Trip Notes for October 4-6, 2019: Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, Shadwell Turf Mile, and more

Oct. 4

Keeneland
Phoenix (race 8)

COMMENT: Engage may have earned a trip to Santa Anita for the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint Nov. 2 after a game tally here. The $550,000 son of Into Mischief had always shown potential, being a Grade 3 winner and multiple Grade 3-placed for trainer Chad Brown. Coming off a game stakes win at Parx Sept. 2 in his first start for new trainer Steve Asmussen he sat well back early here while wide as favorite Promises Fulfilled and longshot Zipp On By dueled up front through solid splits, swung wide on the far turn to start a run, remained wide down the lane as he finished resolutely to get up for the score. This was nice to be sure, though main Sprint favorites Mitole, Imperial Hint and Shancelot probably aren’t quaking in their boots over this. Whitmore, the fine old veteran, second in this last year and freshened since a dull eighth in the Grade 2 True North at Belmont June 7, had no early speed, as usual, to be last early, was still well back going to the far turn, pitched wide into the lane, finished strongly outside the winner but couldn’t quite get to him. This could lead to another shot at the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, a race in which he ran second at Churchill last year. Lexitonian, a 3-year-old son of champion sprinter facing elders for the first time, moved back to dirt after a dull seventh in a Grade 3 turf stakes at Kentucky Downs Sept. 12. From his far outside post he showed speed to sit third, stalking the dueling leaders, came with a nice run into the lane to take over from those tiring pacesetters, was immediately taken on by Recruiting Ready with the eventual winner moving up to his outside, stayed on well and while unable to finish with the winner just lost second in the final strides. Recruiting Ready stalked the pace, came with a nice run into the lane to challenge for the lead but couldn’t sustain his bid. Promises Fulfilled, the defending champ looking to bounce back off duel-and-fizzle to sixth in the Grade 1 Forego at Saratoga Aug. 24, showed his customary speed to go out to the early lead, was immediately taken on by speedy longshot Zipp On By to his outside, dueled with that rival to the top of the lane was still there to midstretch before relenting. Considering his love for this track (won his only two prior starts here) this result may bring into question whether he’s sharp enough to venture west for the Breeders’ Cup. Trainer Dale Romans said the Breeders’ Cup was still very much in play, though he was uncertain now as to whether that means the Sprint or the Dirt Mile.

Keeneland
Alcibiades (race 9)

COMMENT: British Idiom dueled and drew off to win her sprint debut at Saratoga Aug. 15 and despite numerous hurdles (first time shipping, first time vs. winners, first time routing) the daughter of Flashback passed with flying colors, likely earning a trip to Santa Anita for the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Nov. 1. She broke well, established a nice stalking trip as Spitefulness set a modest pace, stayed there between horses, moved up easily going into the far turn to go after then-leader Sequin, had little trouble overtaking that filly into the lane to her outside, then blew the race open as she drew off to a big lead and didn’t have a nervous moment in the lane. Perfect Alibi, the slight favorite after winning three of her first route including taking the Grade 2 Adirondack at Saratoga Aug. 4 and Grade 1 Spinaway there Sept. 1, sat midpack from the start while a wide, remained toward the outside down the backstretch a couple lengths behind the eventual winner, advanced some on the far turn while still wide, came with a steady run in the lane but was never really a danger to the big winner. Like the winner a trip to Santa Anita is reportedly the plan for her. Alandra, well regarded after a game debut sprint win at Saratoga Sept. 1, got bumped and banged around at the break to get away slowly, ending up well back early, remained well back while saving ground going down the backstretch, finally got into gear on the turn for home and into the lane, finishing with good energy, though she was never really a factor. She’ll reportedly return to New York and target the Grade 3 Tempted at Aqueduct Nov. 1 and Grade 2 Demoiselle there Dec. 7. Sequin, a $500,000 daughter of Bayern, stalked early pacesetter Spitefulness toward the outside, moved up easily to take over from that tiring rival on the far turn, was immediately confronted by the eventual winner to her outside, proved no match for that gal into the lane and weakened in the final furlong.

Oct. 5

Belmont
Matron (race 6)

COMMENT: Alms was heavily favored after blasting maiden fillies in her turf sprint debut on the Widener Course here Sept. 19 and looked just as good beating these tougher rivals. A bit rambunctious in the gate she still broke well from her rail slot, was content to pull back as Time Limit set a modest pace under pressure from Pure Wow to her outside, saved ground as she sat back doing down the backstretch, came off the inside going to the far turn, moved wide on the turn to start her run, pitched wide into the lane, was asked for more once straightened away, brushed with Karak to her inside but found her top strides, reeled in leader Time Limit, opened up and was geared down in the final strides. Off this they might be tempted to tackle boys in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Nov. 1. Time Limit, trying turf for the first time off a fourth in a New York-bred dirt stakes here Sept. 18, broke alertly, went right to the lead, moved to the rail while taking pressure from Pure Wow to her outside, stayed on the rail turning for home, dispatched with Pure Wow, opened up a clear lead but was no match when the winner came at her to her outside. A Freud of Mama stalked the pace, made a mild run into the lane, getting up for third while no danger to the top two. Karak, the second choice off a big win over boys in the Tyro on turf at Monmouth Aug. 3, was headstrong from the start, fighting her rider as he tried to get her to settle in stalking position a few lanes off the rail, finally seemed to stop fighting her rider going into the far turn, came out into the lane to be just inside the eventual winner, brushed with that rival once straightened away but was unable to mount a serious bid.

