‘Reynaldo’ rates the nod in Breeders’ Futurity

After just missing in a three-way photo with my spot play (Spring Honour in the fifth), being disappointed with Dreaming of Anna’s performance in the First Lady S. (G1), and then being completely wrong about Mani Bhavan’s ability to go two turns in the Alcibiades S. (G1), I do not have much confidence this morning.

As a result, my plan for today is to observe, for the most part, the final series of races leading up to the Breeders’ Cup.

At Keeneland, an incredibly tough card is on tap. I like Reynaldothewizard, Pioneerof The Nile, and His Greatness in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1).

At Belmont Park, the first four finishers from the Hopeful S. (G1) all return in the Champagne S. (G1), which was first decided in 1867.

My top selections are Munnings in the Champagne and Persistently in the Frizette S. (G1). I also like Gio Ponti and Court Vision, one-two, in the Jamaica H. (G2).

At Hoosier Park, I like Pyro over Power Game in the Indiana Derby (G2), which goes at 5:40 p.m. (EDT).

Good luck to one and all, and enjoy another terrific day of racing.

Alcibiades, First Lady highlight opening day at Keeneland

I’m back to offer a couple of observations on the opening day at Keeneland, which features the $500,000 Alcibiades S. (G1) for two-year-old fillies and the $400,000 First Lady S. (G1) for fillies and mares at one mile on the turf.

Mani Bhavan, the undefeated winner of the Spinaway S. (G1) and Adirondack S. (G2) at Saratoga, stands out over an unaccomplished field in the 1 1/16-mile Alcibiades. The Steve Klesaris pupil has worked well over the synthetic track at Fair Hill in preparation for her two-turn and synthetic track debut in the Alcibiades, but as the 7-5 morning line favorite, she will not offer much value.

Going forward, I believe Mani Bhavan will be a major player in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Santa Anita three weeks hence.

I have been in love with Dreaming of Anna ever since she began racing, and she is, without doubt, my top selection in the First Lady. This outstanding filly has exceptional speed and class, and she should put those qualities on display once again this afternoon.

My spot play on the opening-day card is Spring Honour, a $10,000 claimer in the 5TH race. The Michael Pino trainee brings good form into this event, and should offer attractive odds after drawing the far outside post in the 1 1/16-mile event. I plan on keying him in both the early Pick 4 and over all others in the Trifecta.

Tomorrow, I will offer my thoughts on the Champagne S. (G1) and Frizette S. (G1) at Belmont Park and the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland.

Big Brown, two-year-olds featured on Saturday

As most of you know, my primary interest is in two-year-old racing, so lets take a closer look at three graded races that will be decided on Saturday.

This year’s edition of the Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3) is a terrific race, which should offer a bevy of wagering opportunities. The one-mile event, which was first held in 1927, features a highly competitive field of 14, and I’m going to take a stand against the morning-line favorites Capt. Candyman Can, My Dominick James and Advice.

Jose Adan, bred, owned and trained by the ever-dangerous Wayne Catalano, is my top choice. I have been following this horse ever since his debut on July 13, and that effort was one of the most visually impressive performances I have seen by a juvenile this year.

In his debut, the dark bay was checked sharply and taken up out of a no-hole situation on the rail near the three-sixteenths pole, then dropped back and angled out with just a furlong remaining, before accelerating like he was shot out of a cannon. I personally timed his final eighth-mile in about 12 seconds, and his final sixteenth in about :5 3/5.

In his most recent start, Jose Adan bobbled at the break, bumped the foe to his inside, then was well back along the rail. He advanced along the inside around the turn, but was in a pocket near the quarter-mile grounds before angling out turning for home and running down the long-gone, loose-on-the-lead front runner in time. He is a juicy 12-1 on the morning line.

His Greatness, who was unveiled on Arlington Million Day, broke slowly, then flashed speed along the rail while under a hold. The Marco Salazar trainee had to wait in a pocket around the turn, then was checked while in tight in upper stretch, before closing determinedly and drawing off in a snappy 1:10 3/5. The bay colt has been training forwardly since then and adds first-time Lasix and Alex Solis. He is also a compelling 12-1 on the morning line.

Another price play could be Terrain, who rallied three wide on the turn before edging away in the Mountaineer Juvenile S. last time out. The Al Stall pupil went into the starting gate at 8-1, but crossed the wire at 9-2, which is a pretty significant odds drop during the running of the race. He could be live.

