Check out my Super Derby 2019 video from Louisiana Downs for Saturday (9-7-19) below!
Friday, September 6, 2019
Top Five 3-Year-Old Males: Travers 2019 Hero Code of Honor Moves Up
Code of Honor won the Travers Stakes (G1) on Saturday, August 24. Did he do enough to take over the top spot on my sophomore males list?
Travers Stakes (G1) Recap (8-24-19) - Winner: Code of Honor ($10.80)
Mucho Gusto and Tacitus set this up for a closer. When two very good horses are battling on the lead at a mile and a quarter, you just know another quality horse will pick them off. Tax from post 12 also pushed the pace, and Code of Honor’s pilot John Velazquez had to be loving the race shape. He was patiently ridden from 9th, and he started to move up with a quarter of a mile remaining. He raced wide throughout and swung out even wider in the stretch, and rumbled down the middle to prevail by about three lengths. Tacitus fought with Mucho Gusto throughout and gamely finished a 1/2 length in front of that one for 2nd. The top three ran quality races and Tacitus settled for the runner-up spot once again (also 2nd in G1 Belmont and G2 Jim Dandy). The blinkers definitely got him in the race earlier, and he lost nothing in defeat. He will win one of these big races at some point. Mucho Gusto tried to steal it and probably would have if Tacitus did not get the equipment change. Hats off to Shug McGaughey for having Code of Honor in peak form for the mid-summer Derby. Endorsed rallied from 12th to complete the superfecta. Owendale was a bit more forwardly placed than expected from the rail, and he ended up an even 5th. Highest Honors sort of ran in place throughout and was right behind that one in 6th, and Tax gradually weakened to 7th. Chess Chief, Laughing Fox, and Scars Are Cool were next, and it was a big gap back to Looking At Bikinis (stumbled at start) and Everfast.
Jarrod Horak’s Top 5 Three-Year-Old Males (9-5-19)
#1 - OMAHA BEACH - Ack Ack (G3) at Churchill on Sept. 28 is the new comeback spot.
#2 - CODE OF HONOR - Top 3yo of second half with wins in Dwyer (G3) and Travers (G1).
#3 - TACITUS - Gem of consistency added blinkers and finished 2nd in Travers.
#4 - MAXIMUM SECURITY - Bounced back in Haskell (G1). PA Derby next.
#5 - GAME WINNER - Got sick and missed Travers. No fall plans have been announced.
Article by Jarrod Horak
Photo by Josh Chicorelli
You can read all of our 3-year-old division reports on our Triple Crown 2019 page.
Travers Stakes (G1) Recap (8-24-19) - Winner: Code of Honor ($10.80)
Mucho Gusto and Tacitus set this up for a closer. When two very good horses are battling on the lead at a mile and a quarter, you just know another quality horse will pick them off. Tax from post 12 also pushed the pace, and Code of Honor’s pilot John Velazquez had to be loving the race shape. He was patiently ridden from 9th, and he started to move up with a quarter of a mile remaining. He raced wide throughout and swung out even wider in the stretch, and rumbled down the middle to prevail by about three lengths. Tacitus fought with Mucho Gusto throughout and gamely finished a 1/2 length in front of that one for 2nd. The top three ran quality races and Tacitus settled for the runner-up spot once again (also 2nd in G1 Belmont and G2 Jim Dandy). The blinkers definitely got him in the race earlier, and he lost nothing in defeat. He will win one of these big races at some point. Mucho Gusto tried to steal it and probably would have if Tacitus did not get the equipment change. Hats off to Shug McGaughey for having Code of Honor in peak form for the mid-summer Derby. Endorsed rallied from 12th to complete the superfecta. Owendale was a bit more forwardly placed than expected from the rail, and he ended up an even 5th. Highest Honors sort of ran in place throughout and was right behind that one in 6th, and Tax gradually weakened to 7th. Chess Chief, Laughing Fox, and Scars Are Cool were next, and it was a big gap back to Looking At Bikinis (stumbled at start) and Everfast.
Jarrod Horak’s Top 5 Three-Year-Old Males (9-5-19)
#1 - OMAHA BEACH - Ack Ack (G3) at Churchill on Sept. 28 is the new comeback spot.
#2 - CODE OF HONOR - Top 3yo of second half with wins in Dwyer (G3) and Travers (G1).
#3 - TACITUS - Gem of consistency added blinkers and finished 2nd in Travers.
#4 - MAXIMUM SECURITY - Bounced back in Haskell (G1). PA Derby next.
#5 - GAME WINNER - Got sick and missed Travers. No fall plans have been announced.
Article by Jarrod Horak
Photo by Josh Chicorelli
You can read all of our 3-year-old division reports on our Triple Crown 2019 page.
Del Mar Closing Week Recap (Aug 28-Sept 2)
Del Mar Recap for Wednesday (8-28-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Four front running winners on dirt (8f, 5.5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile, a stalker at nine furlongs, and a front runner at five panels (rail at 30 feet).
Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Vasilika capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.
Riding double for Mike Smith, and a training double for Mike Puype.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $164,724, and multiple winning tickets paid $44,000.80 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $337.00. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $175,999.
August 28 Claims: Race 1 - Of Good Report ($32k, Vladimir Cerin). Race 3 - Morse Code ($40k, Molly J. Pearson), Unapologetic ($40k, Peter Miller). Race 8 - Girls Got Track ($20k, Peter Miller).
Generous Portion Stakes Recap (8-28-19) - Winner: Been Studying Her ($19.20)
Bulletproof One came into this race undefeated and untested, and she was the overwhelming favorite. You just never know how these lightly raced chalky speed horses will handle pace pressure, and today’s answer was not very well. Bulletproof One had to work hard to get the lead and was only a length clear of Cholula Lips. The latter drew comfortably outside and was stakes placed at Churchill Downs. She did all of the pace dirty work and put away the aforementioned favorite, but could not hold off Been Studying Her. The latter sat the right outside stalking trip and prevailed by a length and a quarter as my value top choice under Mike Smith. Cholula Lips was clearly second best and Smiling Shirlee rallied for the show. Wise Rachel passed tired rivals to complete the superfecta. Unchain Her Heart and Bulletproof One were next, and it was 6+ back to Vegan.
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Wednesday (8-28-19)
DMR 7 BEEN STUDYING HER ($19.20)
Double (races 6-7, $36.20)
DMR 8 Tandalicious/Darpa/Sidepocket Charger Trifecta (DMR Best Bet #2, $13.50)
Double (races 7-8, $64.40)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $37.20)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Thursday (8-29-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. One front running winner at 5.5 furlongs on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at 8.5 furlongs, a closer at 8.5 furlongs, and a stalker at a mile and an eighth (rail at 30 feet).
Riding double for Ruben Fuentes.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $169,114, and multiple winning tickets paid $12,906.80 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $108.60. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $195,359.
August 29 Claims: Race 1 - Buckys Pick ($25k, Molly J. Pearson), Cats Blame ($25k, Andy Mathis), Facts Matter ($25k, Tim McCanna). Race 3 Joe Jackson ($12.5k, Anthony K. Saavedra), Puriano ($12.5k, George Papaprodromou), Rick’s Dream ($12.5k, Reed Saldana). Race 4 - Zeke ($25k, Dean Pederson). Race 5 - Biddy Duke ($32k, Andrew Lerner), K P Cats Wild ($32k, Bob Hess Jr). Race 6 - Sophie Antoinette ($50k, David Hofmans). Race 7 - Princess Dorian ($20k, Andrew Lerner).