Belmont
Hill Prince (race 8)

COMMENT: Neptune’s Storm struck a blow for the West Coast horses here as after a number of good efforts in California the son of Stormy Atlantic shipped East and beat most of the top East Coast 3-year-old male turfers. He showed speed to get position stalking favorite A Thread of Blue, chased that rival through slow splits while a few lanes off the rail, moved closer to that foe turning for home, doggedly went after him into the lane, reeled him in by deep stretch and edged clear late. This likely sends him back to Southern California for races like the Grade 2 Twilight Derby at Santa Anita and Grade 1 Hollywood Derby at Del Mar. A Thread of Blue, favored as he cut back in distance after fading to fourth in the 1 1/2- mile Jockey Club Derby here Sept. 7, went right to the lead as expected, was able to set a dawdling pace under minimal pressure from the eventual winner, stayed inside as he tried to kick away turning for home, battled gamely when taken on by the winner but couldn’t outfinish him. Standard Deviation, smashing winner of the Jersey Derby at Monmouth Aug. 18, sat midpack from the start just a few lengths off the lead, bided his time there between horses, came with a run in the lane, was no threat to the winner and just failed to catch the runner-up. Digital Age got bumped at the start to be well back early, then checked and steadied into the first turn, remained well back, was bottled up going to the far turn and on the far turn, finally found a lane between horses into the stretch but it was far too late. The trip and pace completely worked against him. Both he and Standard Deviation are Chad Brown trainees and he’s routinely targeted the Hollywood Derby so both or either could target that race, along with his talented Front End the Fed. Bourbon War had the same excuse as after some early trouble he was last into the first turn, still last going down the backstretch to the far turn, moved wide on the turn as if poised to make a run, pitched wide into the lane but never mustered a rally. With the pace scenario no one really made up any serious ground.

Belmont
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (race 9)

COMMENT: Arklow finally got that elusive Grade 1 win in an oddly run race, and to his credit he was able to adjust and prevail. The pace seemed destined to be in the hands of upstart Cross Border but when that guy pulled back going under the wire the first time it tossed the pace scenario up in the air. Instead, it was defending champ Channel Maker who ended up on the lead. Arklow stalked ‘Maker’s dawdling pace while wide, got pushed wide into the first run, remained wide out as he sat just off the slow fractions, moved up to challenge turning for home and gamely prevailed in a blanket finish. This surely earns him a shot at the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita Nov. 2 but just as surely European connections aren’t quaking in their shoes over this result. Channel Maker ended up on the lead, set dawdling splits with Sadler’s Joy and Arklow in close attendance, remained on the fence throughout, battled back gamely when confronted by those two and others into the lane but just couldn’t quite outfinish those winner. Sadler’s Joy, the defending champ, usually sits far back and makes a run but this time found himself pressing the very slow pace between horses. He remained there throughout, battled gamely through the lane with Arklow to his outside and Channel Maker to his inside to be a good third. Zulu Alpha, coming off a big win over Arklow in the Grade 3 Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs Sept. 7, bided his time while saving ground, remained there as the field was fairly static to the far turn, came out for room into the lane but with the pace scenario was trying to catch fresh horses and couldn’t do it. Ya Primo, who went far too fast too soon before ending up ninth in the Grade 1 Sword Dancer, this time was taken back, but fought his rider early, steadied sharply off horses’ heels going into the first turn, then veering to the outside to avoid more trouble, ending up very wide, sucked back to last well behind the field, was urged to get more involved going to the far turn, advanced to loom a threat while widest of all turning for home but as with the other closers had no chance to catch the fresh runners up front and was guided home safely in the final half-furlong once all was lost. It’s likely back to the drawing board with this guy as his sharp second in the Grade 2 Bowling Green in his U.S. debut at Saratoga July 27 and multiple Grade 1 wins in Chile show he’s a much better horse than this.

