wednesday from New York for trainer Christophe Clement, will try to join four-time Turf champion John Henry as the only two-time Million winner. John Henry won the inaugural Million in 1981, then won again three years later. Awad (1995-1996) and The Tin Man (2006-2007) came closest to repeating in the race, both finishing second the year after winning.
Gio Ponti has better form than his U.S.-based rivals, Marsh Side (post 1), General Quarters (post 3), Just as Well (post 4), Quite a Handful (post 5), Rahystrada (post 7), and Tajaaweed (post 8). Three Europeans have shipped for the Million, with Summit Surge (post 10) and Tazeez (post 9) likely to attract more attention than Debussy (post 2). Both Summit Surge and Tazeez are trained in England by John Gosden. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum owns both Tazeez and Tajaaweed, but the two will race as uncoupled betting interests.
Owner-trainer Tom McCarthy has said since the July 17 Arlington Handicap, in which his General Quarters finished a disappointing sixth, that he would likely skip the Million if the race were contested over a hard turf course. The course was quite firm Tuesday, and there is less than a 50-percent chance of rain on two occasions this week, with clear skies and a high of 85 degrees forecast for Saturday. Still, McCarthy said he would van General Quarters from Louisville. Ky., to Chicago on Friday.
Off the fence and into the Beverly D. Stakes is Treat Gently, one of 10 fillies and mares entered in the $750,000 race. Trainer Bill Mott said shortly after Treat Gently's win in the July 17 Robert Dick at Delaware Park that the 1 3/16-mile Beverly D. might be too short for the Juddmonte Farms mare, and Mott also has concerns about the course here being too firm. Nevertheless, Mott said Tuesday that Saratoga-based Treat Gently (post 9, and 9-2 second choice) is "getting on the plane in the morning."
Rainbow View, the mild 4-1 morning-line favorite, landed post 5, and will travel by van here from Presque Isle Downs on Thursday for trainer Jonathan Sheppard, who also has Just as Well for the Million. Eclaire de Lune (post 6), a 17-1 chance finishing second to Tuscan Evening in the July 17 Modesty Handicap, is the 5-1 co-third choice along with Canadian shipper Ave (post 10). Hot Cha Cha (post 2) was third in the Modesty and is a major player Saturday. The other Americans entered were Acoma (post 3), Gypsy's Warning (post 4), and likely pacesetter Romacaca (post 8). Pachattack, from England, landed the rail and was made 8-1 on the morning line, with the French filly Biased (post 7) a 20-1 shot. Turning Top, pre-entered in the Beverly D., raced Sunday at Del Mar and was not entered here Tuesday.
Paddy O'Prado, the even-money favorite in the $400,000 Secretariat, drew the rail in a seven-horse field that came together as expected. Outside him come Mister Marti Gras, Cherokee Lord, Wigmore Hall, Dean's Kitten, Two Notch Road, and Workin for Hops. Workin for Hops, the 5-2 second choice, is attempting to sweep Arlington's trio of 3-year-old turf stakes, having already won the Arlington Classic and the American Derby. Sandwiched between those victories, however, was a three-length defeat at the hands of Paddy O'Prado in the Colonial Turf Cup. England-based Wigmore Hall, a three-time winner overseas, should take betting action in the 1 1/4-mile Secretariat.
The remainder of the Million Day card, including the Stars and Stripes Handicap, will be drawn on Wednesday.
Arlington Million: Gio Ponti gets post 6
By Marcus Hersh
Daily Racing Form
Archive
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. -- The same horses pre-entered Friday in the 28th Arlington Million were officially entered Tuesday in an informal racing-office draw at Arlington Park, with the 7-5 morning-line favorite, Gio Ponti, landing post 6 in a 10-horse field.
Gio Ponti, who was scheduled to travel Wednesday from New York for trainer Christophe Clement, will try to join four-time Turf champion John Henry as the only two-time Million winner. John Henry won the inaugural Million in 1981, then won again three years later. Awad (1995-1996) and The Tin Man (2006-2007) came closest to repeating in the race, both finishing second the year after winning.
Gio Ponti has better form than his U.S.-based rivals, Marsh Side (post 1), General Quarters (post 3), Just as Well (post 4), Quite a Handful (post 5), Rahystrada (post 7), and Tajaaweed (post 8). Three Europeans have shipped for the Million, with Summit Surge (post 10) and Tazeez (post 9) likely to attract more attention than Debussy (post 2). Both Summit Surge and Tazeez are trained in England by John Gosden. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum owns both Tazeez and Tajaaweed, but the two will race as uncoupled betting interests.
Owner-trainer Tom McCarthy has said since the July 17 Arlington Handicap, in which his General Quarters finished a disappointing sixth, that he would likely skip the Million if the race were contested over a hard turf course. The course was quite firm Tuesday, and there is less than a 50-percent chance of rain on two occasions this week, with clear skies and a high of 85 degrees forecast for Saturday. Still, McCarthy said he would van General Quarters from Louisville. Ky., to Chicago on Friday.
Off the fence and into the Beverly D. Stakes is Treat Gently, one of 10 fillies and mares entered in the $750,000 race. Trainer Bill Mott said shortly after Treat Gently's win in the July 17 Robert Dick at Delaware Park that the 1 3/16-mile Beverly D. might be too short for the Juddmonte Farms mare, and Mott also has concerns about the course here being too firm. Nevertheless, Mott said Tuesday that Saratoga-based Treat Gently (post 9, and 9-2 second choice) is "getting on the plane in the morning."
Rainbow View, the mild 4-1 morning-line favorite, landed post 5, and will travel by van here from Presque Isle Downs on Thursday for trainer Jonathan Sheppard, who also has Just as Well for the Million. Eclaire de Lune (post 6), a 17-1 chance finishing second to Tuscan Evening in the July 17 Modesty Handicap, is the 5-1 co-third choice along with Canadian shipper Ave (post 10). Hot Cha Cha (post 2) was third in the Modesty and is a major player Saturday. The other Americans entered were Acoma (post 3), Gypsy's Warning (post 4), and likely pacesetter Romacaca (post 8). Pachattack, from England, landed the rail and was made 8-1 on the morning line, with the French filly Biased (post 7) a 20-1 shot. Turning Top, pre-entered in the Beverly D., raced Sunday at Del Mar and was not entered here Tuesday.