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Thursday (8-29-19)
DMR 2 K P DREAMIN ($11.00), Quinella ($13.00)
Double (races 1-2, $114.20)
DMR 3 RICK’S DREAM ($11.80)
Double (races 2-3, $78.00)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $95.25)
Double (races 3-4, $104.20)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $90.35)
DMR 5 BIDDY DUKE ($2.40)
Double (races 4-5, $20.40)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $29.30)
DMR EARLY PICK 4 (races 2-5, $122.10)
DMR 6 SWING THOUGHTS (DMR Best Bet #2, $11.20), Quinella ($26.20)
DMR 7 QUIT KVETCHING ($7.60), Quinella ($9.00)
Double (races 6-7, $60.60)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $20.55)
Double (races 7-8, $39.60)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $78.50)
DMR LATE PICK 4 (races 5-8, $177.15)
DMR PICK 6 (5 out of 6, $108.60)
SAR 9 Crystalle/Sweet Melania/English Breeze Trifecta ($12.15)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Friday (8-30-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. One dueling front running winner at six panels on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at 8.5 furlongs, a dueling front runner at five panels, and a closer at one mile (rail at 18 feet).
Riding doubles for Abel Cedillo and Drayden Van Dyke.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $173,839, and nobody had all six winners. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $523.60. There will be a Pick 6 carryover of $92,872 when live racing resumes Saturday, and the single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $215,260.
August 30 Claims: Race 1 - He’s Like Violence ($40k, Mark Glatt). Race 3 - Ismelucky ($20k, Molly J. Pearson). Race 7 - Georgian Road ($32k, Sal Gonzalez), Test the Water ($32k, Peter Miller).
I’m Smokin Stakes Recap (8-30-19) - Winner: Square Deal ($6.40)
The pace figured to be hot and it was. Shady Empire and Bluegrass Faith dueled through an opening quarter in a snappy 21.99. Bluegrass Faith poked her head in front after a half-mile, but Square Deal was sitting a great outside stalking trip, and she took the lead in the stretch and inched clear to win by a length and three-quarters. Bluegrass Faith did all of the pace dirty work and held 2nd over stalker Tap Back. Pas de Panique was 4th, and Club Aspen, Shady Empire, Phantom Boss (bad start) were next. Drippin Sauce trailed throughout.
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Friday (8-30-19)
DMR 1 CHOSEN VESSEL ($9.00), Quinella ($10.00)
DMR 2 Incredibly Lucky/Rolinga/Sassy Kitty Trifecta ($11.90)
Double (races 1-2, $27.20)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $61.15)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Saturday (8-31-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running sprint winners on dirt (6f, 5.5f, 6.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five panels, a stalker at 8.5 furlongs, a closer at nine furlongs, and a stalker at 8.5 furlongs.
Riding double for Evin Roman.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $448,375, and multiple ticket with all six winners paid $9,782.20 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $61.40. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $266,589.
August 31 Claims: Race 1 - Distinctive B ($40k, Molly J. Pearson), Restless Rambler ($40k, Peter Miller), Spokane Eagle ($40k, Doug O’Neill). Race 6 - Castle Gate ($20k, Jeff Mullins).
John C. Mabee Stakes (G2) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Vasilika ($4.00)
This was my TRD video play, and what a tough beat it was. 105-1 longshot Ippodamia’s Girl set the pace as expected, and my Fast Figs top choice Juliet Foxtrot was perched outside that one waiting to pounce. She took the lead at the six furlong mark and opened up a clear advantage in the lane. She looked home free but you can never count out win machine Vasilika. The latter unleashed a big late kick in very late stretch to nail my top choice in the final jump under Flavien Prat. Juliet Foxtrot did everything but win in an excellent effort. Toinette stalked the pace and was always in a good spot but could not go with the top two late. She was best of the rest in 3rd. Paved got up to complete the superfecta, and was followed by Meal Ticket, Elysea’s World, La Force, Ahimsa, Quebec, and Ippodamia’s Girl.
Del Mar Debutante (G1) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Bast ($7.60)
What a nice graduation gift for Bast. She is a maiden no longer for Baffert. Inspiressa beat her convincingly Aug 11, but today was a whole new ballgame. Bast added blinkers, chased the pace, came after Inspiressa in the lane, and blew on by to win by almost nine lengths. She is bred to get better as distances increase. Inspiressa just held 2nd over Comical and Lazy Daisy. The rest of the field was pretty strung-out (Stellar Sound, Pure Xena, Powerfulattraction, Leucothea). The winner was the only one to handle seven panels.
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Saturday (8-31-19)
DMR 7 Vasilika/Juliet Foxtrot Quinella ($9.00)
DMR 9 BAST ($7.60), Quinella ($8.60)
SAR 3 ROYAL CHARLOTTE ($11.00), Exacta ($13.40), Trifecta ($11.75)
SAR 8 MRS. SIPPY ($14.60)
CNL 9 English Bee/Jais’s Solitude Exacta ($12.60)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Sunday (9-1-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running winners on dirt (8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were two stalkers at one mile, a front runner at one mile, and a closer at nine furlongs.
Riding doubles for Abel Cedillo, Flavien Prat, and Joe Talamo. On the trainer side, Peter Miller, Doug O’Neill, and John Sadler each saddled two winners.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $354,316, and multiple ticket with all six winners paid $63,092.80 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $353.40. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $307,148. There is a mandatory payout on Monday.
September 1 Claims: Race 4 - Arch Anthem ($20k, Richard Baltas), Kylemore ($20k, Ryan Hanson), Van Cortlandt ($20k, Steve Miyadi), Vintage Hollywood ($20k, Bob Hess Jr.), Wilshire Dude ($20k, Steve Miyadi). Race 6 - Shes All Woman ($22.5k, Bob Hess Jr.), Time for Suzzie ($25k, Vladimir Cerin). Race 7 - Double Touch ($40k, John Sadler). Race 10 - Champers ($50k, Bob Hess Jr.), Mainframe Judy ($50k, Tim Yakteen).
Del Mar Juvenile Turf Recap (9-1-19) - Winner: Encoder ($3.20)
This flat mile turf race for 2-year-olds was reduced to five after a pair of scratches. Encoder was the strong favorite and he was up in the nick of time. Billy Batts got out there and controlled the tempo, and he almost stole it. Encoder moved up to 2nd after six panels, started gaining in deep stretch, and won by a head for Flavien Prat and John Sadler. Billy Batts ran a winning race and was 6+ clear of show finisher Ardenlee Star. Commander was another head back in 4th, and Raging Whiskey chased the pace and faded to last.
Del Mar Derby (G2) Recap (9-1-19) - Winner: Nolde ($15.20)
There was a furious finish in this affair. Kingly cleared from the outside post and set honest splits. Neptune’s Storm sat a great stalking trip behind Kingly and got first run. He briefly looked like he would break this one wide open, but the closers were coming. Nolde attacked under Victor Espinoza and won a blanket finish over late runner Originaire, Neptune’s Storm, and 38-1 bomb Hackberry. Kingly weakened to 5th, and was followed by Moody Jim, Nolo Contesto, Visitant, and Parsimony.