Belmont
Champagne (race 10)

COMMENT: Tiz the Law cause quite a stir when he romped over NY-bred maidens in his debut at Saratoga Aug. 8. Well, there’s even more sizzle to this son of Constitution as he was an impressive winner over the best New York juvenile males around. He stumbled a bit at the start to get away slowly, moved to the inside behind horses, was a bit rank and fighting his rider as he came up on horses’ heels down the backstretch, finally settled a couple lengths off a modest pace set by Green Light Go and Gozilla, moved through between rivals to get just in behind those two, shifted out for room into the lane and blasted to the lead, opening up and winning handily, though his head was tilted toward the outside some in the lane. There’s still a lot of greenness here but there’s certainly lots of talent. You thought this might set up a mouthwatering Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile clash with Dennis’ Moment, Eight Rings and Maxfield at Santa Anita Nov. 1 but his owners said the Breeders’ Cup is “highly unlikely,” that it might be asking too much of a young horse. He might instead target the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Nov. 30 or the Grade 2 Remsen at Aqueduct Dec. 7. Green Light Go broke well, went right to the lead with Gozilla to his outside, dueled with that rival through modest splits while holding the fence, battled back gamely into the lane with that foe, had no answer for the winner’s charge wider out but kept to his task gamely to keep second. There’s no reason they shouldn’t consider a trip to Santa Anita off this. Big City Bob, game winner of the Sapling at Monmouth Sept. 1, sat a couple lengths off the pace, remained there to the top of the lane, shifted out for room and finished smartly to get up for third. Gozilla, smashing debut winner at Saratoga Aug. 10 but then third in the slop in the Grade 1 Hopeful there Sept. 2, broke well, went right up to duel up front with Green Light Go to his inside, remained alongside that rival to the top of the lane, looked as though he might be getting the better of Green Light Go in the stretch, though the winner blew past to his outside as this guy seemed to tire a bit in the final furlong. Could be his best game will be going shorter than this. Alpha Sixty Six, game debut winner here Sept. 7, broke awkwardly to be at the back of the pack, came off the inside going to the far turn, moved wider still into the lane and finished decently, though he was never really a danger.

Parx
Greenwood Cup (race 8)

COMMENT: Adventist was 50-1 because he’d won just one of his last 24 and save for that starter allowance win in slop here July 23 hadn’t done much in numerous starts prior and in two starts since. However, the 6-year-old gelding got a shot at a new game, 1 1/2 miles, and that apparently did the trick as he posted a huge upset. He lagged back early as another longshot, Asphalt Paving, set a slow early pace, bided his time at the back, started to advance going to the far turn, came out turning for home as he continued his run, reeled in leaders Marconi and War Story and drew clear to win fairly easily. Since he may have found his niche they could look at the Grade 2 Marathon at 1 3/4 miles at Santa Anita Nov. 1. War Story, getting some class relief after fading to sixth in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar Aug. 17, pressed early pacesetter Asphalt Paving through modest splits, took over from that tiring rival going to the far turn, held a narrow lead as he was challenged by favorite Marconi to his outside, dueled with that foe to midstretch, was getting the better of Marconi inside the eighth pole only to have the winner surge past to his outside. The Marathon may be on his radar as well. Marconi, the heavy favorite off a smart stakes win at this distance at Belmont Sept. 7, stalked the pace, moved up to be just behind War Story when that rival moved to the lead, engaged that foe going to the far turn, battled with War Story, put his head in front of that foe by the eighth pole but then couldn’t keep pace with War Story to his inside while Adventist surged past to his outside.

Keeneland
Woodford (race 6)

COMMENT: Stubbins appears to have found his niche. While he’s a stakes winner routing (on sloppy going) this marks a fifth good turf sprint and may have earned him a shot at the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Nov. 2. Coming a solid rallying second in the Grade 3 Franklin-Simpson at Kentucky Downs Sept. 12, he bided his time early just a couple lanes off the rail, advanced turning for home, moved wider out into the lane and finished resolutely to catch and edge past Leinster. He set a course and stakes record. Leinster, coming off a rallying third in the Grade 3 Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs Sept. 7, sat a few lengths off the brisk pace set by Satellite Storm while just outside Imprimis, advanced turning for home, jostled a bit with Imprimis to his inside as the two were rallying side-by-side in the lane, grabbed the lead inside the eighth pole but couldn’t withstand the winner’s rally. Santa Anita may still be in his plans as well. Imprimis, favored off a troubled fourth in the Turf Sprint a nose behind Leinster, found trouble again. He broke well, stalked while staying on the rail, had to check when running up on horses’ heels going into the far turn, remained trapped inside Leinster, tried to find a seam in the lane only to jostle some with Leinster who kept him hemmed in along the fence, had to wait for Leinster to go past, was then able to get out of his box but it was too late. Smart Remark, second just ahead of Leinster and Imprimis in the Turf Sprint, was midpack from the start, tried to make a run turning for home between horses, made a bit of progress but was never really a threat. Extravagant Kid broke well from his rail slot, pressed the pace while inside, stalked in third at Satellite Storm set the pace, was trapped inside into the lane behind the leaders, checked hard in midstretch, came off the rail but it was far too late.

