Illman's preview: Artemis Agrotera on track for Breeders' Cup

Saturday’s featured eighth race is the Grade 2, $300,000 Gallant Bloom Handicap for fillies and mares at 6 1/2 furlongs. The expected odds-on favorite and horse to beat is Artemis Agrotera, a 3-year-old who dominated her elders in capturing the Grade 1 Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 23.

Although she is undefeated from three starts at the Spa, she is hardly a horse for course. Last fall, Artemis Agrotera grabbed the Grade 1 Frizette Stakes at Belmont.

Artemis Agrotera shows two bullet workouts in preparation for the Gallant Bloom and boasts the tactical speed to sit just off the early leaders. The inside post is slightly concerning, but Artemis Agrotera looms a single in the late pick four.

If you’re trying to beat the favorite, there are some classy alternatives. La Verdad is undefeated at Belmont and should appreciate cutting back slightly in distance. She is pure speed and will be on the pace along with Artemis Agrotera’s uncoupled stablemate Bridgehampton.

Merry Meadow is as honest as the day is long. She’s hit the board in 20 of 22 starts and took the Grade 3 Vagrancy Handicap over this course and distance in the spring. The late-running Willet has a puncher’s chance from the back of the pack, especially if the early pace is hot and contested.

Bunch of babies

Those expecting to pare down their late pick four tickets by singling Artemis Agrotera must deal blindly with a pair of 2-year-old maiden races to close out the card. Here are some brief pedigree highlights:

Race 9
Street Jersey – Half-brother to Grade 1 Cigar Mile winner Jersey Town out of three-time Grade 1 winner Jersey Girl.

Signature Look – Half-brother to multiple Grade 2 turf winner Casino Host.

Skill Not Luck – Half-brother to turf stakes winner Left a Message.

Take Cover – Half-brother to stakes-winning sprinter Gleaming Elegance (101 Beyer top), multiple stakes-winning sprinter Juliet’s Spirit (98 Beyer), and multiple stakes-winner Vuitton.

First Down – The second dam, Crimplene, won three Group 1 races on turf in Europe.

Verger – Half-brother to Grade 3-placed router Hakama and a full brother to stakes-placed sprinter Bind (105 Beyer top).

Race 10
Grey Wizard – Half-brother to stakes-winning dirt router Street Storm. Dam was multiple stakes placed on dirt.

Combat Diver – Half-brother to multiple stakes-winning turf router Joy.

Made in Detroit – Second dam is Grade 2 dirt route winner Dixie Flag (109 Beyer top).

Sanad – Half-brother to stakes-placed turf router Blameshifter.

Fire Away – Half-brother to Grade 1 turf route winner Mr. Speaker.

Sky Tower – Half-brother to European turf stakes winner Penglai Pavilion.

Salty New York-bred allowance

The fourth race, a strong allowance race for statebred milers, spices up the early multiple-leg wagers. Big Business, most recently second in the Grade 1 Forego Stakes at Saratoga, brings a 5-for-7 local record to the party. He’ll tackle the brilliant but brittle Saratoga Snacks, the speedy stakes winner Escapefromreality, and venerable veteran Spa City Fever.

Horse to watch

CEASE
Trainer: Jason Servis
Last Race: Sept. 18, 8th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/4 lengths
Beyer: 101

It appeared this classy old-timer was past his prime, but he reached way back in his first start off the Jason Servis claim. Showed good speed and was hounded every step of the way by the odds-on favorite. Although no match for that one in track record time, he was very game along the inside and must be respected in a similar spot.