Paddy O'Prado, the even-money favorite in the $400,000 Secretariat, drew the rail in a seven-horse field that came together as expected. Outside him come Mister Marti Gras, Cherokee Lord, Wigmore Hall, Dean's Kitten, Two Notch Road, and Workin for Hops. Workin for Hops, the 5-2 second choice, is attempting to sweep Arlington's trio of 3-year-old turf stakes, having already won the Arlington Classic and the American Derby. Sandwiched between those victories, however, was a three-length defeat at the hands of Paddy O'Prado in the Colonial Turf Cup. England-based Wigmore Hall, a three-time winner overseas, should take betting action in the 1 1/4-mile Secretariat.
The remainder of the Million Day card, including the Stars and Stripes Handicap, will be drawn on Wednesday.
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Updated: August 16, 2010, 6:44 PM ET
Kantharos remains perfect at Saratoga
By David Grening
Daily Racing Form
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Kantharos maintained his reputation as the best 2-year-old on the East Coast -- if not the country -- with a relatively easy 7 1/4-length victory in Monday's Grade 2, $150,000 Saratoga Special at Saratoga.
Bail Out the Cat, who valiantly fought with Kantharos until just outside the eighth pole, finished second by 11 3/4 lengths over the first-time starter Manchurian High. Blue Right By was last. Sovereign Default and Wetzel scratched.
Kantharos won for the third time in as many starts, adding the Special to victories in the Grade 3 Bashford Manor and a maiden victory, both at Churchill Downs. He has won those three races by a combined 28 1/2 lengths.
"He has been brilliant and I think he still is to this point," said Steve Asmussen, who trains Kantharos for Jess Jackson's Stonestreet Stable. "We just want him to continue to get better."
After getting bumped soundly by Bail Out the Cat at the break, Kantharos, under Garrett Gomez, raced in third position while in the four-path as Blue Right By ran an opening quarter in 22.25 seconds. Bail Out the Cat, under Alan Garcia, made a move for the lead entering the far turn, and Kantharos hooked up with him turning into the lane.
Kantharos and Bail Out the Cat ran together until just above the eighth pole before Kantharos drew clear while being taken in hand late. Kantharos, a son of Lion Heart, covered the 6 1/2 furlongs in the mud in 1:18.63 and returned $2.30 to win. With $238,725 placed to show out of a pool of $263,903, there was a minus-show pool of $45,577 on Kantharos.
"I thought he came into the stretch well, hesitated just a bit when he first left that horse, but late he really looked good and smooth, like he'll go further, which I think is what everybody wants to know right now," Asmussen said. "What he's done at these sprint distances has been very impressive and brilliant but we want to be greedy and get a little bit more."
While Asmussen said he has to talk with Jackson about future plans, a logical next step for Kantharos is the Grade 1 Champagne at Belmont Park on Oct. 9.
Kantharos remains perfect at Saratoga
By David Grening
Daily Racing Form
Archive
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Kantharos maintained his reputation as the best 2-year-old on the East Coast -- if not the country -- with a relatively easy 7 1/4-length victory in Monday's Grade 2, $150,000 Saratoga Special at Saratoga.
Bail Out the Cat, who valiantly fought with Kantharos until just outside the eighth pole, finished second by 11 3/4 lengths over the first-time starter Manchurian High. Blue Right By was last. Sovereign Default and Wetzel scratched.
Kantharos won for the third time in as many starts, adding the Special to victories in the Grade 3 Bashford Manor and a maiden victory, both at Churchill Downs. He has won those three races by a combined 28 1/2 lengths.
"He has been brilliant and I think he still is to this point," said Steve Asmussen, who trains Kantharos for Jess Jackson's Stonestreet Stable. "We just want him to continue to get better."
After getting bumped soundly by Bail Out the Cat at the break, Kantharos, under Garrett Gomez, raced in third position while in the four-path as Blue Right By ran an opening quarter in 22.25 seconds. Bail Out the Cat, under Alan Garcia, made a move for the lead entering the far turn, and Kantharos hooked up with him turning into the lane.
Kantharos and Bail Out the Cat ran together until just above the eighth pole before Kantharos drew clear while being taken in hand late. Kantharos, a son of Lion Heart, covered the 6 1/2 furlongs in the mud in 1:18.63 and returned $2.30 to win. With $238,725 placed to show out of a pool of $263,903, there was a minus-show pool of $45,577 on Kantharos.
"I thought he came into the stretch well, hesitated just a bit when he first left that horse, but late he really looked good and smooth, like he'll go further, which I think is what everybody wants to know right now," Asmussen said. "What he's done at these sprint distances has been very impressive and brilliant but we want to be greedy and get a little bit more."
While Asmussen said he has to talk with Jackson about future plans, a logical next step for Kantharos is the Grade 1 Champagne at Belmont Park on Oct. 9.
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Wasted Tears wins Grade 2 Mabee
Updated: August 15, 2010, 11:56 PM ET
DEL MAR, Calif. - Wherever she has gone, Wasted Tears has left a trail of tears. From Texas to Oklahoma, Florida to Kentucky, she has left her rivals heartbroken. She conquered another frontier, and did it in typical fashion, on Sunday at Del Mar, when she held on through a thrilling stretch drive to take the Grade 2, $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes for older female turf horses.
Wasted Tears ($4.20), the favorite, had Lilly Fa Pootz bearing down on her from the outside and Gotta Have Her charging up the rail, but she would not let either by. Wasted Tears won a narrow photo finish over Lilly Fa Pootz to prevail by a nose, with Gotta Have Her another half-length back in third.
Princess Haya was fourth and was followed, in order, by Turning Top, Gozzip Girl, and Spring Style.
Wasted Tears completed 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in 1:47.35.
The win was the seventh straight for Wasted Tears, her 11th in 16 lifetime starts, and her 11th in 14 grass races. Rajiv Maragh, visiting Del Mar for the first time in his career, was aboard for Bart Evans, who bred, owns, and trains Wasted Tears.
"She kind of waits on horses," Maragh said. "She likes them breathing down her neck."
Wasted Tears, starting from the rail, led through fractions of 23.78 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.09 for a half-mile while shadowed by Spring Style. She disposed of that rival after six furlongs in 1:12.11, then flew through the final three furlongs in 35.24.
Wasted Tears has won five graded stakes races during her win streak, including the Jenny Wiley at Keeneland. Evans said he likely would return to Keeneland in October for the First Lady, because "I'd love to get her a Grade 1 win."
Updated: August 15, 2010, 11:56 PM ET
DEL MAR, Calif. - Wherever she has gone, Wasted Tears has left a trail of tears. From Texas to Oklahoma, Florida to Kentucky, she has left her rivals heartbroken. She conquered another frontier, and did it in typical fashion, on Sunday at Del Mar, when she held on through a thrilling stretch drive to take the Grade 2, $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes for older female turf horses.