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Sunday (9-1-19)
DMR 2 REFRACTOMETER ($6.80)
Double (races 1-2, $25.40)
Double (races 2-3, $11.80)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $13.55)
DMR 4 Kylemore/Wilshire Dude/Broke Away Grey Trifecta (Best Bet #1, $67.30)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $8.40)
DMR 7 Foray/North County Guy Quinella ($30.20)
DMR 8 Quality Response/Scarlet Lips Quinella ($11.80)
DMR 9 NOLDE (Best Bet #3, $15.20), Quinella ($36.60)
Double (races 8-9, $78.40)
Pick 3 (races 7-9, $116.85)
Double (races 9-10, $24.20)
Pick 3 (races 8-10, $47.45)
DMR LATE PICK 4 (races 7-10, $255.15)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Monday (9-2-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Four front running sprint winners on dirt (6.5f, 5.5f, 6f, 7f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five panels, a closer at nine furlongs, a stalker at one mile, a closer at one mile, and a closer at 8.5 furlongs.
Drayden Van Dyke guided home three winners. Flavien Prat won a couple of turf routes. Peter Miller saddled two winners.
The closing day $2 Pick 6 pool was $2,323,989, and multiple ticket with all six winners paid $53,375 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $184.80.
Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf Recap (9-2-19) - Winner: Yeserdayoncemore ($24.00)
Shedaresthedevil was the solid favorite in this turf route, and she carved out the splits. She was challenged on the backstretch but kept on fighting. She eventually threw in the towel in the stretch and weakened late to finish 4th. Import Yesterdayoncemore stalked the pace under Victor Espinoza and was able to find a seam to win by a length. She did not have the smoothest journey and was definitely best today. Croughavouke was an overseas invader for Jeff Mullins, and she scratched out of Sunday’s Del Mar Juvenile Turf vs. the boys. That was only a 5-horse field (11-horses in this race), and you have to think the connections were looking for pace help. She rallied nicely to finish a clear 2nd under Drayden Van Dyke. Applecross completed the all-overseas trifecta, and as mentioned earlier, Shedaresthedevil was 4th. First time starter Overjoyed went from 10th to 5th in a respectable debut for Neil Drysdale. Awesome Drive was next, followed by Convoluted, Warren’s Showtime, Flamingo Bay, Text Dont Call, and Acai.
Del Mar Futurity (G1) Recap (9-2-19) - Winner: Nucky ($72.00)
Talk about a strange race. Eight Rings took all of the money, but his race was over before it started. He ducked in shortly after the break and dumped Dryden Van Dyke. He broke from post 2, and his antics caused Flavin Prat to lose balance and fall off rail-sitter Storm the Court. Meanwhile, Garth, Fore Left, and Nucky were locked in battle up front. Ginobelli joined them after a half-mile, and Nucky was outside and traveling best, and he pulled clear in the stretch and won by 2+ lengths under Norberto Arroyo Jr. Wrecking Crew stalked the pace and completed the Peter Miller/Rockingham Ranch exacta. Second time starter and maiden Defense Wins was best of the rest in 3rd. Ginobelli was 9+ in front of Fore Left, and Garth was well behind those two. I would just throw this result out completely.
September 2 Claims: Race 5 - Don’tteasethetiger ($16k, Genaro Vallejo), Senditlikechilly ($16k, Andy Mathis).
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Monday (9-2-19)
DMR 1 MAGIC AT MIDNIGHT ($2.40)
DMR 3 MISS MEGAN (DMR Best Bet #1, $5.40), Trifecta ($42.30)
DMR 4 RONALD R ($11.60), Quinella ($18.60)
Double (races 3-4, $40.20)
Double (races 4-5, $46.00)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $28.65)
DMR 8 GUITTY ($5.60), Quinella ($6.60)
Double (races 7-8, $17.80)
DMR 10 ZEE DROP (DMR Best Bet #3, $7.60)
PRX 7 CHALON (PRX Best Bet, $3.80)
PRX 11 SPUN TO RUN ($5.00), Exacta ($11.40)
SAR 9 QURBAAN ($8.20), Exacta ($14.50)
SAR 10 BASIN ($8.20)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Four front running winners on dirt (8f, 5.5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile, a stalker at nine furlongs, and a front runner at five panels (rail at 30 feet).
Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Vasilika capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.
Riding double for Mike Smith, and a training double for Mike Puype.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $164,724, and multiple winning tickets paid $44,000.80 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $337.00. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $175,999.
August 28 Claims: Race 1 - Of Good Report ($32k, Vladimir Cerin). Race 3 - Morse Code ($40k, Molly J. Pearson), Unapologetic ($40k, Peter Miller). Race 8 - Girls Got Track ($20k, Peter Miller).
Generous Portion Stakes Recap (8-28-19) - Winner: Been Studying Her ($19.20)
Bulletproof One came into this race undefeated and untested, and she was the overwhelming favorite. You just never know how these lightly raced chalky speed horses will handle pace pressure, and today’s answer was not very well. Bulletproof One had to work hard to get the lead and was only a length clear of Cholula Lips. The latter drew comfortably outside and was stakes placed at Churchill Downs. She did all of the pace dirty work and put away the aforementioned favorite, but could not hold off Been Studying Her. The latter sat the right outside stalking trip and prevailed by a length and a quarter as my value top choice under Mike Smith. Cholula Lips was clearly second best and Smiling Shirlee rallied for the show. Wise Rachel passed tired rivals to complete the superfecta. Unchain Her Heart and Bulletproof One were next, and it was 6+ back to Vegan.
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Wednesday (8-28-19)
DMR 7 BEEN STUDYING HER ($19.20)
Double (races 6-7, $36.20)
DMR 8 Tandalicious/Darpa/Sidepocket Charger Trifecta (DMR Best Bet #2, $13.50)
Double (races 7-8, $64.40)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $37.20)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Thursday (8-29-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. One front running winner at 5.5 furlongs on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at 8.5 furlongs, a closer at 8.5 furlongs, and a stalker at a mile and an eighth (rail at 30 feet).
Riding double for Ruben Fuentes.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $169,114, and multiple winning tickets paid $12,906.80 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $108.60. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $195,359.
August 29 Claims: Race 1 - Buckys Pick ($25k, Molly J. Pearson), Cats Blame ($25k, Andy Mathis), Facts Matter ($25k, Tim McCanna). Race 3 Joe Jackson ($12.5k, Anthony K. Saavedra), Puriano ($12.5k, George Papaprodromou), Rick’s Dream ($12.5k, Reed Saldana). Race 4 - Zeke ($25k, Dean Pederson). Race 5 - Biddy Duke ($32k, Andrew Lerner), K P Cats Wild ($32k, Bob Hess Jr). Race 6 - Sophie Antoinette ($50k, David Hofmans). Race 7 - Princess Dorian ($20k, Andrew Lerner).
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Thursday (8-29-19)
DMR 2 K P DREAMIN ($11.00), Quinella ($13.00)
Double (races 1-2, $114.20)
DMR 3 RICK’S DREAM ($11.80)
Double (races 2-3, $78.00)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $95.25)
Double (races 3-4, $104.20)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $90.35)
DMR 5 BIDDY DUKE ($2.40)
Double (races 4-5, $20.40)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $29.30)
DMR EARLY PICK 4 (races 2-5, $122.10)
DMR 6 SWING THOUGHTS (DMR Best Bet #2, $11.20), Quinella ($26.20)
DMR 7 QUIT KVETCHING ($7.60), Quinella ($9.00)
Double (races 6-7, $60.60)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $20.55)
Double (races 7-8, $39.60)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $78.50)
DMR LATE PICK 4 (races 5-8, $177.15)
DMR PICK 6 (5 out of 6, $108.60)
SAR 9 Crystalle/Sweet Melania/English Breeze Trifecta ($12.15)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Friday (8-30-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. One dueling front running winner at six panels on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at 8.5 furlongs, a dueling front runner at five panels, and a closer at one mile (rail at 18 feet).