Keeneland
Thoroughbred Club of America (race 7)

COMMENT: Spiced Perfection hadn’t run since finishing fourth in the Grade 1 Humana Distaff on the Kentucky Derby undercard at Churchill Downs May 4 and her return looked doomed here when she stumbled badly coming out of the gate, nearly losing her rider. However, she overcame that and showed her love for this place as she rallied to win. After the troubled start she was last as Talk Veuve to Me went out to a clear lead setting a solid pace, rushed up inside to get back into the race, sat midpack while saving ground, moved up nicely turning for home, bulled her way between tiring pacesetter Talk Veuve to Me to her inside and Mia Mischief to her outside in the lane as she came with her run, grabbed the lead and held off a hard-charging Dawn the Destroyer. She’s now 2 for 2 here and off this almost certainly figures to return to her Santa Anita base for a shot at the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. One concern: her time was actually slower than what juvenile filly maidens did in race 1. Dawn the Destroyer, second to top distaff sprinter Come Dancing in the Grade 1 Ballerina at Saratoga Aug. 24, was away slowly to be last early, remained there to the far turn, started to advance while wide, pitched wider still into the lane and finished strongly but just failed to catch the winner. She could be Santa Anita bound as well. Mia Mischief, fifth in the Ballerina but winner of her only prior start here in 2017, showed speed to chase Talk to Veuve Me from the start, sat just off that rival to the far turn, looked in trouble when that rival opened up into the lane but kept to her task to go after that foe, was getting the better of that rival only to have Spiced Perfection burst through to her inside and Dawn the Destroyer sweep past to her outside. Chalon, coming off a smart stakes win at Parx Sept. 2, showed speed to stalk the pace just outside Mia Mischief, loomed a threat turning for home and into the lane while still just outside and behind Mia Mischief but flattened out once straightened away.

Keeneland
First Lady (race 8)

COMMENT: Uni showed again there aren’t too many distaffers better at a mile than she (maybe only Got Stormy) as she blasted home to be an easy winner. Coming off a third to Got Stormy while facing males in the Grade 1 Fourstardave at Saratoga Aug. 10, the mare bided her time early, siting not far behind favored stablemate Rushing Fall while saving ground as Ms Bad Behavior broke running and rushed out to set a strong pace under pressure from Conquest Hardcandy, then from Juliet Foxtrot and Mitchell Road. Uni remained inside toward the back down the backstretch, came off the inside to start her run on the far turn just behind Rushing Fall, found clear sailing between horses into the lane, pitched wider out to go past Rushing Fall and powered home to win going away, setting a course mark. This might tempt them to try boys again in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, though she’s not nominated so she’d have to be supplemented ($100,000). Last fall she won the Grade 1 Matriarch at a mile (vs. distaffers only) at Del Mar Dec. 1 so they might target that again. But should they opt for the Breeders’ Cup she’d certainly appear a contender. Juliet Foxtrot, beaten a nose when second to Vasilika in the Grade 2 John Mabee at Del Mar Aug. 31, was a few lengths off the pace going into the backstretch, eagerly moved up to be just behind the leaders going to the far turn, engaged Ms Bad Behavior into the lane, took over from that rival in the stretch, opened up some as if primed to go on to victory but had no answer when the winner came charging past to her outside, but kept on well to be a clear second. Trainer Brad Cox said she might well target the Matriarch. Vasilika, the West’s top turf distaffer, lagged well back early while out toward the middle of the track, remained very wide into the far turn as she started a run, continued wide on the turn and into the lane while just behind Rushing Fall and finished well once straightened away, though she was never a danger to the winner. Rushing Fall, the favorite who had won her four prior starts here but was coming off a setback in August, broke well, settled midpack while able to get toward the inside after breaking from a tough outside post, remained midpack to the far turn, started to advance into the lane with a wide move to loom a threat into the lane before flattening out in the final half-furlong. Maybe whatever forced her to miss the Grade 2 Ballston Spa at Saratoga in August had a lingering effect here as she never really showed her usual fire. There’s really no Breeders’ Cup race for her so her owner said she’d likely get a break and return in 2020. Hanalei Moon, a big longshot coming off a restricted stakes win at Kentucky Downs and being saddled with the worst of the draw (post no. 13), ran big as she was at the back of the pack early, remained at the back to the far turn, pitched very wide into the lane and finished with good energy to almost catch Rushing Fall.