At Belmont Park, the Futurity S. (G2) and Matron S. (G2) for fillies, will be run.

In the Futurity, which was first held in 1888, I’m going to take a stand against the 7-5 morning line favorite Charitable Man, as well as the highly regarded Girolamo and Gone Astray.

Instead, my longshot special is Flying Pegasus, who is 20-1 on the morning line. The undefeated colt got away last, then stalked the early pace while under a hold in a pocket, before splitting rivals in upper stretch and responding nicely to win a six-furlong allowance going away at Delaware Park in his latest. He could be overlooked in this spot.

Both of the Larry Jones trainees — High Mesa and Friesan Fire — could surprise with first-time Lasix. The former lures go-to rider Gabriel Saez, while the latter was a good-looking, hand-ridden debut winner. They are both 10-1 on the morning line and will race uncoupled in the wagering.

In the Matron, I like the Shug McGaughey-trained Persistently, who exits an impressive, last-to-first, seven-furlong maiden score at the Spa. The chestnut filly advanced on the far outside around the turn, then closed determinedly to win going away. She is an intriguing 8-1 on the morning line.

Others to consider are Adirondack S. (G2) runner-up Doremifasollatido and the speedy Nick Zito-trained Miss Ocean City.

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There are several interesting races that will take place today, not the least of which is the specially created Monmouth S. on the New Jersey shore that will feature Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Big Brown in his final prep for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

Juvenile fillies vie in Lassie

I took a few days off following the close of the Saratoga meet on Labor Day, and now I’m back with a closer look at today’s Arlington-Washington Lassie S. (G3).

The field for the one-turn, one-mile Arlington-Washington Lassie (in post position order with trainer and morning-line odds) consists of:

Never Lie (Arnold, 15-1) — Came alive on the turf with first-time Lasix to break her maiden last out, but seems unlikely to show much in this spot.

Reine des Coeurs (Hinsley, 30-1) — Flashed speed between foes, then dropped back along the inside before moving up and taking the lead near the furlong marker and drawing off in her debut at a price under Ms. Karlsson. She has upset potential and is worth a second look.

Broadway Hennessey (Hollendorfer, 6-1) — Ships in from California after capturing a minor stakes at Santa Rosa. That day, she was well back early, then advanced three wide on the turn, before edging away by 2 1/4 lengths while being ridden out. She projects an inside pace trip, but could go forth at underlaid odds.

Pride (Pletcher, 8-1) — The chestnut filly broke in, soundly bumped the foe to her inside, then settled nicely along the rail going three-quarters over this surface last out. She waited while blocked along the inside turning for home, then was steadied sharply and dropped back to last near the three-sixteenths marker, before angling out and closing fast, finishing second in the local allowance prep for this event. One of three trained by Todd Pletcher, Pride lures Garrett Gomez astride. She is my top choice.

Timeless Miss (Broussard, 30-1) — Figures to be an early pace factor, but has serious questions at this level despite working well of late. For longshot players only.

Phola (Pletcher, 12-1) –Broke a little slow, then settled into a pocket and waited near the quarter-mile grounds before quickly taking command and drawing off by 4 1/2 lengths at5 this track and trip in her debut. Leading rider Rene Douglas retains the mount. Phola is an intriguing sleeper and should not be overlooked.

Quite the Lady (Pletcher, 8-1) — Exits the same race as Pride where she was fourth along the inside early, angled out and offered a bid four wide turning for home, then finished evenly for third. She can’t be totally dismissed for an in-the-money placing.

C. S. Silk (Romans, 6-1) — Broke her maiden by a widening 6 1/4 lengths when last seen at Churchill Downs. The dark bay filly broke from the outside post, then was in a stalking position down the backstretch, before advancing four wide around the turn and drawing off nicely. She has recorded a couple of sharp works since and shouldn’t be ignored.

Pretty Prolific (Baker, 3-1) — First-out Churchill maiden winner bobbled at the break and trailed the field during the early stages of the Adirondack S. (G2) at Saratoga last out. She advanced along the inside around the turn, then angled out and finished well for third, just missing the runner-up spot. As the morning-line favorite, Pretty Prolific looms as a top threat under new rider Rafael Bejarano.

Mamma Lina (Bennett, 6-1) — Expensive ($260k) juvenile purchase quickly scampered clear with her ears pricked, then easily increased her advantage through the stretch with her rider constantly looking back as the odds-on favorite in her debut against Illinois-breds. She is well drawn near the outside, but will have to negotiate another three furlongs while facing much better competition in this spot. Consider.

