Sun, 08/21/2011 - 11:18

Saratoga: Overdriven to undergo further testing

Barbara D. Livingston
Overdriven, winner of the Sanford, could still make the Sept. 5 Hopeful despite a sore glutteal muscle.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - A nuclear scintigraphy performed on leading 2-year-old Overdriven was inconclusive and the colt will undergo further tests on Monday, trainer Todd Pletcher said Sunday.

After canceling two workouts in a nine-day period because he didn’t like the way the colt was moving, Pletcher shipped Overdriven to the New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., for a nuclear scintigraphy.

Sun, 08/21/2011 - 08:45

Saratoga: Uncle Mo, Stay Thirsty look sharp in final works before major races

Barbara D. Livingston
Uncle Mo, tuning up for his comeback in the King's Bishop, breezes five furlongs in 59.90 seconds Sunday.

 SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Shortly after sunrise Sunday morning, Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty completed preparations for their Grade 1 assignments next weekend by turning in their final workouts over Saratoga’s main track.

 The two Todd Pletcher-trained 3-year-olds worked minutes apart in company with other horses.

Sat, 08/20/2011 - 23:37

Saratoga: Spa Babies for Aug. 21, Race 10

Race 10
1 1/16 Miles (Turf)
Maiden Special Weight (New York Breds)
2-year-old fillies
Purse $41,000

Sat, 08/20/2011 - 23:35

Saratoga: Spa Babies for Aug. 21, Race 7

Race 7
6 Furlongs
Maiden Special Weight (New York Breds)
2-year-old fillies
Purse $40,000

Sat, 08/20/2011 - 23:34

Saratoga: Spa Babies for Aug. 21, Race 6

Race 6
5 1/2 Furlongs (Turf)
Maiden Special Weight
2-year-old fillies
Purse $50,000

Analysis:

Sat, 08/20/2011 - 23:32

Saratoga: Spa Babies for Aug. 21, Race 2

Welcome to Spa Babies! I'll break down the statistics for every juvenile contest at the meet and hope for a tidy profit.

In past years, I would list the stats for each horse before writing up my analysis, selections and wagering strategy.
In order to streamline the content, this year's Spa Babies will showcase written analyses of each juvenile race.
Each analysis will include relevant statistical information.
Following the analysis, top three selections and wagering strategy will be provided.

***

Sat, 08/20/2011 - 21:21

Del Mar: Saez learns quickly guiding Summer Soiree to Del Mar Oaks victory

DEL MAR, Calif. - It was hardly beginner’s luck that jockey Gabriel Saez rode Summer Soiree to a thrilling win in Saturday’s $250,000 Del Mar Oaks. A little inside information helped, too.

Riding at Del Mar for the first time, Saez, based at Delaware Park, where he is the third leading rider, gained a few tips for riding the Del Mar turf course from jockey room friends Mike Smith and Patrick Valenzuela and used the information to his advantage.

Sat, 08/20/2011 - 20:34

Louisiana Downs: Old Bushmill outdoes older brother in Louisiana Turf Classic

Lou Hodges Jr.
The 3-year-old Old Bushmill defeats older horses in the featured Louisiana Cup Turf Classic.

Old Bushmill is emerging as a Louisiana-bred with a bright future. His coming out party was Saturday at Louisiana Downs, where he rallied for a determined, half-length win over a tough group of older horses in the $100,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic.

The race was one of eight stakes for statebreds, with purses for the races totaling $570,000.

Sat, 08/20/2011 - 19:43

Northlands Park: Freedoms Traveller capitalizes on hot pace to take Canadian Derby

EDMONTON, Alberta – Freedoms Traveller came from well off the pace to score an emotionally-charged win in the Grade 3, $300,000 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park on Saturday. Freedoms Traveller is trained by Lianne Knechtel. She became Freedoms Traveller’s trainer when her spouse, Barry Brown , died after battling  cancer in May.

“I just wish Barry was here, but he’s there,” Knechtel said, looking upward. “I said to him earlier today if you can make anything happen, make it today.”

Sat, 08/20/2011 - 19:03

Monmouth: Where's Sterling breaks through with first stakes win in Iselin

David Owens/EQUI-PHOTO
Paco Lopez puts a well-timed ride on Where's Sterling to win the Iselin.

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Where’s Sterling rallied to beat Southern Ridge by one length in the Grade 3, $252,500 Philip H. Iselin Stakes on Saturday at Monmouth Park.

It was the first stakes victory for the 4-year-old trained by Nick Canani for owner Frank C. Calabrese.

The race unfolded with Ponzi Scheme setting a moderate pace with Southern Ridge tracking in second. Rounding the final turn, Southern Ridge took charge just as Where’s Sterling started to rev up.