SARATOGA NOTEBOOK
SEPTEMBER 8, 2011
by John Mucciolo
A fine octet of graded races closed out the superb Saratoga meeting.
Woodward S. (G1): Fox Hill Farms’ HAVRE DE GRACE (Saint Liam) surged
to the front past midstretch and crossed the line 1 1/4 lengths in front in
beating the boys for trainer Larry Jones. The standout four-year-old finished
off nine furlongs on the main strip in 1:49 with Ramon Dominguez in the saddle.
Next up is the Beldame S. (G1) on October 1 at Belmont Park — it will be
interesting to see if Blind Luck (Pollard’s Vision) ships in to face her.
Personal Ensign S. (G1): Farnsworth Stables’ ASK THE MOON (Malibu
Moon) notched her second straight Grade 1 race at this meeting, leading at every
call in here for conditioner Marty Wolfson. The peaking six-year-old, claimed
for $75,000 a few starts back, got 1 1/4 miles in 2:04 1/5 under the guidance of
Javier Castellano.
Forego S. (G1): Robert LaPenta’s JACKSON BEND (Hear No Evil) put in
his second straight sterling performance over this main oval, bullying his way
through to score by 3 1/4 lengths for trainer Nick Zito. The re-energized
four-year-old smoked seven-eighths on the fast main oval in 1:22 with Corey
Nakatani in the irons.
Hopeful S. (G1): Klaravich Stables and Lawrence’s CURRENCY SWAP (High
Cotton) followed up his fine debut win with another sharp score, adding his
first graded win to his resume. The juvenile colt, who is trained by Terri
Pompay, endured seven panels over the sloppy, sealed oval in 1:26 under the
tutelage of Rajiv Maragh.
Spinaway S. (G1): Michael Dubb et al’s GRACE HALL (Empire Maker) edged
away late under Dominguez to post a minor upset in this one for trainer Tony
Dutrow. The unbeaten juvenile miss was timed in 1:23 3/5 for the seven-eighths
on the fast main strip.
With Anticipation S. (G2): Team Valor’s STATE OF PLAY (War Front)
remained perfect from two career starts with a fairly easy, wire-to-wire score
in here under Dominguez. The talented juvenile got 1 1/16 miles in 1:43 4/5 over
the firm turf oval for conditioner Graham Motion.
Saranac S. (G3): Live Oak’s homebred BRILLIANT SPEED (Dynaformer) made
a powerful move in the lane to pull away to a decisive, 2 1/2-length score under
John Velazquez. The talented and accomplished sophomore finished off 1 1/8 miles
on the firm turf in 1:48 3/5 for conditioner Tom Albertrani.
Glens Falls S. (G3): Augustin Stable’s homebred EMERALD BEECH (Maria’s
Mon) ran down a clear leader to post a 1 1/2-length win in here for conditioner
Jonathan Sheppard. The improving five-year-old finished off 1 3/8 miles over the
soft turf in 2:21 3/5 beneath Alex Solis.
Track Stats
A total of 66 races were held over Saratoga Springs, New York venue, with
favorites winning at a 36 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining
for 58 percent of the wins. From 36 races on the main oval, seven animals won in
wire-to-wire fashion (19 percent), and four runners led at every call on the
lawn from 30 races (13 percent).
We learned a few things at this meeting that will likely come in handy in
2012: dirt routes are dominated by speed horses, and when the main track is
muddy or sloppy, speed generally dominates, also.
It seemed that, for the past two meetings at least, horses up front or close
early had an edge on the grass, especially when the oval was firm. It’s entirely
possible that the grass courses aren’t as tiring as the main oval appears to be
— and we can’t explain why.
We’re already sad that this meeting has concluded, there is nothing like it!
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 395 | |
| DIRT: | 230 | |
| TURF: | 165 | |
| FAVORITES: | 130 (33 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 86 (22 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 30 (18 percent) | |
| DIRT WIRE: | 69 (30 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (8/31)
4TH — EMPRESS OF GOLD (Empire Maker) raced against a pronounced bias last
time but had no trouble in this one, getting out front early and streaking home
by eight lengths under the wire for trainer Bill Mott. The well-bred filly
should be a factor right back now that she learned how to win.
7TH — MR. STYLE (Bluegrass Cat) has run two big ones while being defeated in
both starts, and the Todd Pletcher juvenile will surely break through soon. The
colt has a nice future in front of him and should be able to stretch out some.
Thursday (9/1)
8TH — DARK THUNDER (Trippi) ran yet another big race since joining the
Pletcher shedrow four back, this time blowing away a compact but talented field
in here. The in-form gelding has earned himself at shot at a black-type trophy,
possibly even trying graded counterparts.
10TH — OUT OF THE GHETTO (Empire Maker) showed big improvement in the early
going with the addition of blinkers in here and looms a chance against a similar
cast next time for Ian Wilkes.
Friday (9/2)
5TH — SPEIGHTSCITY (Speightstown) was bobbing and weaving for much of the
final furlong like a tired horse, but the juvenile still widened with each
stride and got his final eighth of a mile in a strong :13, especially
considering his age. While he beat little, the ridgling will be taken seriously
by us as a developing prospect.
8TH — STARFORMER (Dynaformer) had virtually nowhere to run for a good part
of this race and should be given a big chance next time with a more favorable
trip. The blue-blooded sophomore filly has ability and could evolve into a nice
one in the United States.
Saturday (9/3)
1ST — DELUXE (Storm Cat) put in a strong late effort and fell just short in
her U.S. debut for Mott, in a nice field. The well-bred four-year-old will be a
must use on the comeback.
4TH — ZA APPROVAL (Ghostzapper) looked like he could have gone around the
oval again in a deceivingly good effort here for Christophe Clement, taking this
one by 1 1/2 lengths. The gelded sophomore is from a pretty good family and is
one to watch as the season progresses.
7TH — ALPHA (Bernardini) is supposed to get better with age and distance,
and possibly with a move to the lawn, but this juvenile colt looked pretty good
going one turn at first asking in here, rolling home by six lengths under Alan
Garcia. The Darley homebred could be donning the royal blue silks before long.
10TH — FLAT OUT (Flatter) grinded out the place spot in here and has run a
trio of big ones in succession for conditioner “Scooter” Dickey. We still think
highly of the five-year-old and like his chances going forward.
Sunday (9/4)
2ND — DUST AND DIAMONDS (Vindication) crushed a foe we think highly of in
fine fashion here, leading at every call en route to an 8 3/4-length score for
trainer Steve Asmussen. We’d imagine this filly will be stakes bound in her next
one, after stopping the teletimer in a swift 1:10 on this occasion.
7TH — TRADING PAINT (Indian Charlie) made a winning move into the lane and
finished a strong second to a more experienced runner on this day for Albert
Stall Jr. The juvenile miss will likely improve off of this and be a very
dangerous commodity next time.
A Look Ahead
The action moves to Belmont for their fine fall meeting.