Stretch-out not the issue in With Anticipation

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - It would seem to reason that horses with two-turn experience would have an edge over those without in a race like Friday's Grade 3, $100,000 With Anticipation Stakes for 2-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles over Saratoga's outer turf course.

But three of the first four winners of this race were stretching out from sprint races. So perhaps in seeking the winner of the fifth running of the With Anticipation, it's more advisable to seek excellence over experience. In winning his going 5 1/2 furlongs here on Aug. 6, Jung Man Scott was excellent, rolling to an 8 1/4-length victory against New York-breds.

The With Anticipation heads a nine-race card that begins at 2:30 p.m. A pick-six sequence with a will start with race 4, one race after the With Anticipation. A field of 11 was entered for turf, but only 10 will be permitted to run. Trainer Wesley Ward will start Mississippi Hippie while electing to scratch the unbeaten Strike the Tiger, who will run in Monday's Cradle Stakes at River Downs.

Jung Man Scott, a son of Freud, defeated nine rivals in front-running fashion as the 3-5 favorite under Ramon Dominguez. He ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:02.40 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 86. Trainer Richard Dutrow is looking forward to stretching him out in distance.

"I'm under the impression that's what he's supposed to be doing," Dutrow said. "I'm not so much worried about that, just the competition."

Red Rally is another who is stretching out from a sprint for the first time. With the scratch of Strike the Tiger, Red Rally becomes the only multiple winner in the field.

For those who prefer horses with route experience, Mississippi Hippie and Paddy O'Prado fit the bill. Mississippi Hippie was beaten by 107-1 shot Two Notch Road in the at Monmouth Park on Aug. 6. Mississippi Hippie was used in a duel, while Two Notch Road - who is in this field - benefited from the lively pace.

"I'm coming back a little quick, but it might be to my advantage, because he just ran a mile,'' Ward said.

Two Notch Road was a maiden when he won the Continental Mile. Paddy O'Prado is a maiden entering the With Anticipation. Paddy O'Prado was by Dean's Kitten - also entered here - but had significant trouble in the race.

"He was hung wide in the first turn, steadied at the quarter pole, he finally figured out what he was supposed to be doing at the three-sixteenths pole, and come running," said trainer Dale Romans.