Wind Caper (Scherer, 30-1) — Makes her first start for new trainer after dueling three wide early and proving best in her debut at Presque Isle Downs. Seems unlikely.

Afleet Dancer (Gestes, 12-1) — Still a maiden, but ran the most interesting race of all in her debut. Bay filly stumbled badly about three or four strides out of the gate, raced way back around the turn, then advanced smartly in deep stretch, closing fast to just miss in a photo. The best part — she galloped out far, far in front on her own volition. Afleet Dancer breezed a mile since and rates my longshot special.

Ravin Maniac (Rivelli, 12-1) — Won the local allowance prep for this event on the front end while setting relatively slow early fractions. I’m going to take a stand against.

Post time for the Arlington-Washington Lassie is 5:25 p.m. (EDT), or 4:25 (CDT).

The card also includes an excellent edition of the Pucker Up S. (G3) for three-year-old fillies and the $50,000 Honor Glide S. Both races will be decided at nine furlongs on the turf.

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Also on Saturday, the Garden City S. (G1) and Ruffian H. (G1) will be run at Belmont Park, but with Tropical Storm Hana darting up the East Coast, there is a strong probability of rain, which likely will compromise the track and course conditions.

Desert Party rates nod in Hopeful

I am keeping one eye on the CNN coverage of Hurricane Gustav, so I’m a little distracted this Labor Day morning. As I write, CNN is reporting that flood waters are over the top of the Industrial Canal levee and in a new section of levee in the upper Ninth Ward.

The Hopeful S. (G2) is the closing day feature at Saratoga, and the prestigious seven-furlong test for two-year-olds will go a long way in establishing the leaders of the division. Lets take a closer look at each of the entrants.

Break Water Edison — Showed the ability to drop back and follow horses, then advanced nicely while in hand on the outside around the turn before challenging for the lead in upper stretch and finishing a good second to Run Away and Hide in the Saratoga Special S. (G2) on August 14. He is a primary contender.

Desert Party — Broke last, pressed from the inside, then was steadied and dropped back again near the five-sixteenths pole. Darley colorbearer had to wait in a pocket turning for home, then accelerated nicely and drew off like a good thing in the Sanford S. (G2) on a sealed, sloppy track on July 24. Everyone has noticed the relatively slow time of 1:12 1/5, but one has to look at Desert Party in the context of the race, which in many ways was run like a high-level turf event. This horse has a terrific turn of foot (as I noted in my previous posts) and should relish the added distance. At 6-1 on the morning line, he offers a prime overlay opportunity. Top choice.

Cognito — Decent maiden winner over a sealed track going 5 1/2 furlongs for trainer Steve Asmussen in his last start, but faces a class test with these. He should be included on the bottom of the vertical exotics, however.

Munnings — Todd Pletcher pupil was slow to begin, then was hustled to the lead and was under pressure for most of the race before drawing off to a 4 1/4-length victory when unveiled on July 26. The colt, who was the second-highest price at $1.7 million at the Fasig-Tipton Calder Sale, ran six furlongs in an eye-catching 1:09 4/5 and is the probable favorite. Munnings certainly looks the part, but he could be overbet in this spot.

Vineyard Heaven — Purchased by trainer Bobby Frankel following his first-out score at Calder, the gray colt offered a bid on the outside near the quarter-mile grounds before bumping the foe to his inside in upper stretch and finishing a non-threatening third to Desert Party in the Sanford. He would have to improve significantly to factor, but is another to use on the bottom of the vertical exotics as insurance.

Medaglia d’Onore — Jamie Sanders trainee makes his sixth career start following a pair of unplaced efforts at the graded level. Seems unlikely.

Notonthesamepage — Ramsey homebred was under restraint while running off on the lead through fast fractions before folding tamely in midstretch when finishing second in the 5 1/2-furlong Tyro S. at Monmouth Park last out. Probable pacesetter has the look of an underlay at 9-2 on the morning line.

Cribnote — Well-named colt had the benefit of a perfect trip against fellow state-breds before disappearing to a 13 1/2-length victory while running 5 1/2 furlongs in a sharp 1:03 1/5 last out. Richard Violette trainee is tactically drawn on the outside and is a nice one who must be respected for a part.

I am primarily going to support Desert Party, and I will use him with Break Water Edison, and to a lesser extent, with Munnings, Cribnote, Cognito, and Vineyard Heaven in the vertical exotics.