Riding doubles for Abel Cedillo and Drayden Van Dyke.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $173,839, and nobody had all six winners. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $523.60. There will be a Pick 6 carryover of $92,872 when live racing resumes Saturday, and the single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $215,260.
August 30 Claims: Race 1 - He’s Like Violence ($40k, Mark Glatt). Race 3 - Ismelucky ($20k, Molly J. Pearson). Race 7 - Georgian Road ($32k, Sal Gonzalez), Test the Water ($32k, Peter Miller).
I’m Smokin Stakes Recap (8-30-19) - Winner: Square Deal ($6.40)
The pace figured to be hot and it was. Shady Empire and Bluegrass Faith dueled through an opening quarter in a snappy 21.99. Bluegrass Faith poked her head in front after a half-mile, but Square Deal was sitting a great outside stalking trip, and she took the lead in the stretch and inched clear to win by a length and three-quarters. Bluegrass Faith did all of the pace dirty work and held 2nd over stalker Tap Back. Pas de Panique was 4th, and Club Aspen, Shady Empire, Phantom Boss (bad start) were next. Drippin Sauce trailed throughout.
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Friday (8-30-19)
DMR 1 CHOSEN VESSEL ($9.00), Quinella ($10.00)
DMR 2 Incredibly Lucky/Rolinga/Sassy Kitty Trifecta ($11.90)
Double (races 1-2, $27.20)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $61.15)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Saturday (8-31-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running sprint winners on dirt (6f, 5.5f, 6.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five panels, a stalker at 8.5 furlongs, a closer at nine furlongs, and a stalker at 8.5 furlongs.
Riding double for Evin Roman.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $448,375, and multiple ticket with all six winners paid $9,782.20 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $61.40. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $266,589.
August 31 Claims: Race 1 - Distinctive B ($40k, Molly J. Pearson), Restless Rambler ($40k, Peter Miller), Spokane Eagle ($40k, Doug O’Neill). Race 6 - Castle Gate ($20k, Jeff Mullins).
John C. Mabee Stakes (G2) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Vasilika ($4.00)
This was my TRD video play, and what a tough beat it was. 105-1 longshot Ippodamia’s Girl set the pace as expected, and my Fast Figs top choice Juliet Foxtrot was perched outside that one waiting to pounce. She took the lead at the six furlong mark and opened up a clear advantage in the lane. She looked home free but you can never count out win machine Vasilika. The latter unleashed a big late kick in very late stretch to nail my top choice in the final jump under Flavien Prat. Juliet Foxtrot did everything but win in an excellent effort. Toinette stalked the pace and was always in a good spot but could not go with the top two late. She was best of the rest in 3rd. Paved got up to complete the superfecta, and was followed by Meal Ticket, Elysea’s World, La Force, Ahimsa, Quebec, and Ippodamia’s Girl.
Del Mar Debutante (G1) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Bast ($7.60)
What a nice graduation gift for Bast. She is a maiden no longer for Baffert. Inspiressa beat her convincingly Aug 11, but today was a whole new ballgame. Bast added blinkers, chased the pace, came after Inspiressa in the lane, and blew on by to win by almost nine lengths. She is bred to get better as distances increase. Inspiressa just held 2nd over Comical and Lazy Daisy. The rest of the field was pretty strung-out (Stellar Sound, Pure Xena, Powerfulattraction, Leucothea). The winner was the only one to handle seven panels.
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Saturday (8-31-19)
DMR 7 Vasilika/Juliet Foxtrot Quinella ($9.00)
DMR 9 BAST ($7.60), Quinella ($8.60)
SAR 3 ROYAL CHARLOTTE ($11.00), Exacta ($13.40), Trifecta ($11.75)
SAR 8 MRS. SIPPY ($14.60)
CNL 9 English Bee/Jais’s Solitude Exacta ($12.60)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Sunday (9-1-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running winners on dirt (8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were two stalkers at one mile, a front runner at one mile, and a closer at nine furlongs.
Riding doubles for Abel Cedillo, Flavien Prat, and Joe Talamo. On the trainer side, Peter Miller, Doug O’Neill, and John Sadler each saddled two winners.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $354,316, and multiple ticket with all six winners paid $63,092.80 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $353.40. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $307,148. There is a mandatory payout on Monday.
September 1 Claims: Race 4 - Arch Anthem ($20k, Richard Baltas), Kylemore ($20k, Ryan Hanson), Van Cortlandt ($20k, Steve Miyadi), Vintage Hollywood ($20k, Bob Hess Jr.), Wilshire Dude ($20k, Steve Miyadi). Race 6 - Shes All Woman ($22.5k, Bob Hess Jr.), Time for Suzzie ($25k, Vladimir Cerin). Race 7 - Double Touch ($40k, John Sadler). Race 10 - Champers ($50k, Bob Hess Jr.), Mainframe Judy ($50k, Tim Yakteen).
Del Mar Juvenile Turf Recap (9-1-19) - Winner: Encoder ($3.20)
This flat mile turf race for 2-year-olds was reduced to five after a pair of scratches. Encoder was the strong favorite and he was up in the nick of time. Billy Batts got out there and controlled the tempo, and he almost stole it. Encoder moved up to 2nd after six panels, started gaining in deep stretch, and won by a head for Flavien Prat and John Sadler. Billy Batts ran a winning race and was 6+ clear of show finisher Ardenlee Star. Commander was another head back in 4th, and Raging Whiskey chased the pace and faded to last.
Del Mar Derby (G2) Recap (9-1-19) - Winner: Nolde ($15.20)
There was a furious finish in this affair. Kingly cleared from the outside post and set honest splits. Neptune’s Storm sat a great stalking trip behind Kingly and got first run. He briefly looked like he would break this one wide open, but the closers were coming. Nolde attacked under Victor Espinoza and won a blanket finish over late runner Originaire, Neptune’s Storm, and 38-1 bomb Hackberry. Kingly weakened to 5th, and was followed by Moody Jim, Nolo Contesto, Visitant, and Parsimony.
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Sunday (9-1-19)
DMR 2 REFRACTOMETER ($6.80)
Double (races 1-2, $25.40)
Double (races 2-3, $11.80)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $13.55)
DMR 4 Kylemore/Wilshire Dude/Broke Away Grey Trifecta (Best Bet #1, $67.30)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $8.40)
DMR 7 Foray/North County Guy Quinella ($30.20)
DMR 8 Quality Response/Scarlet Lips Quinella ($11.80)
DMR 9 NOLDE (Best Bet #3, $15.20), Quinella ($36.60)
Double (races 8-9, $78.40)
Pick 3 (races 7-9, $116.85)
Double (races 9-10, $24.20)
Pick 3 (races 8-10, $47.45)
DMR LATE PICK 4 (races 7-10, $255.15)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Monday (9-2-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Four front running sprint winners on dirt (6.5f, 5.5f, 6f, 7f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five panels, a closer at nine furlongs, a stalker at one mile, a closer at one mile, and a closer at 8.5 furlongs.
Drayden Van Dyke guided home three winners. Flavien Prat won a couple of turf routes. Peter Miller saddled two winners.
The closing day $2 Pick 6 pool was $2,323,989, and multiple ticket with all six winners paid $53,375 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $184.80.
Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf Recap (9-2-19) - Winner: Yeserdayoncemore ($24.00)
Shedaresthedevil was the solid favorite in this turf route, and she carved out the splits. She was challenged on the backstretch but kept on fighting. She eventually threw in the towel in the stretch and weakened late to finish 4th. Import Yesterdayoncemore stalked the pace under Victor Espinoza and was able to find a seam to win by a length. She did not have the smoothest journey and was definitely best today. Croughavouke was an overseas invader for Jeff Mullins, and she scratched out of Sunday’s Del Mar Juvenile Turf vs. the boys. That was only a 5-horse field (11-horses in this race), and you have to think the connections were looking for pace help. She rallied nicely to finish a clear 2nd under Drayden Van Dyke. Applecross completed the all-overseas trifecta, and as mentioned earlier, Shedaresthedevil was 4th. First time starter Overjoyed went from 10th to 5th in a respectable debut for Neil Drysdale. Awesome Drive was next, followed by Convoluted, Warren’s Showtime, Flamingo Bay, Text Dont Call, and Acai.
Del Mar Futurity (G1) Recap (9-2-19) - Winner: Nucky ($72.00)
Talk about a strange race. Eight Rings took all of the money, but his race was over before it started. He ducked in shortly after the break and dumped Dryden Van Dyke. He broke from post 2, and his antics caused Flavin Prat to lose balance and fall off rail-sitter Storm the Court. Meanwhile, Garth, Fore Left, and Nucky were locked in battle up front. Ginobelli joined them after a half-mile, and Nucky was outside and traveling best, and he pulled clear in the stretch and won by 2+ lengths under Norberto Arroyo Jr. Wrecking Crew stalked the pace and completed the Peter Miller/Rockingham Ranch exacta. Second time starter and maiden Defense Wins was best of the rest in 3rd. Ginobelli was 9+ in front of Fore Left, and Garth was well behind those two. I would just throw this result out completely.
September 2 Claims: Race 5 - Don’tteasethetiger ($16k, Genaro Vallejo), Senditlikechilly ($16k, Andy Mathis).
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Monday (9-2-19)
DMR 1 MAGIC AT MIDNIGHT ($2.40)
DMR 3 MISS MEGAN (DMR Best Bet #1, $5.40), Trifecta ($42.30)
DMR 4 RONALD R ($11.60), Quinella ($18.60)
Double (races 3-4, $40.20)
Double (races 4-5, $46.00)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $28.65)
DMR 8 GUITTY ($5.60), Quinella ($6.60)
Double (races 7-8, $17.80)
DMR 10 ZEE DROP (DMR Best Bet #3, $7.60)
PRX 7 CHALON (PRX Best Bet, $3.80)
PRX 11 SPUN TO RUN ($5.00), Exacta ($11.40)
SAR 9 QURBAAN ($8.20), Exacta ($14.50)
SAR 10 BASIN ($8.20)
Saratoga Race Course 2019 Summer Meet Rewind By Dr. Atlas
As the Summer days begin to tick away, we say goodbye to Saratoga for 2019. Before we move on to the Championship fall meet at Belmont, let’s recap the highlights from the SPA:
- Overall wagering for the meet increased by 7% and totaled $705,343,949 for the 40-day meet.
- Chad Brown took his second straight Saratoga trainers title with 41 wins (178-41-40-31).
- Jose Ortiz won his third riding title with 60 wins (280-60-46-37).
- Klaravich Stables had 19 starters to repeat their title from 2018.
- Guarana took down the Gr. I CCA Oaks to mark her third straight victory and second Gr. I of her career.
- Code of Honor won the Gr. I Travers thus solidifying himself as one of the best 3yr old’s in the country.
- Midnight Bisou solidified her mark on the older female division as she won the Gr. I Personal Ensign, making it six-for-six in 2019.
About Josh:
Originally from Upstate New York, Josh (also referred to as Dr. Atlas in racing circles) has been a long time follower and supporter of the "Sport of Kings".
Mr. Chicorelli worked for Horse Racing Nation and DerbyWars from 2011-2013 and has been a local at the Saratoga Race Course for over a decade. In his spare time, Josh writes handicapping articles and has worked part-time for the NYRA Bets Squad over the past two years.
Josh received his BS in New Media Marketing from RIT in 2011 and recently completed his Masters in Business Administration from RPI (May 2018).
Saratoga Closing Week Stakes Recaps (Aug 28-Sept 2)
With Anticipation Stakes (G3) Recap (8-28-19) - Winner: Fighting Seabee ($12.60)
Our Country was the favorite but raced evenly and could only manage 4th. Fighting Seabee enjoyed a slim early advantage and that was enough given the soft fractions (24.21, 50.50, 1:14.97). He maintained a 1/2 length lead for a very long time and increased his margin to a length at the wire. Field Pass chased the pace and had every chance but could not get to the winner. Andesite edged Our County for the show. Fly Fly Away chased the pace and weakened to 5th, and Tuggle trailed throughout.
P. G. Johnson Stakes Recap (8-29-19) - Winner: Crystalle ($5.30)
The money showed on Crystalle and she did not disappoint. Todd Pletcher maiden Apurate set the pace and Ginseng took up the chase. Lively Kitten and Lucky Jingle stalked, and none of them were around at the finish (honest fractions 23.29, 47.19, 1:11.44). Sweet Melania made the first run from the outside post and took over the lead in the lane, but Crystalle made the last run from the back of the pack and prevailed by a neck. Sweet Melania just held 2nd over English Bee, and Ginseng was 4th. Apurate was next, and it was a big gap back to Lively Kitten and Lucky Jingle.
Lucky Coin Stakes Recap (8-30-19) - Winner: Shekky Shebaz ($7.50)
Four scratches left us with a field of five, and Shekky Shebaz was never headed in this turf sprint. He was clear throughout under Jose Ortiz and won by a comfortable length and three-quarters. Final Frontier chased from 2nd and easily held that position over beaten favorite Disco Partner. The latter got the wrong setup, and he is much better at Belmont Park. Square Shooter was 4th and Strike Power was the distant trailer.
Prioress (G2) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Royal Charlotte ($11.00)
Break Even too way too much money. She was undefeated and her speed had to be respected, but she hardly dominated the paper race. She figured to have to work hard to secure the early lead with Break Curfew in the field, and the fractions were swift (21.87 and 44.76). Royal Charlotte was the value play and got major class relief after hooking Covfefe, Serengeti Empress, and Bellafina in the Test (G1). She got a great trip behind the speed in this race and sailed home from off the pace to win by a length and a half. Break Even was second best and Risky Mandate edged Break Curfew for 3rd. Kept True trailed throughout.
Saranac (G3) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Global Access ($10.00)
There was no early pace signed on in this 5-horse turf route and Jose Ortiz made a tactical error aboard decent New York-bred Rinaldi. The latter owned the best pace ratings and had a good shot to steal this on paper, but Power Player got an easy lead from the rail through soft splits (24.49, 49.66, 1:13.37). That 49 and change opening half was just plain slow and Rinaldi was in chase mode. This basically turned into a sprint for home and the best late runners almost always win under those circumstances on turf. Global Access was patiently ridden from last under John Velazquez, and he outkicked Chad Brown chalk Good Governance to win by a neck. Seismic Wave nipped Rinaldi for the show and Power Player was another 4-lengths back in last place.
Glens Falls Stakes (G2) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Mrs. Sippy ($14.60)
Chad Brown had a pair of solid contenders in here, but neither were standouts and both took too much money. Graham Motion entered a pair and both were interesting price players. I made Mrs. Sippy my value top choice and the overseas transplant was always traveling well under Joel Rosario. All she needed was clear sailing and she held off her stablemate Empressof the Nile to prevail by a bit less than a length. Beaten favorite Santa Monica was up for 3rd and Get Explicit rounded out the superfecta. Fools Gold was a flat 5th at 2-1 and Lady Montdore set the pace and weakened to 6th. 40-1 outsider Violet Blue could not keep up and was last.
