Notebook topics this week include an unlikely new hot jockey at Del Mar, a California exodus by a prominent breeder, Breeders’ Cup Classic odds, and a pair of Grade 1 turf races to be run over uncertain ground. Time to dive in.
Berrios and family riding high
Saratoga | Race 4 | Post Time 2:49 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up
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Saratoga | Race 5 | Post Time 3:21 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up
Here sits the best Saturday of racing since Belmont Stakes Day, June 11. Apologies to the West Virginia Derby card and competitive stakes at Laurel Park, but Saratoga and Del Mar get all the love.
Whitney
The Whitney is absolutely fascinating. To me, there’s a Big 3 here, but a fourth, Americanrevolution, can’t entirely be discounted in his third start this form cycle. What an unsual horse. His long, odd stride belies the speed at which he’s moving, but I don’t think he’ll move fast enough to win the Whitney.
Saratoga | Race 10 | Post Time 6:13 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs [link: https://timeformus.com/basicpps/366472/3283751 ]
BOLD CONNECTION
Trainer: Todd Fincher
Last race: July 30, race 3
Finish: 8th by 17
Beyer: 35
Second-start juvenile filly seemingly had run when she was steadied and eliminated at quarter pole of turf route. Call it inconclusive. Uncle Mo filly is better than she looks.
WEDDING GROOM
Trainer: Steve Miyadi
Last race: July 30, race 4