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In the third, I like Discreet Treasure, who ran a deceptively good race in his first start against winners on August 10. That day, the Stan Hough trainee displayed a totally opposite running style compared to his debut.

He broke forwardly and led the way into the first turn, then was headed while under a hold entering the backstretch. He dropped back, then advanced again on the rail to engage to a four-way duel for the lead down the backstretch.

Going into the second turn, he poked his head in front, dropped back a bit, poked his head in front again turning for home, then finished willingly to a Grade 1-placed older foe.

Discreet Treasure is a promising three-year-old who should go through his conditions quickly. I think Tend, who comes off a runner-up effort in his return, is his primary rival.

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Amazingly, there are 10 live entries on the final day of the meet in the Saratoga SHOWdown contest. The winners will divide a total pool of $35,930.

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In Saratoga Springs, it was sunny and 77 degrees with a dew point of 59 at 11:45 a.m. Another delightful late summer day will close out the meet.

Hopeful to bring down the curtain at Saratoga

I will be going out of town for the next few days, only to return in the nick of time for Sunday’s big game between UK and Louisville. My final post for the Saratoga meet will be on Monday, which will feature an in-depth analysis of the Hopeful S. (G1), and more.

After that, my blog will morph into more commentary and analysis of the industry. I am considering doing a live blog from the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

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I thought Michelle Obama hit an out-of-the-park, grand-slam home run on Monday, while Hillary did a great job of bringing unity to the democratic party last night. Bill Clinton is the featured speaker tonight, while Barack will bring it all home on Thursday.

There is a fascinating, comprehensive, in-depth profile of Obama’s rise through the Chicago political system in the July 21 edition of The New Yorker. Written by Ryan Lizza, “Making It,” can be read online at www.newyorker.com.

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Politics aside, all eyes will be on Horse of the Year Curlin in Saturday’s Woodward S. (G1). I’m anticipating another terrific performance.

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There are 12 live entries remaining in the Saratoga SHOWdown contest, so it looks as if this thing will go right down to the wire.

Until Monday…

Chartreux rates nod in Vichy

I have several pressing things on my calendar today, so this will be a short post. In addition, I will be going out of town later this week (Thursday), so my blog will be on hiatus for a few days.

A pair of stakes races for New York-breds are the highlights of Monday’s card at Saratoga. Juvenile state-bred fillies will square off in the Vichy S. at six furlongs, while older state-bred fillies and mares will decide the Saratoga Dew S. at nine furlongs.

In the Vichy, I like Chartreux, who adds blinkers after a slow-break, wide sixth in the opening-day Schuylerville S. (G3). My notes indicate that she made a good run on the outside around the turn and that I gave her the coveted plus sign.

Ice Cool Kitty will go for her second consecutive victory in the Saratoga Dew, but two horses who finished in front of her in the Fleet Indian S. on July 30 — Talking Treasure and Morning Gallop — are also entered. I likely will just watch the race (on replay).

In the third, a nice group of two-year-olds will vie over seven furlongs. Darley Stabes’ Regal Ransom fetched $675,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Calder Sale after working one furlong in :10 1/5. The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee will have to work out a trip from the rail post, however.

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After Mistical Plan eliminated one entry in yesterday’s Ballerina S. (G1), there are 12 live entries remaining in the Saratoga SHOWdown contest.

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In Saratoga Springs, it is partly cloudy and 75 degrees with a dew point of 64 at 11:25 a.m. (EDT). As such, it is a little humid, with a 20 percent chance of rain this afternoon.

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I hope everyone watches the democrat and republican conventions, and more importantly, all of the debates, in order to make a more informed decision when voting in November. I, for one, will be watching PBS, which is offering uninterrupted, gavel-to-gavel coverage. Michelle Obama is the featured speaker tonight in Denver.

Jibboom could surprise in Ballerina

The 139th edition of the Travers S. (G1) will surely go down in the books as one of the most roughly run races in the history of the 1 1/4-mile test. My top selection, Pyro, looked like he was cut in half turning for home, yet he still managed to finish third.

My condolences to those who had Mambo In Seattle and thought they had won the race, only to be denied by the photo-finish camera. I’ve been on the wrong end of several photos this meet, and it seems as if there is no such thing as a dead-heat at Saratoga. The placing judges are separating the horses by the thinnest of margins — just ask the connections of Lemon Drop Mom in Friday’s Personal Ensign S. (G1).

