The final weekend in June and the start of the Saratoga Race Course meeting now less than two weeks away.
Who’s ready? Our team at The Saratoga Special certainly is and we’re already well underway planning out our 24th season at the greatest place on earth. Surely you’ve seen our schedule for the 40-day meeting. We’re also planning a few new things, so stay tuned.
Speaking of tuning in, don’t miss this weekend’s racing with solid stakes action from coast to coast led by the typically strong Stephen Foster Day card at Churchill Downs. We dive into that below, and the handicappers take some more swings with hopes of sharpening those pencils for the upcoming challenge of Saratoga.
Here’s The Saturday Special for June 29. Enjoy.
By the Numbers
4: Stephen Foster winners who used the Churchill Downs event on their Horse of the Year resumes – Black Tie Affair (1991), Saint Liam (2005), Curlin (2008) and Gun Runner (2017). Two Foster runner-ups were also crowned Horse of the Year – Mineshaft (2003) and Wise Dan (2012).
11: Wins at Churchill Downs for Bango, who runs in Saturday’s Kelly’s Landing Stakes. Bango’s 11 victories are tied with Ready’s Rocket for most all-time at Churchill.
9.6 million: Dollars in purses for the stakes program at the upcoming Keeneland fall meeting, including a $300,000 boost to the Grade 3 Bryan Station for 3-year-olds on the grass and a $150,000 hike for the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup presented by Dixiana for 3-year-old fillies on the grass. Keeneland boosted purses $550,000 the stakes, including $50,000 to the Grade 2 Bank of America Valley View and $50,000 to the Grade 3 Perryville.
Names of the Day
Timefall. Doncaster. Race 4. The 2-year-old filly is by Time Test out of Cascades.
Writer’s Regret. Aqueduct. Race 1. We’ve got a few of those along the way.
Dontdrinkanddrive. Prairie Meadows. Race 4. A good message any time.
Jhirsch. Aqueduct. Race 10. In honor of his Hall of Fame induction this summer.
Hang On. Pleasanton. Race 3. Gray Farm’s filly is by Far From Over out of Handfull.
Worth Repeating
“We’ve got four weeks until she runs. Keeping her in routine, she is probably 95 to 100 percent for the Coaching Club if everything goes right. We will evaluate the race and see about the Alabama or Travers next.”
Trainer Kenny McPeek on Kentucky Oaks-Acorn winner Thorpedo Anna, headed to the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks July 20 at Saratoga
“All systems go, we’re ready for the Fleur de Lis.”
Kenny McCarthy, assistant to trainer Bill Mott, on Scylla heading into Saturday’s run at Churchill Downs
“We have a great group of riders here in Kentucky. Day in and day out, we challenge each other with so many talented people in the room. It keeps us at our best.”
Jockey Tyler Gaffalione
“No intentions of running him in the Jim Dandy. He ran hard all spring, and is getting a bit of a break, plenty of grazing time, horse is happy and healthy. He will probably go Travers, Pennsylvania Derby.”
McPeek on Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan
“In the Grade 1, she gave a big effort. It was, in my eyes, the best race in her career.”
Trainer Mertkan Kantarmaci on Evvie Jets’ pacesetting fourth in the Grade 1 Just a Game June 7 at Saratoga
Handicapper’s Corner
The handicappers are back after profitable results for some and lackluster efforts for others last week at Thistledown. The team tackles the loaded Stephen Foster Day card at Churchill Downs, in search of winners and a leg-up on the race for the winter-spring-summer handicapping crown heading into Saratoga.
Tom Law leads the way with 44 winners from the 187 races, a strike rate of just 23.5 percent. John Shapazian and Charles Bedard are next at 43 winners apiece with Jessica Paquette right behind at 42. Rob Whitlock, who missed a week early in the season, sits third with 32 winners.
Last week’s winners included Redwineandwhiskey, a New York-bred daughter of War Dancer who paid $25 winning her 2024 debut in the eighth race at Thistledown. Tom Law and Rob Whitlock correctly picked her on top.
Jessica Paquette uncorked an even better winner in the subsequent race, the $75,000 Daniel Stearns Cleveland Gold Cup. Jessica tabbed Who Da Boss, a three-quarter-length winner over odds-on Shadowy, to the tune of $43.20. Now that’s picking winners.
Jessica, along with Rob Whitlock, avoided odds-on favorite Catching Freedom in the featured Ohio Derby and correctly tabbed $8.60 winner Batten Down.