Keeneland
Breeders’ Futurity (race 9)

COMMENT: Maxfield, a son of juvenile male champ and Grade 1 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, rallied nicely to win his debut at Churchill Sept. 14 so you knew there was talent here. But he may have had a breakout moment in this spot as he put up a dazzling performance to punch his ticket to Santa Anita for the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Nov. 1. He was far back early as American Butterfly set a solid pace under pressure from Tap It to Win, remained well back while saving ground, started to advance while staying inside, came off the inside and moved to the outside into the far turn to start a strong run, carried it wide on the turn and into the lane, swooping past favorite and leader Gouverneur Morris, opening up to win with ease while moving back toward the inside in the lane. Gouverneur Morris, a $600,000 son of Constitution who romped by nine when winning his debut in slop at Saratoga Sept. 2, stamped himself a potential big player in the crop as he sat midpack early while wide, steadily advanced down the backstretch while remaining wide, came with a smart run to go from fourth to the lead on the far turn, looked as if he might be on his way to victory only to then have Maxfield surge alongside and past to his outside, was no match for that foe but stayed on well to hold second. Enforceable sat midpack, came with a smart wide run on the far turn just behind Gouverneur Morris, was no match for the winner but kept to his task well, moving outside ‘Morris and almost catching him. Ajaaweed, a son of Curlin who easily beat maidens at Belmont Sept. 11, lagged well back early, started a very wide run on the far turn and stayed on decently, though he was never a danger to the top trio. Tap It to Win, smart winner over maidens at Saratoga Aug. 24, broke well from the rail, was rank and pulling going into the first turn, lugged out on the first turn while fighting his rider, moved back to the inside, came off the rail into the backstretch, finally seemed to settle while pressing the pace but came up empty once he hit the far turn.

Keeneland
Shadwell Turf Mile (race 10)

COMMENT: Bowies Hero has been knocking heads with the West’s best milers the past couple years and doing himself proud, including winning the Grade 1 Kilroe Mile in March 2018. He proved he could take his show on the road with a smart win here, likely earning a shot at the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile on his Santa Anita home course Nov. 2. Off a troubled fifth in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile Aug. 18 he sat midpack from the start, bided his time there, started a run on the far turn, pitched very wide into the lane and finished smartly to prove best. This was nice but his time (1:34.20) was quite a bit slower than what Uni did winning the First Lady about an hour earlier (1:32.87). You also kind of get the feeling that if you ran this race 10 times you might get eight different winners. Diamond Oops, a longshot who scratched from Friday’s Phoenix to go here instead, proved his connections right for that decision. Winless in his first two turf tries and coming off a second in the Grade 1 Vanderbilt at Saratoga July 27, he went right to the lead, dueled with Real Story to his outside, was still locked in battle with that foe turning for home, dispatched with that foe to continue to hold a narrow lead to midstretch and battled gamely to the line to rebuff all but the winner. Suedois, winner of this two years ago, lagged well back, moved closer going to the far turn, pitched very wide into the lane and finished strongly. First Premio, a smart rallying third in a stakes at Kentucky Downs Aug. 31, sat well back as well, racing with Suedois, didn’t get going quite as early as that foe into the lane but also moved out very wide and finished well. March to the Arch, a dull sixth in the Grade 1 Bernard Baruch at Saratoga Sept. 2 on soft ground he may not have liked, bounced back with a much better run here as he got jostled early to end up at the back of the pack, remained there to the far turn, came out into the lane and finished strongly to be part of a four-horse blanket finish for second. Divisidero, the venerable old warrior and multiple Grade 1 winner coming off a smart win in the Grade 3 Red Bank at Monmouth Sept. 1, sat midpack from the start while wide, steadily advanced down the backstretch while remaining wide, moved up nicely on the far turn while still wide, engaged for the lead into the lane (still wide) before flattening out in the lane. Valid Point, the favorite after winning his first three starts but a 3-year-old facing elders for the first time, broke well, got a great trip stalking while saving ground, remained inside just behind the leaders to the far turn, came off the inside for room into the lane, tried to make a run but was stuck behind a wall of horses in the final half-furlong.

Santa Anita
L. A. Woman (race 5)

COMMENT: Lady Ninja, claimed for $32,000 in Sept. 2018, looks to have earned a spot in the starting gate for the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint here Nov. 2. Coming off a better-than-looked third in the Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo at Del Mar Aug. 11 (blew the start), she settled nicely in fourth from her rail slot as Selcourt moved out to a clear lead while setting a strong pace, moved closer going to the far turn, came off the inside into the lane, gamely went after Selcourt, drew even with her late and just got the narrow decision. Selcourt likely looks on her way back to the Breeders’ Cup off this. She sizzled and fizzled to end up 12th in last year’s Breeders’ Cup, and she went into this off a freshening after running fourth in the Grade 1 Beholder Mile here March 30. She broke sharply from her outside post, went right out to a clear lead, set strong fractions, battled back gamely when challenged by Lady Ninja and just lost by a whisker. Anonymity, third in last year’s Breeders’ Cup and coming off a second in the Rancho Bernardo, chased Selcourt from the start, was outside the eventual winner on the far turn while still stalking, remained in touch into the stretch but couldn’t keep up with the top two in the final furlong. She reportedly will go off to the breeding shed.