Woodward Stakes (G1) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Preservationist ($8.10)
The Handicap Division has been a complete mess all year long. A different horse always seems to step up, and today it was Preservationist’s turn. He burst onto the scene with an upset win over Catholic Boy in the Suburban (G2), and followed that up with a fading 4th in the Whitney (G1). Mr. Buff carved out the splits and Preservationist seemed comfortable tracking the pace. Mr. Buff retreated as expected and Bal Harbour inherited the lead and looked poised to pull off a 16-1 upset for Todd Pletcher. Preservationist was lurking right behind him and stuck his head in front. Yoshida was charging late on the outside under Joel Rosario but in the end it was Preservationist by a 1/2 length over Bal Harbour, with Yoshida another half-length back in 3rd. Tom’s d’Etat stalked outside and made a move to get into 2nd in the stretch but flattened out and finished 4th. Mongolian Groom was an even 5th and was followed by Wooderson, Mr. Buff, and 97-1 longshot Forewarned.
Spinaway (G1) Recap (9-1-19) - Winner: Perfect Alibi ($12.40)
Perfect Alibi was the value play over Frank’s Rockette last time, and I really thought their odds would be much closer in this event. Once again, Frank’s Rockette took all the money, and Perfect Alibi drifted up to 5-1. I thought she would be half that. I actually went with Shippy because I was expecting a nice outside stalking trip at a hint of a price, but she never really got into the race. Frank’s Rockette chased maiden Mundaye Call, put that overmatched maiden away and had the lead in the lane, but Perfect Alibi went with her and the rematch was on. The latter squeezed through a tight opening along the rail and prevailed by a length and a half after bumping with Frank’s Rockette a few times. The latter was clearly second best and Figure of Speech was an even 3rd. Miss Peppina rallied from last to complete the superfecta at 15-1. Shippy was next, followed by Risky Mischief and Mundaye Call.
Bernard Baruch (G2) Recap (9-2-19) - Winner: Qurbaan ($8.20)
Qurbaan is versatile and consistent, and he loves Saratoga. His only US win was in the 2018 Baruch, and he successfully defended that title. Dream Friend lead the six-pack through easy fractions on the soft course (50.98 and 1:16.22). Sacred Life and Qurbaan stalked from 2nd and 3rd, and the latter was clearly moving best and scored by 2-1/2 lengths under Joel Rosario. Sacred Life was clearly second best and Dream Friend checked in a solid 3rd. Emaraaty was 4th all the way around and his stablemate Olympico was a 1/2 length behind him. March To the Arch trailed.
Hopeful (G1) Recap (9-2-19) - Winner: Basin ($8.20)
The track was sloppy (sealed) and post time favorite Green Light Go scratched. I took Basin on top because I like playing early-pressing types from outer posts in extended sprints, especially if they figure to offer value. Check mark on all accounts, and Basin got the outside dream trip and kicked well clear under Jose Ortiz. Steve Asmussen saddled the winner, and the 2nd and 3rd place finishers (Shoplifted, Gozilla). American Butterfly, By Your Side, and Inside Risk completed the order of finish.
Article by Jarrod Horak
Photo by Josh Chicorelli
Our Country was the favorite but raced evenly and could only manage 4th. Fighting Seabee enjoyed a slim early advantage and that was enough given the soft fractions (24.21, 50.50, 1:14.97). He maintained a 1/2 length lead for a very long time and increased his margin to a length at the wire. Field Pass chased the pace and had every chance but could not get to the winner. Andesite edged Our County for the show. Fly Fly Away chased the pace and weakened to 5th, and Tuggle trailed throughout.
P. G. Johnson Stakes Recap (8-29-19) - Winner: Crystalle ($5.30)
The money showed on Crystalle and she did not disappoint. Todd Pletcher maiden Apurate set the pace and Ginseng took up the chase. Lively Kitten and Lucky Jingle stalked, and none of them were around at the finish (honest fractions 23.29, 47.19, 1:11.44). Sweet Melania made the first run from the outside post and took over the lead in the lane, but Crystalle made the last run from the back of the pack and prevailed by a neck. Sweet Melania just held 2nd over English Bee, and Ginseng was 4th. Apurate was next, and it was a big gap back to Lively Kitten and Lucky Jingle.
Lucky Coin Stakes Recap (8-30-19) - Winner: Shekky Shebaz ($7.50)
Four scratches left us with a field of five, and Shekky Shebaz was never headed in this turf sprint. He was clear throughout under Jose Ortiz and won by a comfortable length and three-quarters. Final Frontier chased from 2nd and easily held that position over beaten favorite Disco Partner. The latter got the wrong setup, and he is much better at Belmont Park. Square Shooter was 4th and Strike Power was the distant trailer.
Prioress (G2) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Royal Charlotte ($11.00)
Break Even too way too much money. She was undefeated and her speed had to be respected, but she hardly dominated the paper race. She figured to have to work hard to secure the early lead with Break Curfew in the field, and the fractions were swift (21.87 and 44.76). Royal Charlotte was the value play and got major class relief after hooking Covfefe, Serengeti Empress, and Bellafina in the Test (G1). She got a great trip behind the speed in this race and sailed home from off the pace to win by a length and a half. Break Even was second best and Risky Mandate edged Break Curfew for 3rd. Kept True trailed throughout.
Saranac (G3) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Global Access ($10.00)
There was no early pace signed on in this 5-horse turf route and Jose Ortiz made a tactical error aboard decent New York-bred Rinaldi. The latter owned the best pace ratings and had a good shot to steal this on paper, but Power Player got an easy lead from the rail through soft splits (24.49, 49.66, 1:13.37). That 49 and change opening half was just plain slow and Rinaldi was in chase mode. This basically turned into a sprint for home and the best late runners almost always win under those circumstances on turf. Global Access was patiently ridden from last under John Velazquez, and he outkicked Chad Brown chalk Good Governance to win by a neck. Seismic Wave nipped Rinaldi for the show and Power Player was another 4-lengths back in last place.
Glens Falls Stakes (G2) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Mrs. Sippy ($14.60)
Chad Brown had a pair of solid contenders in here, but neither were standouts and both took too much money. Graham Motion entered a pair and both were interesting price players. I made Mrs. Sippy my value top choice and the overseas transplant was always traveling well under Joel Rosario. All she needed was clear sailing and she held off her stablemate Empressof the Nile to prevail by a bit less than a length. Beaten favorite Santa Monica was up for 3rd and Get Explicit rounded out the superfecta. Fools Gold was a flat 5th at 2-1 and Lady Montdore set the pace and weakened to 6th. 40-1 outsider Violet Blue could not keep up and was last.
Woodward Stakes (G1) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Preservationist ($8.10)
The Handicap Division has been a complete mess all year long. A different horse always seems to step up, and today it was Preservationist’s turn. He burst onto the scene with an upset win over Catholic Boy in the Suburban (G2), and followed that up with a fading 4th in the Whitney (G1). Mr. Buff carved out the splits and Preservationist seemed comfortable tracking the pace. Mr. Buff retreated as expected and Bal Harbour inherited the lead and looked poised to pull off a 16-1 upset for Todd Pletcher. Preservationist was lurking right behind him and stuck his head in front. Yoshida was charging late on the outside under Joel Rosario but in the end it was Preservationist by a 1/2 length over Bal Harbour, with Yoshida another half-length back in 3rd. Tom’s d’Etat stalked outside and made a move to get into 2nd in the stretch but flattened out and finished 4th. Mongolian Groom was an even 5th and was followed by Wooderson, Mr. Buff, and 97-1 longshot Forewarned.