Wasted Tears ($4.20), the favorite, had Lilly Fa Pootz bearing down on her from the outside and Gotta Have Her charging up the rail, but she would not let either by. Wasted Tears won a narrow photo finish over Lilly Fa Pootz to prevail by a nose, with Gotta Have Her another half-length back in third.
Princess Haya was fourth and was followed, in order, by Turning Top, Gozzip Girl, and Spring Style.
Wasted Tears completed 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in 1:47.35.
The win was the seventh straight for Wasted Tears, her 11th in 16 lifetime starts, and her 11th in 14 grass races. Rajiv Maragh, visiting Del Mar for the first time in his career, was aboard for Bart Evans, who bred, owns, and trains Wasted Tears.
"She kind of waits on horses," Maragh said. "She likes them breathing down her neck."
Wasted Tears, starting from the rail, led through fractions of 23.78 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.09 for a half-mile while shadowed by Spring Style. She disposed of that rival after six furlongs in 1:12.11, then flew through the final three furlongs in 35.24.
Wasted Tears has won five graded stakes races during her win streak, including the Jenny Wiley at Keeneland. Evans said he likely would return to Keeneland in October for the First Lady, because "I'd love to get her a Grade 1 win."
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Updated: August 16, 2010, 12:21 AM ET
Makfi upsets Goldikova at Deauville
By Alan Shuback
Daily Racing Form
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Makfi handed Goldikova a shocking defeat at Deauville on Sunday as he beat the two-time Breeders' Cup Mile winner by 2 1/2 lengths in the Group 1, $769,000 Prix Jacques Le Marois.
Goldikova led approaching the three-sixteenths pole in the straight mile but couldn't resist the late charge of Makfi. Paco Boy led briefly at the eighth-pole, but Goldikova got back up for second by a neck. The winning time was 1:39.40, compared to the 1:33.50 recorded by Goldikova when winning last year's renewal by sixlengths on good ground.
In truth, the state of the ground, labeled very soft, had much to do with the result as Makfi had won his first two starts, a Fontainebleau maiden in November and the Group 3 Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte in April, on ground that also was very soft. Goldikova, meanwhile, had lost her only previous start on soft ground when seventh in last year's Prix d'Ispahan.
However, there was no denying that the Mikel Delzangles-trained Makfi was the best horse on the day. The winner of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on good-to-firm ground at 33-1, the son of Dubawi had disappointed when only seventh behind Canford Cliffs in the St. James's Palace Stakes on good ground at Royal Ascot last time. Given a picture-perfect ride by Christophe Soumillon as the 4.40-1 third choice, Makfi is now 4 for 5 lifetime. He will go next in either the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp on Sept. 4 or the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Sept. 25. He is under consideration for the Breeders' Cup Mile as well, and he earned an automatic berth in the race as part of the Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" program.
Goldikova, who went off as the 6-5 favorite with her two pacesetting stablemates, Only Green and Saying, has always had the seven-furlong Prix de la Foret on Oct. 3 set as her final trial for a third consecutive Breeders' Cup Mile title. Clearly, however, she will want to avoid soft ground in the future as that sort of going takes the sting out of her vaunted acceleration.
Magnanimous in defeat, trainer Freddy Head offered no excuses for her defeat, not even the ground.
Trainer Richard Hannon did cite the ground as the reason for the loss of the 2.80-1 Paco Boy. While he had finished a neck second to Goldikova in the Queen Anne Stakes on good-to-firm ground, he appeared to not quite stay the mile on this occasion. Hannon left the door wide open for Paco Boy's next appearance, saying it might be the Queen Elizabeth II or the Prix de la Foret, either of which could be followed by the Breeders' Cup Mile.
Makfi upsets Goldikova at Deauville
By Alan Shuback
Daily Racing Form
Archive
Makfi handed Goldikova a shocking defeat at Deauville on Sunday as he beat the two-time Breeders' Cup Mile winner by 2 1/2 lengths in the Group 1, $769,000 Prix Jacques Le Marois.
Goldikova led approaching the three-sixteenths pole in the straight mile but couldn't resist the late charge of Makfi. Paco Boy led briefly at the eighth-pole, but Goldikova got back up for second by a neck. The winning time was 1:39.40, compared to the 1:33.50 recorded by Goldikova when winning last year's renewal by sixlengths on good ground.
In truth, the state of the ground, labeled very soft, had much to do with the result as Makfi had won his first two starts, a Fontainebleau maiden in November and the Group 3 Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte in April, on ground that also was very soft. Goldikova, meanwhile, had lost her only previous start on soft ground when seventh in last year's Prix d'Ispahan.
However, there was no denying that the Mikel Delzangles-trained Makfi was the best horse on the day. The winner of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on good-to-firm ground at 33-1, the son of Dubawi had disappointed when only seventh behind Canford Cliffs in the St. James's Palace Stakes on good ground at Royal Ascot last time. Given a picture-perfect ride by Christophe Soumillon as the 4.40-1 third choice, Makfi is now 4 for 5 lifetime. He will go next in either the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp on Sept. 4 or the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Sept. 25. He is under consideration for the Breeders' Cup Mile as well, and he earned an automatic berth in the race as part of the Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" program.
Goldikova, who went off as the 6-5 favorite with her two pacesetting stablemates, Only Green and Saying, has always had the seven-furlong Prix de la Foret on Oct. 3 set as her final trial for a third consecutive Breeders' Cup Mile title. Clearly, however, she will want to avoid soft ground in the future as that sort of going takes the sting out of her vaunted acceleration.
Magnanimous in defeat, trainer Freddy Head offered no excuses for her defeat, not even the ground.
Trainer Richard Hannon did cite the ground as the reason for the loss of the 2.80-1 Paco Boy. While he had finished a neck second to Goldikova in the Queen Anne Stakes on good-to-firm ground, he appeared to not quite stay the mile on this occasion. Hannon left the door wide open for Paco Boy's next appearance, saying it might be the Queen Elizabeth II or the Prix de la Foret, either of which could be followed by the Breeders' Cup Mile.
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Updated: August 24, 2010, 6:03 PM ETAwesome Gem back for Pacific ClassicEmail Print Comments By Jay Privman
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DEL MAR, Calif. -- Like the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano, so too has Awesome Gem returned to Del Mar. Now age 7, Awesome Gem has become something of a fixture here. On Saturday, he will run in the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic for the fourth straight year.
