Fourstardave

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

A solid group of older turf runners will contest Sunday’s $150,000
Fourstardave H. (G2) at Saratoga, and our choice in this 1 1/16-mile heat is
COWBOY CAL (Giant’s Causeway), who should be able to rebound off a subpar
showing in the Manhattan H. (G1) in June. Never worse than second in seven grass starts prior to the Manhattan, Cowboy Cal faded to ninth after
pressing the pace on yielding ground. A course with less give in it should
enhance his chances as he figures to be in the mix from the start.

JUSTENUFFHUMOR (Distorted Humor), a half-brother to champion filly Dreaming
of Anna and the multiple Grade 2 winner Lewis Michael, both full siblings by
Rahy, makes his stakes debut after four straight overnight wins on the grass.
The Darley colorbearer could be any kind and, while this race has attracted some
top names, he shouldn’t have to improve a lot to make his presence felt. For
those looking to beat the favorites, he merits a long look.

COSMONAUT (Lemon Drop Kid) rarely runs a bad one. Though one-paced late in
the 10-furlong Arlington H. (G3) last time, he was far more effective at this
distance three back when taking the Fort Marcy S. (G3) in powerful style. He
should be within striking range throughout.

It would seem to make very little sense to have the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Mile
(G1) winner, KIP DEVILLE (Kipling), rated this low. However, we weren’t thrilled
with his fourth in the Poker S. (G3) last time, especially after setting a
modest, uncontested pace with a second quarter in :24. We might be proven
incorrect, but the gray six-year-old seems headed in the wrong direction and
will not be appealing at a short price.

Deep-closing WESLEY (El Prado [Ire]), despite a score in the Miami Mile (G3)
earlier this year, probably needs more ground than this to be effective against
this kind of competition. He does like Saratoga, having won the National Museum
of Racing Hall of Fame S. (G2) last summer. We’ll use him on the bottom of our
exotics.

MAMBO MEISTER (King Cugat) invades from Calder for trainer Phil Gleaves, who
trained 1986 Travers S. (G1) winner Wise Times. He’s been very consistent this
year, but simply hasn’t been facing the caliber of runners he will face today.
INTERPATATION (Langfuhr) hasn’t won in a long time and is typically a fringe
player in these lucrative grass stakes. He’s probably best used as a superfecta
kicker. PAPA BEAR (Distorted Humor) and VEILED PROPHET (Kingmambo) are allowance
types who are biting off more than they can chew here.