Indyanne was very unlucky to lose the Victory Ride S. (G3). She is clearly a super-nice filly. My recommend price-play, Porte Bonheur, won and paid $24.60.

My old friend Distorted Reality was in a good stalking position, but failed to quicken when the real running started and finished unplaced in the Bernard Baruch H. (G2).

I ended up playing Desert Key to win in the King’s Bishop S. (G1), and he ran well, finishing a good second after a compromised, off-the-pace inside trip. He is definitely a serious sophomore sprinter.

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On today’s card, which features several good races, including the Ballerina S. (G1) for fillies and mares, I might take a close look at Hatta Fort (GB) in the third. The Godolphin colorbearer is way overdue to clear his second allowance condition.

In the fifth, the Neil Howard-trained Wending and Lantern (who is a main-track-only entrant), are intriguing longshots at 20-1 on the morning line.

In the sixth, an excellent field of two-year-old fillies will go postward. First timers Nika (Kiaran McLaughin), A. P. Elegance (Steve Asmussen), Cheering (Shug McGaughey), Heavenly Vision (Bob Baffert), Shine Softy (James Toner), Amazon Lily (David Carroll), and Sara Louise (Dale Romans) are hard to separate.

In the eighth, Dress Parade, who is 30-1 on the morning line, will make her first start on turf. She is out of a Lord At War (Arg) mare and could factor at a price.

In the tenth, the Ballerina, the Bobby Frankel-trained Jibboom, is an interesting turn-back, off-the-turf sort. She will be making her first start on a dirt track in the seven-furlong event, but she won the Raven Run S. (G2) at Keeneland and could surprise at 12-1 on the morning line.

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After Prussian knocked out one entry yesterday, there are 13 live entries remaining in the Saratoga SHOWdown contest.

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Another delightful day is on tap weather-wise at the Spa. It was fair and 77 degrees with a dew point of 65 at 12:05 p.m. (EDT). There is a 20 percent chance of rain.

Travers Day!

The Travers Day program is one of the toughest cards I’ve seen in a while. The first six races are all highly competitive events with full fields. In those, I’m just going to make small wagers and look for a little value.

In the seventh, I am drawn to Prussian. Normally a front runner, the Bill Mott trainee displayed a completely new dimension when he was taken back off the early pace, rated kindly, then closed nicely for runner-up honors to Luck Money in the Majestic Light S. last out. He returns in a second-level allowance event and should be hard to keep off the board.

In the eighth, which kicks off an all-graded-stakes Pick 4 with a guaranteed pool of $1 million, the undefeated Indyanne is the horse to beat. She is not that fast away from the gate, but she quickly accelerates into a high cruising speed and has yet to be tested in any way. What I like the most about her is that she doesn’t get nervous when other horses are in front or around her. She simply gallops away as smooth as a pearl.

A longshot to consider is Porte Bonheur, who finished well to capture the Flanders S. at this track and trip in her last start. She is 8-1 on the morning line. Sly Storm is another useful sort who has the advantage of the outside post.

In the ninth, anyone who knows me knows that I have always liked Distorted Reality (see previous posts). In his most recent outing, the Todd Pletcher trainee was checked sharply midway around the far turn before finishing with interest to run a close fourth at 24-1 in the Fourstardave H. (G2). I think this horse is way overdue to be a graded stakes winner. In fact, he is less than three lengths shy of being undefeated in three graded stakes on the turf at Saratoga. I plan to wheel him on top with everything in the trifecta.

His primary contender could be Thorn Song, who finished a nose in front of him in the Fourstardave. The Dale Romans trainee looms as the controlling speed — if jockey Julien Leparoux chooses to use it.

If you throw out his last race, Proudinsky must be respected. A longshot to consider is Yate’s Black Cat, who advanced nicely on the far turn before finishing a game second from between foes in the Sea o’ Erin H. at Arlington Park last out. He is 15-1 on the morning line.

In the tenth, J Be K is the 5-2 morning line favorite in the King’s Bishop S. (G1), but he could be vulnerable in this spot. After back-to-back daylight victories in the Jersey Shore S. (G3) and Woody Stephens S. (G2), the Steve Asmussen trainee will be facing a class test. There is plenty of other speed present, so I recommend caution.

I am intrigued by Desert Key, who is a big, good-looking creature. The James Jerkens trainee went right to the front and set fast fractions while opening up a clear lead around the turn with his rider sitting chilly, then turned for home under a hand ride before dueling with, and losing a photo to, Kodiak Kowboy in the Amsterdam S. (G2) last out. He breaks on the rail and gets a rider change to John Velazquez.