He finished second in the race in 2007, and was seventh in both 2008 and 2009, but he comes into this year's race following a victory in the Hollywood Gold Cup, a performance that ranks as the highlight of his lengthy career.
"It was very gratifying for me, and for the horse," his trainer, Craig Dollase, said Tuesday on a national teleconference.
Awesome Gem, a gelding owned by the West Point Thoroughbreds syndicate, is the pride of the barn. Now age 7, he has made 36 starts since beginning his racing career in July 2006. He has won just seven times, but has finished second 13 times, usually while racing in graded stakes company, and has proven effective on all surfaces throughout the country. He has won on dirt, turf, synthetic, and mud, and most recently has finished in the money in four straight races at four different racetracks in three different time zones. He has earned $2,274,682.
The Gold Cup marked the first Grade 1 win of his career, but he has flirted with the best for years. Awesome Gem was third in the 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic, second in that year's Goodwood, and last year was second on grass here in the Eddie Read, second in the Longacres Mile, and won the Hawthorne Gold Cup.
"He's been a real gem of a horse," Dollase said. "He shows up. He's a trainer's dream."
At Del Mar, Awesome Gem has raced on the main track five times, and owns three seconds. This is a temporary home for him. The rest of the year, he trains at Hollywood Park, where Dollase is based.
"I think he really prefers the Hollywood surface," Dollase said. "He trains there 10 months of the year. But he's moving good over this surface."
David Flores will ride. He has been aboard Awesome Gem for 18 of his previous 36 starts, including his last seven.
A field of 10 was expected to be entered for the Pacific Classic on Tuesday night, when post positions were to be drawn at a local hotel. On Tuesday morning, trainer Jeff Mullins said he was going to run turf specialist Battle of Hastings, who was second on Polytrack here in the San Diego Handicap in his last start. Battle of Hastings worked five furlongs in 1:00.60 on Monday morning at Hollywood Park, a drill that was initially listed as being from the gate. Mullins said Battle of Hastings worked, but not from the gate.
Brice Blanc was named to ride Battle of Hastings, Mullins said.
The field was also expected to include Crowded House, Dakota Phone, Hold Me Back, Isle of Giant's, Richard's Kid, Temple City, The Usual Q.T., and Unusual Suspect.
Breeders' Cup implications
The Pacific Classic, which offers a guaranteed berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic, is one of four stakes races being run this weekend at Del Mar that are part of the Breeders' Cup's Win and You're In program.
Also on Saturday's card is the Grade 1, $300,000 Pat O'Brien Stakes, a seven-furlong race whose winner is guaranteed a spot in the Breeders' Cup Sprint. Among those expected for the Pat O'Brien are Crown of Thorns, El Brujo, Hard Bill, Kanan Dume, and New Bay.
Saturday's card also includes the Grade 2, $250,000 Del Mar Mile on turf, with the winner earning a spot in the Breeders' Cup Mile. Blue Chagall, Bruce's Dream, Enriched, Meteore, and Scenic Blast are among those scheduled for that race.
On Sunday, long-distance turf horses will go 1 3/8 miles in the Grade 2, $200,000 Del Mar Handicap, whose winner gets a spot in the Breeders' Cup Turf at 1 1/2 miles. Buenos Dias, Champ Pegasus, Falcon Rock, Soul Candy, and Worth Repeating are expected for the race. Unusual Suspect also will be entered, and could run there instead of the Pacific Classic, according to Barry Abrams, his trainer and co-owner.
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DEL MAR, Calif. -- Like the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano, so too has Awesome Gem returned to Del Mar. Now age 7, Awesome Gem has become something of a fixture here. On Saturday, he will run in the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic for the fourth straight year.
He finished second in the race in 2007, and was seventh in both 2008 and 2009, but he comes into this year's race following a victory in the Hollywood Gold Cup, a performance that ranks as the highlight of his lengthy career.
"It was very gratifying for me, and for the horse," his trainer, Craig Dollase, said Tuesday on a national teleconference.
Awesome Gem, a gelding owned by the West Point Thoroughbreds syndicate, is the pride of the barn. Now age 7, he has made 36 starts since beginning his racing career in July 2006. He has won just seven times, but has finished second 13 times, usually while racing in graded stakes company, and has proven effective on all surfaces throughout the country. He has won on dirt, turf, synthetic, and mud, and most recently has finished in the money in four straight races at four different racetracks in three different time zones. He has earned $2,274,682.
The Gold Cup marked the first Grade 1 win of his career, but he has flirted with the best for years. Awesome Gem was third in the 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic, second in that year's Goodwood, and last year was second on grass here in the Eddie Read, second in the Longacres Mile, and won the Hawthorne Gold Cup.
"He's been a real gem of a horse," Dollase said. "He shows up. He's a trainer's dream."
At Del Mar, Awesome Gem has raced on the main track five times, and owns three seconds. This is a temporary home for him. The rest of the year, he trains at Hollywood Park, where Dollase is based.
"I think he really prefers the Hollywood surface," Dollase said. "He trains there 10 months of the year. But he's moving good over this surface."
David Flores will ride. He has been aboard Awesome Gem for 18 of his previous 36 starts, including his last seven.
A field of 10 was expected to be entered for the Pacific Classic on Tuesday night, when post positions were to be drawn at a local hotel. On Tuesday morning, trainer Jeff Mullins said he was going to run turf specialist Battle of Hastings, who was second on Polytrack here in the San Diego Handicap in his last start. Battle of Hastings worked five furlongs in 1:00.60 on Monday morning at Hollywood Park, a drill that was initially listed as being from the gate. Mullins said Battle of Hastings worked, but not from the gate.
Brice Blanc was named to ride Battle of Hastings, Mullins said.
The field was also expected to include Crowded House, Dakota Phone, Hold Me Back, Isle of Giant's, Richard's Kid, Temple City, The Usual Q.T., and Unusual Suspect.
Breeders' Cup implications
The Pacific Classic, which offers a guaranteed berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic, is one of four stakes races being run this weekend at Del Mar that are part of the Breeders' Cup's Win and You're In program.
Also on Saturday's card is the Grade 1, $300,000 Pat O'Brien Stakes, a seven-furlong race whose winner is guaranteed a spot in the Breeders' Cup Sprint. Among those expected for the Pat O'Brien are Crown of Thorns, El Brujo, Hard Bill, Kanan Dume, and New Bay.
Saturday's card also includes the Grade 2, $250,000 Del Mar Mile on turf, with the winner earning a spot in the Breeders' Cup Mile. Blue Chagall, Bruce's Dream, Enriched, Meteore, and Scenic Blast are among those scheduled for that race.
