Sagamoon's talent a key to Busher

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Thus far, Sagamoon's talent has overcome her immaturity. If that continues to be the case, then Sagamoon will certainly be tough to beat in Sunday's $65,000 Busher Stakes at Aqueduct.

Sagamoon, a 3-year-old New York-bred daughter of Malibu Moon, brings a three-race winning streak into the Busher, run for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles. It includes a victory in last month's Busanda in which Sagamoon drifted out badly in deep stretch. She also drifted out while winning a first-level allowance race over the inner track last Nov. 18.

"Physically, there's nothing wrong with her,'' said Andy Rehm, assistant to trainer Tom Albertrani. "I think it's just a case of her goofing off. She doesn't do that here [at Belmont], and at Aqueduct she did it in the exact same spot both times. I don't know what she's seeing, but she's got her eye on something.''

Rehm believes Sagamoon - the 122-pound highweight under Eibar Coa on Sunday - is better with a target in front of her, something she should get with Margies Smile in the race. However, Margies Smile may just be good enough to wire this field.

A New York-bred daughter of Wheelaway, Margies Smile has won both of her starts in front-running fashion - included a two-length victory in a first-level allowance race in her first start around two turns. She blew out three furlongs in a swift 35.89 seconds on Friday.

Trainer Gary Contessa saddled the second-, third- and fourth-place finishers behind Sagamoon in the Busanda. My Kitty, who finished second, and Bare Dancer, who finished fourth, are back to try Sagamoon again. Since the Busanda, Bare Dancer went to Maryland and won the Wide Country Stakes on Feb. 10. My Kitty won the East View over the inner track before the Busanda.

Both fillies are closers and could be compromised by the potential of a moderate pace. Alan Garcia rides Bare Dancer, while Channing Hill pilots My Kitty.

Rosie's Attitude is a potential upsetter. After a disappointing career debut on turf, Rosie's Attitude has a win and two seconds over the inner track this winter, with all three races at a mile. Trainer Tom Bush believes the additional distance of the Busher will help Rosie's Attitude.

"She'll run as far as they write them,'' said Bush, who has Norberto Arroyo to ride from the rail.

Olivine, who won her first try around two turns, completes the field.