Santa Anita
City of Hope Mile (race 8)

COMMENT: True Valour rallied gamely to win the Grade 3 Thunder Road on this course at this trip Feb. 9, but hadn’t been seen since. Showing no ill effects from that layoff (due to some bone bruising) the 5-year-old posted the biggest win of his life, prevailing in a four-horse photo. He lagged back as Kingly set a strong pace, remained toward the back going to the far turn, started to advance on the turn while saving ground, swung out into the lane for room and finished gamely outside three rivals to narrowly prevail. The Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile on this course at this trip Nov. 2 is likely next. Restrainedvengence, big winner of a stakes on Golden Gate turf Sept. 2, ran probably the best race of his life as he pressed Kingly from the start, took back some as Kingly cleared off to a clear lead down the backstretch, moved closer going into the far turn, looked in trouble when Kingly opened up again into the lane but doggedly kept after that foe while to his immediate outside, was getting the better of Kingly as Prince Earl and True Valour came to challenge to his outside and just got edged by ‘Valour. Prince Earl, rallying winner of the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile Aug. 18, his first start in over eight months, showed ample tactical speed to stalk pace, bided his time there to the far turn, came with a strong run between horses in the lane (True Valour to his outside, Restrainedvengence to his inside) and just missed. Kingly, shortening to a mile as he faced elders for the first time, went right to the lead, took some pressure from Restrainedvengence while holding the fence, opened up again into the lane as if going on to victory only to have three rivals charge up to his outside to narrowly edge him. Big Score, making his first start since winning an optional claimer on this course at this trip Jan. 13, was far back early (in fact was last), remained there to the far turn, pitched out into the lane and finished strongly to be beaten less than a length while widest of the first five. Bolo, who posted five of his six wins on this course including the aforementioned Shoemaker Mile but coming off a fading eighth in the Del Mar Mile, stalked in fourth from the start, seemed in a good spot going to the far turn but gave way. Like the Shadwell Turf Mile earlier this day at Keeneland you get the feeling that if you ran this race five times you might get four different winners.

Santa Anita
Santa Anita Sprint Championship (race 9)

COMMENT: Omaha Beach was the early Kentucky Derby favorite but a breathing issue forced him to miss that big event. His recovery from surgery to correct that took quite a bit longer than expected but it was worth the wait as the son of War Front was huge, defeating one of the fastest horses in the land despite the long layoff. From his inside spot he was asked for speed to keep favorite Shancelot in his sights. He sat behind Shancelot as that rival set strong splits, remained inside, moved up to Shancelot’s tail turning for home, swerved down to the rail as Shancelot came off the fence some and continued on relentlessly to just catch and edge that rival in the final strides. Trainer Dick Mandella said he wasn’t sure which Breeders’ Cup race would be the target, but the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile here Nov. 2 may make the most sense as it would be asking a lot to go from this 6-furlong trip to the 10-furlong distance of the Classic. Shancelot ran splendidly in defeat. Showing his high speed he shot right out to a clear lead, set a fast pace taking some pressure from Flagstaff to his outside and Omaha Beach just in behind, took more pressure from Flagstaff turning for home, rebuffed that rival, came off the rail some, was engaged by Omaha Beach to his inside, fought gamely to the wire and just missed. Trainer Jorge Navarro said he’d confer with the owners to confirm if they want to go on to the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint here Nov. 2 or target something else, like the Grade 1 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct Dec. 7. Flagstaff showed good speed to stalk while outside Shancelot, crept closer going into the far turn, moved up to Shancelot’s hip turning for home but then couldn’t keep pace with the top two in the lane but kept to his task well in a good effort.

Oct. 6

Belmont
Futurity (race 7)

COMMENT: Four Wheel Drive, a $525,000 son of Horse of the Year and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, dazzled winning his turf sprint debut (in a stakes) at Colonial Aug. 31. He more than validated that here and likely punched his ticket for the Breeders’ Cup, be it the Grade 1 Juvenile Turf or shorter Grade 1 Juvenile Turf Sprint (stablemate Kimari is also targeting that) at Santa Anita Nov. 1. He broke sharply to go out to the early lead, soon relinquished pacesetting duties to an eager Jack and Noah, settled a couple lengths off that rival who set strong splits, remained in second to the top of the lane, came off the inside some to make his run, reeled in Jack and Noah and pushed his way past and clear while drifting out a bit. Freewheeler, a $430,000 son of City Zip and likewise a big winner of his debut on turf here Aug. 30, bided his time early in fourth about three lengths behind the eventual winner while staying on the fence, remained inside and plugged along to just get second in a three-horse photo, though he was no danger to the winner. Embolden, easy winner of his first two starts on turf, both at Colonial this summer including a stakes last time out, was last early toward the outside, started to advance while wide on the turn and kept to his task to just get up for third. Another Miracle, a $210,000 son of American Pharoah and a smart winner of his first turf try, that in a turf stakes at Saratoga Aug. 16, broke well, settled alongside Freewheeler just outside that rival, raced in tandem with Freewheeler to the midpoint on the turn, came out into the lane in the winner’s wake, but was unable to make a dent in the lane.