Spinaway (G1) Recap (9-1-19) - Winner: Perfect Alibi ($12.40)
Perfect Alibi was the value play over Frank’s Rockette last time, and I really thought their odds would be much closer in this event. Once again, Frank’s Rockette took all the money, and Perfect Alibi drifted up to 5-1. I thought she would be half that. I actually went with Shippy because I was expecting a nice outside stalking trip at a hint of a price, but she never really got into the race. Frank’s Rockette chased maiden Mundaye Call, put that overmatched maiden away and had the lead in the lane, but Perfect Alibi went with her and the rematch was on. The latter squeezed through a tight opening along the rail and prevailed by a length and a half after bumping with Frank’s Rockette a few times. The latter was clearly second best and Figure of Speech was an even 3rd. Miss Peppina rallied from last to complete the superfecta at 15-1. Shippy was next, followed by Risky Mischief and Mundaye Call.
Bernard Baruch (G2) Recap (9-2-19) - Winner: Qurbaan ($8.20)
Qurbaan is versatile and consistent, and he loves Saratoga. His only US win was in the 2018 Baruch, and he successfully defended that title. Dream Friend lead the six-pack through easy fractions on the soft course (50.98 and 1:16.22). Sacred Life and Qurbaan stalked from 2nd and 3rd, and the latter was clearly moving best and scored by 2-1/2 lengths under Joel Rosario. Sacred Life was clearly second best and Dream Friend checked in a solid 3rd. Emaraaty was 4th all the way around and his stablemate Olympico was a 1/2 length behind him. March To the Arch trailed.
Hopeful (G1) Recap (9-2-19) - Winner: Basin ($8.20)
The track was sloppy (sealed) and post time favorite Green Light Go scratched. I took Basin on top because I like playing early-pressing types from outer posts in extended sprints, especially if they figure to offer value. Check mark on all accounts, and Basin got the outside dream trip and kicked well clear under Jose Ortiz. Steve Asmussen saddled the winner, and the 2nd and 3rd place finishers (Shoplifted, Gozilla). American Butterfly, By Your Side, and Inside Risk completed the order of finish.
Article by Jarrod Horak
Photo by Josh Chicorelli
Fab 5 Fillies Update: Alabama Stakes Winner Dunbar Road New #1
The Alabama Stakes (G1) was run on Aug. 17 at Saratoga Race Course and Dunbar Road finished strong to capture the ten furlong stamina test for sophomore fillies. She is lightly raced and on the improve for Chad Brown, and he also has Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and Acorn (G1) winner Guarana.
Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Dunbar Road capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.
Later that same day at Del Mar, Fighting Mad was too fleet for her rivals in the Torrey Pines (G3). The Bob Baffert trainee won by eight lengths but might not want to travel longer distances against top company.
Alabama Stakes (G1) Recap (8-17-19): Winner: Dunbar Road ($5.50)
The track was sloppy in this mile and a quarter stamina test for 3-year-old fillies. Speed did not hold in this race. Champagne Anyone, Ulele, and Lady Apple were all right there early and nowhere late. Point of Honor made a nice outside move under Javier Castellano, and it looked for a brief moment that she might spurt clear, but Street Band went with that one and would not go away. Meanwhile, Dunbar Road was patiently ridden and always traveling well under Jose Ortiz, and she had all of the momentum in the stretch and pulled clear to win by a bit less than three lengths. Point of Honor won the place battle by a nose over Street Band, and the top three were 5+ clear of Off Topic and Afleet Destiny. The three aforementioned early runners completed the order of finish.
Torrey Pines Stakes (G3) Recap (8-17-19) - Winner: Fighting Mad ($6.60)
This race was settled right out of the gate. Fighting Mad stretched out for Baffert, made a clear early lead though very reasonable splits, and scampered away in the lane to win by eight lengths. Hollywood Hills rallied from last to land the place as the longest shot on the board. Into Chocolate stalked and tried to make a run at the winner, and she lost 2nd late. Kim K was 4th, followed by High Regard, Sneaking Out, and Classic Fit.
Jarrod Horak’s Fabulous Five Sophomore Fillies (8-27-19)
#1 - DUNBAR ROAD - Mother Goose (G2) winner easily handled 10f in Alabama (G1).
#2 - GUARANA - Acorn (G1) & CCAO (G1) winner is 3-for-3. Sept. 21 Cotillion (G1) at Parx is next.
#3 - POINT OF HONOR - Black-Eyed Susan (G2) winner finished 2nd in CCAO (G1) and Alabama (G1).
#4 - SERENGETI EMPRESS - Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner 2nd in Acorn (G1) and 2nd in Test (G1).
#5 - BELLAFINA - 6-time graded winner has worked twice at Del Mar since distant 3rd in Test (G1).
Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Dunbar Road capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.
Later that same day at Del Mar, Fighting Mad was too fleet for her rivals in the Torrey Pines (G3). The Bob Baffert trainee won by eight lengths but might not want to travel longer distances against top company.
Alabama Stakes (G1) Recap (8-17-19): Winner: Dunbar Road ($5.50)
The track was sloppy in this mile and a quarter stamina test for 3-year-old fillies. Speed did not hold in this race. Champagne Anyone, Ulele, and Lady Apple were all right there early and nowhere late. Point of Honor made a nice outside move under Javier Castellano, and it looked for a brief moment that she might spurt clear, but Street Band went with that one and would not go away. Meanwhile, Dunbar Road was patiently ridden and always traveling well under Jose Ortiz, and she had all of the momentum in the stretch and pulled clear to win by a bit less than three lengths. Point of Honor won the place battle by a nose over Street Band, and the top three were 5+ clear of Off Topic and Afleet Destiny. The three aforementioned early runners completed the order of finish.
Torrey Pines Stakes (G3) Recap (8-17-19) - Winner: Fighting Mad ($6.60)
This race was settled right out of the gate. Fighting Mad stretched out for Baffert, made a clear early lead though very reasonable splits, and scampered away in the lane to win by eight lengths. Hollywood Hills rallied from last to land the place as the longest shot on the board. Into Chocolate stalked and tried to make a run at the winner, and she lost 2nd late. Kim K was 4th, followed by High Regard, Sneaking Out, and Classic Fit.
Jarrod Horak’s Fabulous Five Sophomore Fillies (8-27-19)
#1 - DUNBAR ROAD - Mother Goose (G2) winner easily handled 10f in Alabama (G1).
#2 - GUARANA - Acorn (G1) & CCAO (G1) winner is 3-for-3. Sept. 21 Cotillion (G1) at Parx is next.
#3 - POINT OF HONOR - Black-Eyed Susan (G2) winner finished 2nd in CCAO (G1) and Alabama (G1).
#4 - SERENGETI EMPRESS - Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner 2nd in Acorn (G1) and 2nd in Test (G1).
#5 - BELLAFINA - 6-time graded winner has worked twice at Del Mar since distant 3rd in Test (G1).
John C. Mabee Stakes Video: Juliet Foxtrot, Vasilika
Check out my John C. Mabee Stakes video from Del Mar for Saturday (8-31-19) below!
Del Mar Week 6 Recap (Aug 21-25)
Del Mar Recap for Wednesday (8-21-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. One dueling front running winner at six furlongs on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a closer at one mile, a last-to-first closer at five panels, a stalker at one mile, and a front runner at five panels (rail at 30 feet).
