Yonkers: Friday 8/28 Analysis
Brewster Smith's analysis of the Friday 8/28 card at Yonkers Raceway.
Brewster SmithAug 26, 2015
Brewster Smith's analysis of the Friday 8/28 card at Yonkers Raceway.
Bob Baffert insists he doesn’t hate Saratoga. Baffert’s eight stakes wins at Saratoga since 1999 include Grade 1 staples such as the Travers, Alabama, King’s Bishop, Forego and two Tests. So, what’s not to like?
Christophe Clement trains Lubash and Discreet Marq, whom he says are doing well and ready for battle in Friday’s West Point Stakes and Yaddo Stakes for New York-breds on turf.
There is no ignoring what the 5-year-old mare Beholder did to the million-dollar Pacific Classic last weekend at Del Mar, and what it could mean about the national profile of the game.
Obey became the leader of the California-bred 2-year-old filly division with her win in the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes at Del Mar on July 31. With the win comes a target, as the filly to beat in Friday’s $150,000 Generous Portion Stakes.
Smile Again Theta will appreciate not having to face Rock and Glory when she runs in a $35,000 optional-claiming race at Northlands Park on Friday night.
Corey Lanerie has left the Saratoga meet after a disappointing few weeks at the Spa to return to Kentucky, where on Saturday he is named on three mounts at Ellis Park.
Kentucky Downs will begin its annual five-day meet a week from Saturday on Sept. 5, with purses and anticipation higher than ever.
Three-time Kentucky Derby-winning rider Calvin Borel has hired retired jockey Larry Melancon as his new agent and will be back in the saddle at Churchill and Kentucky Downs after spending most of the last two months at his new residence in Florida.
Jockey Victor Espinoza is hitting the dance floor. Espinoza will be a celebrity guest on the popular “Dancing with the Stars” television program on ABC this fall. The first episode is scheduled for Sept. 14. The full cast for the program is scheduled to be announced next week.