On Sunday, long-distance turf horses will go 1 3/8 miles in the Grade 2, $200,000 Del Mar Handicap, whose winner gets a spot in the Breeders' Cup Turf at 1 1/2 miles. Buenos Dias, Champ Pegasus, Falcon Rock, Soul Candy, and Worth Repeating are expected for the race. Unusual Suspect also will be entered, and could run there instead of the Pacific Classic, according to Barry Abrams, his trainer and co-owner.
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Share Updated: August 24, 2010, 6:08 PM ETKing's Bishop field still in fluxEmail Print Comments By Mike Welsch
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- The status of two 3-year-olds nominated to Saturday's Grade 1 King's Bishop remained uncertain on Tuesday as both Mike Maker, who trains the Brazilian import Uareoutlaw, and Mike Stidham, who campaigns Grade 3 winner Comedero, were still up in the air regarding their status for the seven-furlong fixture.
"We were kind of hoping the race might come up a short field and he'd have a chance to get Grade 1 stakes-placed," Maker said regarding Uareoutlaw, who was purchased privately in Brazil earlier this year by owner F. Thomas Conway. "Right now our main goal with him is the Indiana Derby, and I am hoping to get a race into him before then."
Uareoutlaw was a Grade 1 winner in his native Brazil before joining Maker's barn earlier this summer.
Stidham said a final decision regarding the King's Bishop for Comedero would be made shortly before entries are drawn on Wednesday.
"The other possibility is to go to Philadelphia Park for a two-turn stakes, which looks like an easier spot," said Stidham, referring to the mile-and-70-yard Smarty Jones on Sept. 6. "What I don't want to do is get hooked on the front end going seven furlongs in the King's Bishop and then have a horse like Discreetly Mine sitting on his heels."
Comedero had his five-race win streak snapped when he ran second as the 1-2 favorite on Aug. 8 in Monmouth's Select Stakes.
Maker and Stidham's final decision could also hinge on which direction the connections of Trappe Shot choose to go Saturday, either in the King's Bishop or Travers. That choice was expected to be announced Wednesday.
Discreetly Mine figures to be favored in the seven-furlong King's Bishop even if Trappe Shot runs. Other confirmed starters include D' Funnybone, Hurricane Ike, In Jack's Memory, and Thiskyhasnolimit. Bulldogger also remains possible for the race.
D' Funnybone worked four furlongs in 49.66 seconds under jockey Edgar Prado over a good main track here on Tuesday. He was one of several key members of trainer Richard Dutrow Jr.'s barn to work immediately after the renovation break on Tuesday.
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- The status of two 3-year-olds nominated to Saturday's Grade 1 King's Bishop remained uncertain on Tuesday as both Mike Maker, who trains the Brazilian import Uareoutlaw, and Mike Stidham, who campaigns Grade 3 winner Comedero, were still up in the air regarding their status for the seven-furlong fixture.
"We were kind of hoping the race might come up a short field and he'd have a chance to get Grade 1 stakes-placed," Maker said regarding Uareoutlaw, who was purchased privately in Brazil earlier this year by owner F. Thomas Conway. "Right now our main goal with him is the Indiana Derby, and I am hoping to get a race into him before then."
Uareoutlaw was a Grade 1 winner in his native Brazil before joining Maker's barn earlier this summer.
Stidham said a final decision regarding the King's Bishop for Comedero would be made shortly before entries are drawn on Wednesday.
"The other possibility is to go to Philadelphia Park for a two-turn stakes, which looks like an easier spot," said Stidham, referring to the mile-and-70-yard Smarty Jones on Sept. 6. "What I don't want to do is get hooked on the front end going seven furlongs in the King's Bishop and then have a horse like Discreetly Mine sitting on his heels."
Comedero had his five-race win streak snapped when he ran second as the 1-2 favorite on Aug. 8 in Monmouth's Select Stakes.
Maker and Stidham's final decision could also hinge on which direction the connections of Trappe Shot choose to go Saturday, either in the King's Bishop or Travers. That choice was expected to be announced Wednesday.
Discreetly Mine figures to be favored in the seven-furlong King's Bishop even if Trappe Shot runs. Other confirmed starters include D' Funnybone, Hurricane Ike, In Jack's Memory, and Thiskyhasnolimit. Bulldogger also remains possible for the race.
D' Funnybone worked four furlongs in 49.66 seconds under jockey Edgar Prado over a good main track here on Tuesday. He was one of several key members of trainer Richard Dutrow Jr.'s barn to work immediately after the renovation break on Tuesday.
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That's why I made it. lol
Sheik
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If anyone is ever betting the Australia A and B track, never bet a favorite.
I was getting ready to leave the track the other night and decided to make one more small bet before I walked out. The 1,2,and 3 horses were 3/2, 2/1, 5/2. It was a 9 horse race, the 8 scratched. I threw out the top 3 horses according to the betting public.
I went to the voucher machine and played a $1 TBX, 4/5/9, I also liked the 6 but I didn't wanna put him in there so I played another $1 TBX, 5/6/9. It came in 4/6/9, a $1 TRB paid $3,000+. I was sick, I should have boxed the 4 horses. Favorites win maybe once a day at that track and often don't even hit the board.
I should have boxed the 4 horses together.
I was getting ready to leave the track the other night and decided to make one more small bet before I walked out. The 1,2,and 3 horses were 3/2, 2/1, 5/2. It was a 9 horse race, the 8 scratched. I threw out the top 3 horses according to the betting public.
I went to the voucher machine and played a $1 TBX, 4/5/9, I also liked the 6 but I didn't wanna put him in there so I played another $1 TBX, 5/6/9. It came in 4/6/9, a $1 TRB paid $3,000+. I was sick, I should have boxed the 4 horses. Favorites win maybe once a day at that track and often don't even hit the board.
I should have boxed the 4 horses together.
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I haven't been to the track in years. Buddies of mine go to the local OTB here in New York, and they make a killing.
Sheik
All-Pro
- Messages
- 24,809
- Reaction score
- 5
I'm always up and down, it seems like the more you know about the horses, the worse off you are for it.
I remember a lot of times as a kid I would get to make 2 or 3 bets a day at the track, I've always loved trifecta wagering, but there were a lot of times I would hit 3, 4 and $500 trifectas as a 13 or 14 year old kid.
Now, I'll look at the form up and down and know a horse front to back and still not know a damn thing.
The worst is when you take someone who has never been, they say something like, "Oh I wanna bet $5 on that horse because it has the same name as my 3rd grade teacher". The horse will win and it's 30/1. Shit like that.