Belmont
Flower Bowl (race 8)

COMMENT: Sistercharlie, the reigning distaff turf champ, dominated these on paper and while she didn’t dominate here she still won easily, setting herself up nicely to defend her Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf title at Santa Anita Nov. 2. She broke well, bided her time in fourth as stablemate Thais ran off to a huge early lead, remained there a couple lanes off the fence, started to advance on the far turn, was asked for some run into the lane, had little trouble catching and going past Thais in midstretch while wide and stayed on well to keep hard-trying Mrs. Sippy at bay in the final furlong. This is her seventh straight Grade 1 win, with the only loss in that stretch coming when a troubled second in a Grade 2 last spring. Mrs. Sippy, smart winner of her U.S. debut in the Grade 2 Glen Falls at Saratoga Aug. 31, bided her time sitting just behind Sistercharlie from the start, followed that gal into the far turn as she advanced, gamely chased the winner while in her wake, closed the gap while moving to Sistercharlie’s outside but was never really a big danger. Thais, whose role here was primarily to be pacemaker for stablemate Sistercharlie, ran quite well to get a Grade 1 placing as she shot out to a big lead by the first turn, opened up a huge lead down the backstretch, continued to lead into the lane while staying inside though her advantage had shrunk, was no match for her winning stablemate who blew past to her outside and couldn’t finish with the runner-up.

Belmont
Frizette (race 9)

COMMENT: Wicked Whisper, a $500,000 daughter of Liam’s Map, was a dazzling winner of her sprint debut at Saratoga Aug. 25 and showed she’s the real deal with another impressive performance here. She broke well, went right to a clear lead, took some pressure from Miss Marissa to her outside with Quality Response on her tail, continued to dictate the pace through modest splits, had rivals move closer turning for home but had plenty left, opened up again into the lane and kept on well to be a clear leader. This earns her a shot at the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita Nov. 1, an event that looks quite competitive as there isn’t really one or two big standouts in the division. Frank’s Rockette, a game second in the Grade 2 Adirondack at Saratoga Aug. 4 and in the Grade 1 Spinaway there Sept. 1, found someone just a bit too tough again, though the daughter of Into Mischief ran well. From her outside post she stalked while wide, crept closer on the far turn while still wide, made a run at the winner into the lane, kept after her doggedly but couldn’t get to her. Slam Dunk, a $450,000 daughter of Into Mischief was a maiden coming into this but had been a good second to the talented Alandra at Saratoga Sept. 1. She lagged back, started to move closer while wide on the turn, came through between horses in the lane, finished well but was no factor. Daphne Moon, a $525,000 daughter of Cairo Prince who won her debut at Saratoga Aug. 4 in impressive fashion, broke poorly to be last early, was able to pass a couple tiring rivals in the lane but was no factor. Quality Response, a $200,000 daughter of Quality Road who shipped in from the West Coast off two easy wins including a restricted stakes Sept. 19, broke well from her rail slot, sat just behind the eventual winner while holding the fence, came under a rider on the far turn to get more involved, moved a bit closer by the quarter pole but then gave way.

Keeneland
Indian Summer (race 7)

COMMENT: Kimari had been a confirmed front-runner in her first three starts, winning two while finishing second to a top-class filly in a Group 2 in England in between. However, here, vs. boys, she was saddled with something new – coming from behind. She broke a bit slowly and was slow to get into stride, sitting last as Fast Scene shot out to set a brisk pace under pressure from Johnny Unleashed, remained at the back of the pack while saving ground, came off the inside on the far turn while still last, still had no one behind her turning into the lane when she pitched extremely wide and powered home to get up to win fairly comfortably, even if the margin wasn’t much. Chimney Rock, a colt second in a stakes at Kentucky Downs last time out Sept. 7, sat back with the eventual winner from the start, pitched wide on the far turn as he started his run, got first run on Kimari, was finishing well while wide but couldn’t counter the winner’s charge wider out still. Axiomo, a longshot who dueled before fading to eighth in that same Kentucky Downs turf stakes Sept. 7, stalked the pace, came with a nice run into the lane, couldn’t finish with the top two but kept on gamely for get third. Mystic Lancelot sat just behind Axiomo toward the inside, shifted out some for room on the far turn, made a big into the lane but couldn’t sustain it enough to compete with the top two in the final furlong.

