Since his importation to the U.S., Portrade‘s early speed has been more effective at Saratoga than elsewhere. That may prove key in Thursday’s $150,000 A.P. Smithwick Memorial (G2), a prep for next month’s New York Turf Writers Cup (G1).
Portrade used the Smithwick as a stepping stone to victory in last year’s Turf Writers Cup, his only win in eight U.S. appearances thus far, and again figures to show the way in the 2 1/16-mile hurdle, but may have to contend early with Balance the Budget. In two starts this term, Portrade lost by a neck to Scorpiancer, subsequent blowout winner of the Iroquois (G1), in the Temple Gwathmey (G3), but faded to fourth after setting the pace in the National Hunt Cup (G3).
Andi’amu, runner-up in the Turf Writers Cup to Portrade, has not factored in four interim outings. In better form of late are the 11-year-old Charminster, a Grade 2 winner who’s placed in both graded outings this season, and multiple graded stakes winner Schoodic, who captured the David Semmes Memorial (G2) two back.
Mr. Hot Stuff won the Smithwick back in 2013 but has raced sporadically in recent years. He was a distant third in the April 22 Temple Gwathmey following a layoff of 19 1/2 months, but was pulled up in the Iroquois in Nashville after losing contact with the field.
First-time English import Modem figures to get some place in his debut for Elizabeth Voss. Last season, the seven-year-old earned minor checks behind the likes of Order of St George on the flat and Clondaw Warrior over jumps.