I remember a lot of times as a kid I would get to make 2 or 3 bets a day at the track, I've always loved trifecta wagering, but there were a lot of times I would hit 3, 4 and $500 trifectas as a 13 or 14 year old kid.
Now, I'll look at the form up and down and know a horse front to back and still not know a damn thing.
The worst is when you take someone who has never been, they say something like, "Oh I wanna bet $5 on that horse because it has the same name as my 3rd grade teacher". The horse will win and it's 30/1. Shit like that.
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Cr122
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It's amazing how some of these people win that way. lol
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Share55 Updated: August 21, 2010, 10:02 PM ETDebussy pulls 11-1 upset in Million
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/breederscup2010/news/story?id=5474823
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/breederscup2010/news/story?id=5474823
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lol I shit you not.
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Updated: August 29, 2010, 7:00 PM ET
Persistently stuns Rachel at Saratoga
By Mike Welsch
Daily Racing Form
Archive
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Persistently shocked and silenced the large throng on hand at Saratoga on Sunday to cheer on Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra when she ran down the reigning champion to register a one-length victory in the $300,000 Personal Ensign Stakes.
Persistently benefited from the early pace duel that developed between Rachel Alexandra and Life At Ten. Rachel Alexandra set the pace while floating Life At Ten wide in the run to the clubhouse turn. The pair raced as a team, about a dozen lengths ahead of the rest of the field, through fractions of 23.66 seconds, 47.73, and 1:12.02. Rachel Alexandra eventually shook off her early challenger, but Persistently steadily began cutting into her margin while fanning wide into the stretch before eventually running down the 2-5 favorite and edging clear nearing the wire.
Life At Ten tired badly from her early efforts, finishing another 10 1/4 lengths farther back. She was followed by Miss Singhsix and Classofsixtythree.
Persistently, a 4-year-old daughter of Smoke Glacken, is owned by the Phipps Stable and trained by Shug McGaughey. She was ridden to victory by Alan Garcia and paid $45 after covering 1 1/4 miles in 2:04.49.
Persistently stuns Rachel at Saratoga
By Mike Welsch
Daily Racing Form
Archive
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Persistently shocked and silenced the large throng on hand at Saratoga on Sunday to cheer on Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra when she ran down the reigning champion to register a one-length victory in the $300,000 Personal Ensign Stakes.
Persistently benefited from the early pace duel that developed between Rachel Alexandra and Life At Ten. Rachel Alexandra set the pace while floating Life At Ten wide in the run to the clubhouse turn. The pair raced as a team, about a dozen lengths ahead of the rest of the field, through fractions of 23.66 seconds, 47.73, and 1:12.02. Rachel Alexandra eventually shook off her early challenger, but Persistently steadily began cutting into her margin while fanning wide into the stretch before eventually running down the 2-5 favorite and edging clear nearing the wire.
Life At Ten tired badly from her early efforts, finishing another 10 1/4 lengths farther back. She was followed by Miss Singhsix and Classofsixtythree.
Persistently, a 4-year-old daughter of Smoke Glacken, is owned by the Phipps Stable and trained by Shug McGaughey. She was ridden to victory by Alan Garcia and paid $45 after covering 1 1/4 miles in 2:04.49.
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Updated: August 28, 2010, 9:26 PM ET
Afleet Express wins close Travers
Horsephotos.comAfleet Express paid $16 for the win.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- They ran the Travers Stakes for the 141st time on Saturday at Saratoga and one would be hard-pressed to find a closer finish. In a result that was befitting the type of summer it has been for jockeys Javier Castellano and Jose Lezcano and trainer Nick Zito, Afleet Express, under Castellano, won the Mid-Summer Derby by a nostril over the Zito-trained and Lezcano-ridden Fly Down.
It was the ninth time in the history of the Travers that the official margin was a nose, but it's hard to believe any photo was tighter than this one.
Afleet Express, who was forced to steady entering the first turn, saved ground down the backside under Castellano, came outside of the pacesetting Miner's Reserve in upper stretch, made the lead outside the eighth pole and held off a late-running Fly Down at the wire. Fly Down, who did not change leads in the stretch, finished second by 6 3/4 lengths over First Dude. Afleet Again, the longshot on the board finished fourth.
"When he got through I thought I won the race by the eighth pole," Castellano said. "But he hung a little bit in the last part of the race and the other horse, I give him credit too, he finished very strong. But I'm very lucky on the bob I won the race. The photo finish could go either way. I'm very lucky today and it went my way."
Afleet Express and Fly Down
Horsephotos.comAfleet Express paid $16 for the win.
It has been going Castellano's way the entire meet. It was ninth stakes win of the Saratoga stand, his first Grade 1. It was his second win of the day, and his 43rd of the meet, good enough for second in the standings behind John Velazquez's 46. Castellano has won at least three races on a card eight times this meet, including a five-win day on July 25.
Conversely, the narrow loss by Fly Down continued a month of misery for Lezcano and Zito. Lezcano is 6 for 126 here this summer and the Travers was his 21st second-place finish of the meet. Zito is 2 for 36 at this meet, including Miner's Reserve and Ice Box, who finished seventh and eighth, respectively, in the Travers.
"It was really, really tough, it's really unbelievable, this could have made everything," said Zito, who also finished second in the Kentucky Derby and second in the Belmont. "It's just the way the meet's been going for myself and Jose. We got to be grateful to have horse run like this; the only thing is it's sad we didn't get in the winner's circle."
Afleet Express, a son of Afleet Alex owned by Gainesway Stable and Martin Cherry and trained by Jimmy Jerkens, became the first 3-year-old to win the Travers that did not run in a Triple Crown race since Coronado's Quest in 1998. Afleet Express won the Grade 3 Pegasus at Monmouth Park in June before finishing third in the Jim Dandy here last month.
In that race, Afleet Express appeared to be backing up approaching the stretch, and then lugged in a bit in the stretch. Saturday, he was moving forward at all times.
Afleet Express settled into fifth position down the backside after steadying between horses entering the first turn. Miner's Reserve set the pace, chased by First Dude, Trappe Shot, and A Little Warm, who was a little wide for most of the trip.
Miner's Reserve, under David Cohen, ran six furlongs in 1:11.39, and Castellano had his horse within four lengths off the lead while in fifth. He made advanced steadily around the turn, came off the rail to go around Miner's Reserve in upper stretch and made the lead under alternating right- and left-handed urging from Castellano. In deep stretch, Castellano resorted to just a vigorous hand ride to get the wire first.
