ELMONT, N.Y. - With Quantum Merit sidelined by injury, the New York-bred division of male turf horses is wide open. Several of the division's top runners will square off in Saturday's $100,000-added Ashley T. Cole Handicap at Belmont Park.
For some of the runners in the 10-horse field, the Cole, a 1 1/8-mile turf race, will serve as a stepping-stone to the $150,000 Mohawk Handicap on New York Showcase Day on Oct. 23.
Kentucky Downs may be an out-of-the-way place, but plenty of in-the-know horsemen sure have figured out how to get there. Top trainers and jockeys find their way to the south-central Kentucky town of Franklin every September to compete against each other, most notably when the lucrative purses of the Kentucky Cup turf series are up for grabs.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Just to make sure, trainer Tony Reinstedler sent Sand Springs to Kentucky Downs from his Churchill Downs base a few days early.
"She's a little strong-minded," Reinstedler said with a shake of the head, a roll of the eyes, and a somewhat exasperated chuckle. "I thought it would be a good idea to send her down there to get used to her surroundings."
Brice Blanc admits that his knowledge of turf courses can be overrated.
"I'm no gardener," he said with a grin.
Blanc has earned a national reputation as an outstanding grass rider, and he often is sought out for his services - and even his opinions - when live racing moves each September to Kentucky Downs, the all-turf course in Franklin, Ky.
Blanc, 31, began his riding career in his native France, where racecourses are somewhat similar to the one at Kentucky Downs - undulating and asymmetrical, with long straightaways and turns both sweeping and tight.
The last time Western Ransom and Art Fan raced in Maryland, they finished one-two, separated by less than a length.
Nearly five months have passed since then, but when the two 3-year-old fillies return to Pimlico for Saturday's Grade 3, $150,000 Martha Washington, they could be quite close at the wire again.
Western Ransom, who won the May 8 Old Hilltop as the even-money favorite, and Art Fan, beaten three-quarters of a length in that race at 12-1, are the most accomplished turf runners in a full field of 12, plus an also-eligible, for the 1 1/16-mile Martha Washington.
SAN MATEO, Calif. - Bettors should get plenty of run for their money in Saturday's wide-open $55,000-added Hillsborough Handicap at Bay Meadows.
Seven fillies and mares were entered in the 1 1/16-mile turf race, including the Jerry Hollendorfer-trained entry of Marwood and Cat Alert. The pair ran one-two in the one-mile Autumn Leaves over the course and should be favored Saturday.
POMONA, Calif. - Handicappers planning to wager Saturday on the class of the field in the $100,000 Pomona Derby may consider increasing their wager on Semi Lost.
"He handles this track really, really nice," trainer Jeff Mullins said. "Barring someone taking us to the toolies, we'll probably be all right."
A field of eight 3-year-olds entered the Pomona Derby, and off a close sixth in the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby, is the class of the field. But is the 1 1/8-mile Pomona Derby really a one-horse race? Hardly.
ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Silver Deputy Stakes runner-up The Finagler will be among the favorites in Saturday's $136,000 Swynford Stakes at Woodbine.
The seven-furlong Swynford, which lost its Canadian graded status a few years ago, has been won by the Canadian champion 2-year-old in five of the past six years.
Wholelottabourbon, the Silver Deputy winner, was under serious consideration for the Swynford, but he wasn't entered. He will run back in the Oct. 9 Bull Page Stakes, according to trainer Nick Gonzalez.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia - A very competitive field of nine 3-year-old fillies square off in the Grade 3, $150,000 British Columbia Oaks at Hastings on Saturday. The only problem is that most of the competition will involve the four horses trained Dave Forster, and the entry figures to be a prohibitive price. Because of the expected dominance of the entry, there will be no show wagering on the 1 1/8-mile Oaks.
EDMONTON, Alberta - The annual Alberta Fall Classic on Saturday at Northlands Park comprises seven stakes races worth a total of $400,000. The most intriguing event should be the $75,000 Breeders' Handicap.
The seven-horse field for the 1 1/16-mile Breeders' includes Code Name Fred, a longtime fan favorite who likely will be appearing in his final stakes in front of Edmonton's racing faithful.