Keeneland
Bourbon (race 8)

COMMENT: Peace Achieved didn’t do much in his first two starts but both were sprints. Trainer Mark Casse added blinkers, moved him to routing and that did the trick as the $160,000 son of Declaration of War won his third straight and earned a shot at the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita Nov. 1. From his outside post he broke sharply, going right up to duel with Field Pass to his inside and Gear Jockey on the rail, continued to duel with Field Pass to his inside as Gear Jockey took back, stayed on the solid pace while a few lanes off the rail, looked in trouble when Gear Jockey came back at him to the inside, was able to rebuff that rival and just get to the line before a hard-charging Vitalogy while lugging in some in the final half-furlong. This was Casse’s fourth win in this race in the last five years. Vitalogy was unlucky. Coming off a good rallying third in the Grade 1 Summer at Woodbine Sept. 15 he broke a tad slowly from a brutal post (No. 14), got hung up very wide into the first turn while well back, was in fact last heading into the backstretch, started to make up ground going to the far turn, pitched wide into the lane and finished strongly only to just run out of ground. If he gets into the Breeders’ Cup he can certainly be a player. Gear Jockey, a maiden, broke well to be part of a triumvirate dueling for the early lead going into the first turn, took back off the pace on the first run and settled on the rail, remained there to the far turn, moved to the rail into the lane for room, loomed a big threat inside the eventual winner, couldn’t quite keep pace and had to steady a bit late when the winner came over in front of him. That incident did not affect the finish as it was in the final strides. Fighting Seabee, winner of his first two starts including the Grade 3 With Anticipation at Saratoga Aug. 28, sat midpack from the start, got shuffled back turning for home to lose position but found room and got going again well in the final furlong to get up for fifth, though he was no danger to the top three.

Keeneland
Spinster (race 9)

COMMENT: Blue Prize continued her love affair with this track, winning this race for the second straight year and earning a shot at Midnight Bisou in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita Nov. 2. Coming off a stakes win at Saratoga Aug. 18, she sat last early in the small field as She’s a Julie set a slow pace under some pressure from Vexatious, bided her time at the back though she wasn’t far off the lead, came wide on the turn to start her run behind favorite Elate, pitched wider out into the lane and outdueled that rival and 3-year-old Dunbar Road on the rail for the win. She was a good fourth in last year’s Distaff just a head behind Midnight Bisou so on her best day she fits with the top gals, though a shot this year means shipping across the country. Elate, the heavy favorite off that memorable duel with Midnight Bisou when second in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign at Saratoga Aug. 24, stalked from her outside post, was wide throughout but not terribly so, seemed to be traveling very comfortably while in the clear, moved up nicely to be abreast of the two pacesetters turning for home, took the lead into the lane but couldn’t outfinish the winner to her outside and only just beat Dunbar Road for second. Question is, off this do they target another Distaff or take on the boys in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at a trip (1 1/4 miles) she loves? Dunbar Road broke well from her rail slot, held the fence throughout just behind She’s a Julie and Vexatious, moved closer on the far turn, continued on the rail into the lane, moved through that opening to challenge for the lead in the stretch but couldn’t quite finish with the top two. This was a good run, and the inside likely wasn’t the place to be on this day. She likely deserves her crack at Distaff fame.

Santa Anita
Speakeasy (race 6)

COMMENT: El Tigre Terrible was trying turf for the first time but the son of multiple Grade 1 turf SW Smiling Tiger handled it with aplomb, posting the big upset and earning a spot in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint here Nov. 1. From his outside post he came into this off a big win over optional claimers on dirt at Del Mar Sept. 1. While he showed speed in his four dirt starts, he showed none of that here, getting away slowly to be last early, remained at the back of the pack while moving to the inside as Greg’s Diva set a blistering pace under pressure from Alfie Solomons, made progress while saving ground into the lane, continued to advance up the inside, shifted out for a clear lane in the stretch and finished gamely to get the narrow win. The Breeders’ Cup figures next, though obviously the water will be much deeper there. Bulletproof One, a filly facing boys in her first try on turf after dueling and fading to sixth in a dirt stakes at Del Mar Aug. 28, showed enough speed to be within reach of the leaders despite the sizzling pace, moved closer going down to the far turn despite making that move into hot fractions, was in a bit tight coming into the stretch but got through inside, moved out for room inside the eighth pole, finished well but just couldn’t quite outdo the winner. Greg’s Diva broke sharply from her rail slot, went right to the lead while holding the fence, set a sizzling pace under pressure from Alfie Solomons, dispatched with that foe into the lane, opened up by midstretch but couldn’t quite finish with the top two in the final half-furlong. Ginobili, the favorite as he tried turf for the first time after finishing fourth in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity Sept. 2, broke a bit slowly, had enough speed to get a nice stalking trip in fourth, advanced to loom a threat into the lane but couldn’t sustain his bid. Square Deal, trying turf for the first time after winning his last two at Del Mar, both statebred stakes, was away slowly, bided his time between horses, made some headway on the far turn after moving to the inside, came back out into the lane to finish decently, though he was never really a threat in the stretch.