"I don't think if you hit him one more time it's going to make any difference because the finish line is right there," Castellano said.
Afleet Express covered the 1 1/4 miles in 2:03.28 and returned $16 to win as the sixth choice in the field of 12.
"I'm glad he got to a certain spot, he didn't drop back any," Jerkens said. "Javier wasn't moving his arms on him like he was in the Jim Dandy and I thought we had a hell of a shot after that."
Jim Dandy winner A Little Warm, the morning-line favorite who went off the 9-2 second choice finished fifth, beaten 10 1/2 lengths.
"Perfect position where I was, got to the three-eighths pole I started getting after him and he just finished even," said John Velazquez, who rode A Little Warm.
Trappe Shot, who was sent off the $3.90-1 favorite - the longest price favorite since Greek Spy went off 9-2 in 1956 - faded to ninth. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said his horse "just did not fire."
Super Saver, the Kentucky Derby winner was 10th. Jockey Calvin Borel said that "between the three-eighths pole and the quarter I pole I tested him, and I had no pony."
Admiral Alex, making the second start of his career, predictably finished last.
Afleet Express wins close Travers
Horsephotos.comAfleet Express paid $16 for the win.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- They ran the Travers Stakes for the 141st time on Saturday at Saratoga and one would be hard-pressed to find a closer finish. In a result that was befitting the type of summer it has been for jockeys Javier Castellano and Jose Lezcano and trainer Nick Zito, Afleet Express, under Castellano, won the Mid-Summer Derby by a nostril over the Zito-trained and Lezcano-ridden Fly Down.
It was the ninth time in the history of the Travers that the official margin was a nose, but it's hard to believe any photo was tighter than this one.
Afleet Express, who was forced to steady entering the first turn, saved ground down the backside under Castellano, came outside of the pacesetting Miner's Reserve in upper stretch, made the lead outside the eighth pole and held off a late-running Fly Down at the wire. Fly Down, who did not change leads in the stretch, finished second by 6 3/4 lengths over First Dude. Afleet Again, the longshot on the board finished fourth.
"When he got through I thought I won the race by the eighth pole," Castellano said. "But he hung a little bit in the last part of the race and the other horse, I give him credit too, he finished very strong. But I'm very lucky on the bob I won the race. The photo finish could go either way. I'm very lucky today and it went my way."
Afleet Express and Fly Down
Horsephotos.comAfleet Express paid $16 for the win.
It has been going Castellano's way the entire meet. It was ninth stakes win of the Saratoga stand, his first Grade 1. It was his second win of the day, and his 43rd of the meet, good enough for second in the standings behind John Velazquez's 46. Castellano has won at least three races on a card eight times this meet, including a five-win day on July 25.
Conversely, the narrow loss by Fly Down continued a month of misery for Lezcano and Zito. Lezcano is 6 for 126 here this summer and the Travers was his 21st second-place finish of the meet. Zito is 2 for 36 at this meet, including Miner's Reserve and Ice Box, who finished seventh and eighth, respectively, in the Travers.
"It was really, really tough, it's really unbelievable, this could have made everything," said Zito, who also finished second in the Kentucky Derby and second in the Belmont. "It's just the way the meet's been going for myself and Jose. We got to be grateful to have horse run like this; the only thing is it's sad we didn't get in the winner's circle."
Afleet Express, a son of Afleet Alex owned by Gainesway Stable and Martin Cherry and trained by Jimmy Jerkens, became the first 3-year-old to win the Travers that did not run in a Triple Crown race since Coronado's Quest in 1998. Afleet Express won the Grade 3 Pegasus at Monmouth Park in June before finishing third in the Jim Dandy here last month.
In that race, Afleet Express appeared to be backing up approaching the stretch, and then lugged in a bit in the stretch. Saturday, he was moving forward at all times.
Afleet Express settled into fifth position down the backside after steadying between horses entering the first turn. Miner's Reserve set the pace, chased by First Dude, Trappe Shot, and A Little Warm, who was a little wide for most of the trip.
Miner's Reserve, under David Cohen, ran six furlongs in 1:11.39, and Castellano had his horse within four lengths off the lead while in fifth. He made advanced steadily around the turn, came off the rail to go around Miner's Reserve in upper stretch and made the lead under alternating right- and left-handed urging from Castellano. In deep stretch, Castellano resorted to just a vigorous hand ride to get the wire first.
"I don't think if you hit him one more time it's going to make any difference because the finish line is right there," Castellano said.
Afleet Express covered the 1 1/4 miles in 2:03.28 and returned $16 to win as the sixth choice in the field of 12.
"I'm glad he got to a certain spot, he didn't drop back any," Jerkens said. "Javier wasn't moving his arms on him like he was in the Jim Dandy and I thought we had a hell of a shot after that."
Jim Dandy winner A Little Warm, the morning-line favorite who went off the 9-2 second choice finished fifth, beaten 10 1/2 lengths.
"Perfect position where I was, got to the three-eighths pole I started getting after him and he just finished even," said John Velazquez, who rode A Little Warm.
Trappe Shot, who was sent off the $3.90-1 favorite - the longest price favorite since Greek Spy went off 9-2 in 1956 - faded to ninth. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said his horse "just did not fire."
Super Saver, the Kentucky Derby winner was 10th. Jockey Calvin Borel said that "between the three-eighths pole and the quarter I pole I tested him, and I had no pony."
Admiral Alex, making the second start of his career, predictably finished last.
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MONEY LEADERS
Name Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Earnings
Super Saver 6 1 1 1 $1,718,534
Lookin At Lucky 5 3 0 1 $1,470,000
Paddy O'Prado 8 4 1 2 $1,329,950
Blind Luck 7 5 1 1 $1,169,662
Blame 3 3 0 0 $901,467
Ice Box 7 2 1 0 $893,034
Quality Road 4 3 1 0 $810,000
Afleet Express 6 3 1 1 $809,340
Life At Ten 5 4 0 1 $789,000
Zenyatta 4 4 0 0 $780,000
Updated through 8/31/2010
Name Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Earnings
Super Saver 6 1 1 1 $1,718,534
Lookin At Lucky 5 3 0 1 $1,470,000
Paddy O'Prado 8 4 1 2 $1,329,950
Blind Luck 7 5 1 1 $1,169,662
Blame 3 3 0 0 $901,467
Ice Box 7 2 1 0 $893,034
Quality Road 4 3 1 0 $810,000
Afleet Express 6 3 1 1 $809,340
Life At Ten 5 4 0 1 $789,000
Zenyatta 4 4 0 0 $780,000
Updated through 8/31/2010
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Updated: September 4, 2010, 8:37 PM ET
Quality Road gets it done in Woodward
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- He was not the dazzling Quality Road that had been seen previously this year, but he was a winner nonetheless.