Kodiak Kowboy and Lantana Mob, who are coupled in the wagering, are both in with a shot. Either of these Vinery sophomores are come-from-behind threats. A longshot to consider is Silver Edition.

The 139th running of the Travers S. (G1), the so-called “Mid-Summer Derby” for three-year-olds, is the marquee race of the meet. The 1 1/4-mile main track test appears to be a wide-open event, but I had no trouble landing on Pyro. Right behind him I like Court Vision, and to a much lesser extent, Cool Coal Man and Colonel John.

Pyro was one of three horses I liked in this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) (the others being Big Brown and Adriano), but like many others, he never had a chance. I see no reason to abandon him now.

After the Derby, the Steve Asmussen trainee returned with a solid stalk-and-pounce victory in the Northern Dancer S. (G3). In his most recent start, he was way back early, advanced nicely on the outside around the far turn, then closed determinedly in the stretch, finishing a close second to Macho Again in the Jim Dandy S. (G2). He is a gutsy little thing with a big late kick, and despite being the 7-2 morning line favorite, should offer good value. I plan to wheel him on top with everything in the trifecta.

Court Vision, a solid closer who never seemed to put it all together earlier this season, was remarkable in his second start on the turf in the Virginia Derby (G2). The Bill Mott pupil ran along the inside in a pocket, had to wait momentarily turning for home, then split horses and finished gamely while on even terms with division leader Gio Ponti. If my budget allows, I will also wheel him on top with everything in the tri.

I thought Cool Coal Man ran a good race for third behind Big Brown in the Haskell Invitational (G1), and as everyone knows, trainer Nick Zito is always dangerous in these top-level events. He will no doubt be equipped with jar caulks. Colonel John was widely considered to be the best three-year-old on the west coast earlier this year and must be respected.

ESPN will provide live coverage from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. (EDT).

Good luck to one and all.

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In Saratoga Springs, it was fair and 75 degrees with a dew point of 58 at 11:45 a.m. There is only a 10 percent chance of rain.

Spotlight on Personal Ensign

Ginger Punch looms as the one to beat in today’s Personal Ensign S. (G1) at Saratoga, but at 4-5 on the morning line, it may not be a walk in the park for the Bobby Frankel trainee.

Ginger Punch, who comes off her second consecutive victory in the nine-furlong Go For Wand H. (G1), will be trying 10 furlongs for the very first time in the Personal Ensign and likely will be challenged by Unbridled Belle, who defeated her on the square in last year’s Beldame S. (G1). The latter, trained by Todd Pletcher, will break to her immediate inside and will receive four pounds from the reigning champion.

A sleeper to consider is the Bill Mott-trained Indescribable, who was held up along the inside around the first turn, followed Ginger Punch in a pocket down the backstretch, was steadied briefly from between foes near the half-mile pole, then was blocked completely along the fence in upper stretch, before finishing a good third in the Go For Wand. She is 12-1 on the morning line and goes under Kent Desormeaux.

In the first, I am intrigued by Globalization, who drops in for $35,000 claiming. The dark bay sophomore ran against the best two-year-olds on the grounds here last season and was well regarded enough to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). The Richard Violette trainee has not been finishing very well going long against allowance foes in his last two starts, but he has an interesting series of works since. Globalization will begin on the rail and may be able to lead this group on a chase-around. I will take a good look at him in the post parade. Longshots to consider are Oldham and Love Everybody.

In the fifth, Captain Sword should be hard to deny in his first start off the claim for Richard Dutrow, who has a 35 percent strike rate in this category. The New York-bred sophomore was way back in the early going in his well-bet debut, then angled out and closed well through the stretch, finishing a close third. He figures to improve and is tactically drawn on the outside. Moreover, he has worked well since, goes an additional furlong, and gets a rider change to Edgar Prado.

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I plan to get to work on tomorrow’s Travers Day card and will post my selections in the morning.

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I don’t know about you, but I sure had a good laugh yesterday when a reporter asked presidential candidate John McCain how many houses he and his wife owned — and he didn’t know. He said he would have to ask a staff member. The answer is seven, possibly eight.

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In Saratoga Springs, it was sunny and 71 degrees with a dew point of 60 at 10:25 a.m. (EDT). Another nice day is in store, weather-wise.