DEL MAR, Calif. – A Toast to You and Summer Exclusive were second and fourth, respectively, in a turf sprint on Aug. 7, their first start following vacations, so their trainer, Peter Miller, is expecting improved performances from both when they meet again in a similar five-furlong allowance in the featured eighth race on Thursday at Del Mar.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Raymond Bulgado, an exercise rider employed by trainer Nick Zito, suffered a fractured neck but did not sustain severe head trauma as the result of a spill during training hours Monday at Saratoga, according to a co-worker.
Bulgado remained hospitalized at Albany Medical Center on Tuesday in critical condition, according to hospital officials.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – While most of the attention on his stable will be focused on Paynter in Saturday’s Grade 1 Woodward, owner Ahmed Zayat is likely to double his chances to win Saturday’s Grade 1 Forego on the same card at Saratoga.
As of Tuesday, Zayat was planning to run both Fast Bullet and Justin Phillip in the $500,000 Forego, a potent 1-2 punch that figures to be heavily favored in the seven-furlong race.
DEL MAR, Calif. – As Del Mar headed into the final days of its meeting, John Sadler found himself atop the trainers’ standings, leading both Bob Baffert and Doug O’Neill, 23-18, prior to Wednesday’s races. Should Sadler retain his lead through the end of the meeting next Wednesday, it would mark his third title here in the last six seasons. He also won it in 2008 and 2009.
There’s a new kid in town who is quietly attracting the attention of Northern California trainers.
Ricardo Gonzalez is an 18-year-old apprentice who still gets a seven-pound weight break. And for someone who doesn’t even have a driver’s license, he’s showing he can definitely get around on a horse, having won races at Turf Paradise, Northern California fair tracks and, most recently, Golden Gate Fields.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Willcox Inn won his only start on Arlington’s Polytrack, and rather than travel by van to Saratoga for the Bernard Baruch Stakes this weekend, a trip long contemplated by his connections, he will try to win another in the Washington Park Handicap here Saturday.
DEL MAR, Calif. – Kosta Hronis had his first starter as an owner on St. Patrick’s Day 2010 – Sleep Tight in a $40,000 claimer at Santa Anita. The mare finished third at 6-5, and Hronis was delighted. He went trackside after the race.
“I was thrilled,” Hronis recalled last weekend. “But all the people that bet her were mad. I thought I hope they don’t know who I am.
“I learned right away this was serious business to the bettors.”
Saintly Love is 6 for 6 this year on turf, and he will try to extend his streak while making his first start for new connections and stepping up in class for Thursday’s $50,000 Nick Shuk Memorial Stakes at Delaware Park.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The With Anticipation Stakes has blossomed into a good barometer for future success as four of its last six winners have hit the board in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.
With two solid efforts under his belt – including a win over the course – and good spacing between races, Base Case Scenario may rate a slight edge Thursday in a competitive renewal of the Grade 2, $200,000 With Anticipation at Saratoga.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - The crowd gave Ramon Dominguez a standing ovation when he received the Mike Venezia Award on Sunday and reacted similarly as Royal Delta made her way into the winner's circle later that afternoon following her victory in the Personal Ensign.
But arguably the most heartwarming outpouring from the fans during the 2013 Saratoga meet came late Monday afternoon when Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens walked into the winner's circle after his Go Unbridled had successfully defended her title in the $100,000 Saratoga Dew Stakes.