Doing what was expected of him against a soft group of competitors, Quality Road, the 1-4 favorite, bounced back from his narrow loss to Blame in the Grade 1 Whitney Handicap with a 4 3/4-length score in Saturday's Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga.
Mythical Power, who raced in third position early, got up for second, one-half length in front of a late-running Tranquil Manner. Convocation, Indian Dance, Arcodoro, and Mind That Bird, who raced closer to the pace than usual equipped with blinkers for the first time, completed the order of finish.
Quality Road took over from pacesetting Arcodoro just past the seven-sixteenths pole, was well clear of his rivals entering the stretch, and was kept to his task by John Velazquez through the lane. Velazquez won four races on Saturday's program to take a 55-52 lead over Javier Castellano entering the final two days of the meet.
It was the third fourth victory from five starts this year for Quality Road, who also won the Grade 3 Hal's Hope, as well as the Donn and Metropolitan handicaps, both Grade 1 events.
Quality Road
Horsephotos.comQuality Road paid $2.60 for the win at Saratoga on Saturday.
Quality Road improved his career mark to 8 wins from 12 starts and pushed his career earnings to $2,232,830 for owner/breeder Edward P. Evans.
"This is the race we expected," said trainer Todd Pletcher, who won three races on the card and now has meet-leading 34 victories, 15 more than Linda Rice. "He's proven before that he's a top class horse, I think he proved it again today."
In the Whitney, Quality Road made the lead, but couldn't hold it, succumbing to Blame by a head at the wire.
Saturday, Quality Road had an early target, tracking Arcodoro through fractions of 24.06 seconds for the quarter and 47.76 for the half-mile. Velazquez had Quality Road within a half-length of Arcodoro before poking a head in front leaving the seven-sixteenths pole.
Once in the clear, Quality Road got to loafing a little in the stretch, which led Velazquez to hit him twice right-handed and twice left-handed before giving him a vigorous hand-ride to the wire.
"For whatever reason, he gets to the lead and he's gotten to be lazy so I got to get after him," Velazquez said. "He's older and smarter, he thinks he's done when he gets to the lead. But he did it well."
Both Velazquez and Pletcher feel Quality Road is better when he has something to run at early.
"I think he'd actually be better if he had someone to follow a little longer than he did today," Pletcher said. "He made the lead pretty early in the race. I think as an older horse he's a little smarter and a little wiser and he tends to wait a little bit when he does make the lead. He was well enough clear today that he could kind of coast in."
Quality Road returned $2.60. His final time of 1:50.00 for 1 1/8 miles was the third slowest Woodward in 31 runnings at the distance.
"The final time I think was reflective of the racetrack," Pletcher said. "When you see a race like the Forego go in 1:22-and-change [for seven furlongs] to me it's playing in a one-turn race at least a full second slower, you got to anticipate it's going to be even more than that in a two-turn race; pretty strong headwind down the lane if you look at the flags."
Pletcher reiterated that more than likely Quality Road would train up to the Breeders' Cup Classic on Nov. 6. He said that Quality Road would likely van to Churchill Downs in time to get one work over the main track, the weekend before the big event.
Quality Road gets it done in Woodward
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- He was not the dazzling Quality Road that had been seen previously this year, but he was a winner nonetheless.
Doing what was expected of him against a soft group of competitors, Quality Road, the 1-4 favorite, bounced back from his narrow loss to Blame in the Grade 1 Whitney Handicap with a 4 3/4-length score in Saturday's Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga.
Mythical Power, who raced in third position early, got up for second, one-half length in front of a late-running Tranquil Manner. Convocation, Indian Dance, Arcodoro, and Mind That Bird, who raced closer to the pace than usual equipped with blinkers for the first time, completed the order of finish.
Quality Road took over from pacesetting Arcodoro just past the seven-sixteenths pole, was well clear of his rivals entering the stretch, and was kept to his task by John Velazquez through the lane. Velazquez won four races on Saturday's program to take a 55-52 lead over Javier Castellano entering the final two days of the meet.
It was the third fourth victory from five starts this year for Quality Road, who also won the Grade 3 Hal's Hope, as well as the Donn and Metropolitan handicaps, both Grade 1 events.
Quality Road
Horsephotos.comQuality Road paid $2.60 for the win at Saratoga on Saturday.
Quality Road improved his career mark to 8 wins from 12 starts and pushed his career earnings to $2,232,830 for owner/breeder Edward P. Evans.
"This is the race we expected," said trainer Todd Pletcher, who won three races on the card and now has meet-leading 34 victories, 15 more than Linda Rice. "He's proven before that he's a top class horse, I think he proved it again today."
In the Whitney, Quality Road made the lead, but couldn't hold it, succumbing to Blame by a head at the wire.
Saturday, Quality Road had an early target, tracking Arcodoro through fractions of 24.06 seconds for the quarter and 47.76 for the half-mile. Velazquez had Quality Road within a half-length of Arcodoro before poking a head in front leaving the seven-sixteenths pole.
Once in the clear, Quality Road got to loafing a little in the stretch, which led Velazquez to hit him twice right-handed and twice left-handed before giving him a vigorous hand-ride to the wire.
"For whatever reason, he gets to the lead and he's gotten to be lazy so I got to get after him," Velazquez said. "He's older and smarter, he thinks he's done when he gets to the lead. But he did it well."
Both Velazquez and Pletcher feel Quality Road is better when he has something to run at early.
"I think he'd actually be better if he had someone to follow a little longer than he did today," Pletcher said. "He made the lead pretty early in the race. I think as an older horse he's a little smarter and a little wiser and he tends to wait a little bit when he does make the lead. He was well enough clear today that he could kind of coast in."
Quality Road returned $2.60. His final time of 1:50.00 for 1 1/8 miles was the third slowest Woodward in 31 runnings at the distance.
"The final time I think was reflective of the racetrack," Pletcher said. "When you see a race like the Forego go in 1:22-and-change [for seven furlongs] to me it's playing in a one-turn race at least a full second slower, you got to anticipate it's going to be even more than that in a two-turn race; pretty strong headwind down the lane if you look at the flags."
Pletcher reiterated that more than likely Quality Road would train up to the Breeders' Cup Classic on Nov. 6. He said that Quality Road would likely van to Churchill Downs in time to get one work over the main track, the weekend before the big event.