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.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Raymond Bulgado, an exercise rider employed by trainer Nick Zito, was listed in critical condition in the trauma intensive care unit at Albany Medical Center with undisclosed injuries Monday following a spill during training hours.
After working five furlongs in 1:00.88 over the Oklahoma training track Monday, Wired Bryan was confirmed as a starter for the Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful Stakes here on Labor Day.
Wired Bryan, beaten a nose by Corfu in the Saratoga Special on Aug. 11, worked in company with Neatie the Cat, finishing about two lengths ahead of that horse at the wire.
A pair of sprint stakes for Indiana-breds ages 3 and up highlights Wednesday night’s nine-race card at Indiana Downs.
Facey’s Spirit easily won the prep for the $85,000 Merrillville Stakes and likely will be favored in the 10-horse Merrilville field, which includes three coupled entries. Trained by Chris Dorris, Facey’s Spirit led from start to finish in the Aug. 6 prep and won by 4 1/2 lengths. Her victory came after a two-month freshening following her first two starts of the year.
