Litfin's preview: A Fourstardave without Wise Dan

Saturday, Aug. 9, preview

A FOURSTARDAVE WITHOUT WISE DAN

The Fourstardave, formerly the Daryl’s Joy, was run at 1 1/16 miles until shortened to a mile in 2012, when Wise Dan won by five lengths on yielding turf. The two-time Horse of the Year had to work a bit harder last year but still prevailed while carrying 129 pounds and spotting runner-up King Kreesa 12 pounds, getting the mile in 1:34 flat over a “good” inner course, just three ticks off the record.

In Wise Dan’s absence, this year’s running drew a field of six, which is a remarkably disappointing turnout for a Grade 2 race with a $500,000 purse.

At least it is a competitive group, with a potential cat-and-mouse pace battle between Silver Max (the only horse to beat Wise Dan during the past two years) and Sayaad, who came very close to the one-mile course record in wiring a small stakes race last year.

If a contested pace unfolds, as it figures to on paper (something that doesn’t always happen in grass routes on this circuit), Jack Milton, Seek Again, and Grand Arch stand to benefit mightily.

PLETCHER 2-YEAR-OLDS SPOTLIGHTED

Todd Pletcher, atop the standings in search of an 11th Saratoga training title, has five 2-year-olds in maiden races going short on dirt (race 4) and long on turf (race 6).

Two Weeks Off, a $320,000 buy at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale, is on the rail for Starlight Racing and Pletcher in race 4 and might have the speed to hold his position, judging from some quick workouts, notably a bullet gate move July 23.

Pletcher also unveils Dada Maino, a colt by freshman sire Super Saver who breaks from the far outside.

In race 6, Pletcher has Designed for War in the main body as well as Mr. Discreet on the also-eligible list and Money Changer for dirt only.

Designed for War has turned in five local grass works since June, including two bullet moves at five furlongs.

BE BULLISH CLOSING IN ON $1 MILLION

The 9-year-old campaigner Be Bullish makes the 81st start of his career in race 5 as part of a David Jacobson-trained entry with Indy Tune.

Be Bullish looks for his 16th victory and, if he gets it, would surpass $1 million in earnings. The big question for the gray gelding is the distance, as he has won just once at seven furlongs.

PICK SIX CARRYOVER

Wallyanna ($49.20) took Friday’s Grade 2 Hall of Fame Stakes as the rank outsider, helping to produce a pick six carryover of $88,472. If you’re playing it, you can sleep in. The pick six begins with race 6 at 3:58 p.m.

$500,000 LATE PICK FOUR

The late pick four, which offers a $500,000-guaranteed pool on most Saturdays at the Spa, gets underway with race 8 at 5:04 p.m.

HORSE TO WATCH

CHIEF KITTEN
Trainer: Chad Brown
Last race: Aug. 7, 3rd
Finish: 2nd by 2
Beyer: 62
This first-time starter was off slowly and a dozen lengths off the early lead, rallied wide into the stretch, and made up a lot of ground in a race won by his uncoupled stablemate.