Four wins for Flavien Prat. Trainer Richard Baltas saddled two winners.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $412,529, and tickets with all six winners paid $112,547.40. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $251.20. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $72,352.
Harry F. Brubaker Stakes Recap (8-21-19) - Winner: Two Thirty Five ($14.80)
Six entered the gate in this flat mile test for 3-year-olds and up. Lombo broke from the rail and dueled with Leading Score. The latter forged to the lead after six furlongs and had a 2-1/2 length cushion in the lane. Two Thirty Five was patiently ridden from the outside post and swung into action in the lane. He came after the leader and got his nose down on the line under Abel Cedillo. Leading Score was a clear 2nd and stalking favorite Line Judge was best of the rest in 3rd. Isotherm chased the pace and ended up an even 4th. Dr. Dorr was another 7+ lengths back in 5th, and Lombo faded to last.
August 21 Claims: Race 2 - Beyond Pleasure ($20k, Tim McCanna). Cimarron ($20k, George Papaprodromou). Race 5 - Buckstopper Kit ($32k, Phil D’Amato), Murad Khan ($32k, John Sadler), Very Very Stella ($32k, Eddie Truman). Race 8 - Impossible Task ($100k, John Sadler).
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Wednesday (8-21-19)
DMR 3 MIND OUT ($5.20)
Double (races 2-3, $17.40)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $20.15)
DMR 5 Murad Khan/Very Very Stella/Buckstopper Kit/Fabozzi Superfecta ($32.67)
DMR 8 NUCKY ($3.00)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Thursday (8-22-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. No front running winners on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were two stalkers at five panels, and a closer at one mile (rail at 30 feet).
Riding double for Ruben Fuentes.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $83,950, and nobody had all six winners. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $436.60. There will be a Pick 6 carryover of $44,842 wen live racing resumes Friday, Aug. 23, and the single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $81.961.
August 22 Claims: Race 1 - South Boot Shirley ($40k, Craig Dollase). Race 3 - Be Lifted Up ($12.5k, Mark Glatt). Race 4 - Leroy ($20k, Anthony K. Saavedra), Toothless Wonder ($20k, Anna Meah), Trapper Peak ($20k, Genaro Vallejo).
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Thursday (8-22-19)
DMR 1 DEARBORN ($25.80), Quinella ($23.00)
DMR 5 LEMON KING ($6.40)
Double (races 4-5, $72.20)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $51.70)
Double (races 5-6, $19.20)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $59.75)
DMR 7 CONCISE ADVICE (DMR Best Bet #2, $9.40)
Double (races 6-7, $34.60)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $28.15)
DMR LATE PICK 4 (races 4-7, $317.90)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Friday (8-23-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. One front running winner at one mile on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five panels, a presser at 8.5 furlongs, and a dueling front runner at five panels (rail at 12 feet).
No riding to training doubles on Friday.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $204,578, and multiple winning tickets paid $77,066.40 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $285.60. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $105,380.
August 23 Claims: Race 1 - Mutineer ($50k, Doug O’Neill), Strike That ($50k, Vann Belvoir). Race 3 - Italiano ($40k, Andrew Lerner). Race 4 - Fool’s Paradise ($40k, Jack Carava).
Tranquility Lake Stakes Recap (8-23-19) - Winner: Lady Suebee ($6.40)
Just a Smidge scratched, and that changed the pace scenario. Lady Suebee got to the front vs. four opponents, and that was all she wrote. Not much drama here as she ran off by 5+ lengths under Victor Espinoza. John Sadler keeps winning stakes races at the summer stand, and I am sure he not done yet. Flat mile specialist Kaydetre rallied from last to finish a clear 2nd, and Zusha nipped Yuvetsi for the show. Vibrance chased the pace and was eased in the final furlong.
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Friday (8-23-19)
DMR 1 STRIKE THAT ($5.60), Quinella ($6.60)
SAR 8 City Man/Cleon Jones Exacta ($17.10)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Saturday (8-24-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. One front running winner at six furlongs on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at one mile, a closer at 8.5 furlongs, a dueling front runner at five panels, and a closer at one mile (rail at 12 feet).
Riding double for Flavien Prat.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $203,690, and multiple tickets with all six winners paid $36,270.40 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $181.60. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $128,697.
Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2) Recap (8-24-19) - Winner: Catalina Cruiser ($3.00)
This was not easy for heavy favorite Catalina Cruiser, and I really thought I was going to beat him with Giant Expectations. The 1-2 chalk chased the pace widest of all, and it was a five-horse scrimmage. Giant Expectations was last early and I loved that spot. Catalina Cruiser moved to the lead and Giant Expectations hooked up with him and was briefly in front. Those two battled for the length of the stretch and Catalina Cruiser was moving slightly better of the two and prevailed by a head. Giant Expectations ran too good to lose and was well clear of American Anthem. It was 6+ back to Jalen Journey, and he was followed by Seven Trumpets and Chief Cicatriz.
August 24 Claims: Race 1 - For Him ($8k, Steve Knapp). Race 2 - Lostinthemoment ($20k, Marcelo Polanco). Race 5 - Convince ($25k, Molly J. Pearson), Mongolian Window ($22.5k, Enebish Ganbat).
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Saturday (8-24-19)
DMR 2 SADDLE BAR ($4.20), Exacta ($8.80)
Double (races 1-2, $37.80)
DMR 3 Golden Birthday/Three Ay Em Quinella (DMR Best Bet #1, $12.00)
Double (races 2-3, $24.20)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $33.30)
DMR 5 Sugary/Convince/Wind Tartare Trifecta ($56.20)
DMR 10 M TOWN GEM ($33.60), Quinella ($61.80)
Double (races 9-10, $55.40)
Pick 3 (races 8-10, $122.10)
DMR LATE PICK 4 (races 7-10, $270.60)
DMR Pick 6 (5 out of 6, $181.60)
SAR 5 Mitole/Firenze Fire Exacta ($8.70)
SAR 11 Code of Honor/Tacitus Exacta ($18.50)
SAR Pick 3 (races 9-11, $63.50)
————--
Del Mar Recap for Sunday (8-25-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. No front running winners on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at five panels, a closer at five panels, a stalker at five panels, and (rail at 12 feet).
Riding doubles for Abel Cedillo and Mike Smith.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $248,465, and multiple winning tickets paid $26,547.80 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $171.20. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $157,141.
August 25 Claims: Race 6 - Spend Spend Spend ($40k, Richard Baltas). Race 7 - Castle ($40k, Mark Glatt). Race 9 - Bellize ($50k, Neil Drysdale).
Shared Belief Stakes Recap (8-25-19) - Winner: Improbable
Improbable was sharp in this 4-horse field. He was keen to go after hard trying California-bred Lieutenant Dan, and he got past that foe at the six furlong mark. He opened up a clear advantage in the stretch and was never seriously threatened in a 2-3/4 length triumph. This was his first start since the Preakness and he did seem to get tired in the final furlong. He should have gotten plenty out of this prep and should be fitter next time. King Jack stalked the two early runners and was clearly second best in a solid effort. Lieutenant Dan weakened to 3rd and Street Class never got involved.
Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Sunday (8-25-19)
DMR 2 Whoa Nessie/Sweet Connie Girl Quinella ($7.00)
DMR 8 IMPROBABLE ($3.40), Trifecta ($1.15)
Double (races 7-8, $40.60)
DMR 9 COLDWATER (DMR Best Net #2, $8.80), Quinella ($18.20)
Double (races 8-9, $16.80)
Pick 3 (races 7-9, $50.30)
SAR 8 Front Run the Fed/Bourbon War Exacta ($10.30)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)