Here are the picks for Saturday at Churchill Downs. Good luck.
John Shapazian (43/187):
1-Hitting Bombs, Dr Kringle, My Friend Louie.
2-Tallahatchiebridge, Harold’s Cloud, Saqeel.
3-Can’t Hush This, Take The Charge, Kavod.
4-Sally O’Malley, Mugen, Endless Glow.
5-Vinobello, Monarch, Scalable.
6-Santos Dumont, Cooke Creek, Baba Voss.
7-Ottoman Fleet, Win For The Money, Chasing The Crown.
8-Shotgun Hottie, Scylla, Taxed.
9-Green Light, First World War, Agate Road.
10-Ryvit, Anarchist, Closethegame Sugar.
11-First Mission, Skippylongstocking, Disarm.
12-Voodoo Magic, Poolside With Slim, Pipsy.
Tom Law (44/187):
1-Hitting Bombs, Dr Kringle, Montevallo.
2-Saqueel, Tallahatchiebridge, Harold’s Cloud.
3-Kavod, Backside Buzz, Expensive Cut.
4-Two Sharp, Ghostrider, Cathcart.
5-Scalable, Lemon Muffin, Monarch.
6-Stowaway, Baba Voss, Big Blue Line.
7-Ottoman Fleet, Chasing The Crown, Win For The Money.
8-Scylla, Xigera, Taxed.
9-First World War, Depiction, Brilliant Berti.
10-Bango, Hoist The Gold, Tejano Twist.
11-First Mission, Disarm, Dreamlike.
12-Simply In Front, Dancing N Dixie, Mo Fox Givin.
Charles Bedard (43/187):
1-Dr Kringle, Mo Rhodes, Montevallo.
2-Harold’s Cloud, All West, Saqeel.
3-Can’t Hush This, Backside Buzz, Kavod.
4-Mugen, Endless Glow, Barstool Babe.
5-Simply Enchanting, Yes Indeed, Sanctify.
6-Arrowthegreat, Baba Voss, Santos Dumont.
7-Ottoman Fleet, Chasing The Crown, Win For The Money.
8-Scylla, Occult, Shotgun Hottie.
9-Green Light, Brilliant Bertie, First World War.
10-Bango, Closethegame Sugar, Tejano Twist.
11-Skippylongstocking, First Mission, Disarm.
12-Just Better, Simply In Front, Poolside With Slim.
Rob Whitlock (32/187):
1-Dr Kringle, Hitting Bombs, Montevallo.
2-Harold’s Cloud, Tallahatchiebridge, Saqeel.
3-Expensive Cut, Kavod, Pipes And Drums.
4-Two Sharp, Sally O’Malley, Beach Bunny.
5-Liuzza, Yes Indeed, Scalable.
6-Santos Dumont, Baba Voss, Cooke Creek.
7-Ottoman Fleet, Win For The Money, Chasing The Crown.
8-Xigera, Scylla, Shotgun Hottie.
9-Green Light, Agate Road, Brilliant Berti.
10-Hoist The Gold, Anarchist, Bango.
11-Skippylongstocking, Dreamlike, Disarm.
12-Pipsy, Voodoo Magic, Poolside With Slim
Jessica Paquette (42/187):
1-Copper Echo, My Friend Louie, Montevallo.
2-Saqeel, Home Run Trick, Harold’s Cloud.
3-Kavod, Take The Charge, Expensive Cut.
4-Ghostrider, Barstool Babe, Endless Glow.
5-Sanctify, Monarch, Scalable.
6-Cooke Creek, Baba Voss, Floki’s Flight.
7-Chasing The Crown, Ottoman Fleet, Exaulted.
8-Scylla, Occult, Taxed.
9-First World War, Moonlight, Green Light.
10-Ryvit, Bango, Angkor.
11-Disarm, First Mission, Skippylongstocking.
12-Mo Fox Given, Just Better, Voodoo Magic.
Plays of the Day
Churchill Downs. Race 4. 2:15. We’ll go with our old friend Helen Pitts with Hey Olivia. The daughter of Gun Runner makes her 3-year-old debut at a price.
Churchill Downs. Race 12. 6:32. Voodoo Magic bounces back from her American debut and upsets the Tepin.
Canterbury Park. Race 7. 9:10. Take a shot with Kid Got Rhythm first time on the turf.
Paul Mellon, Ruffian exhibitions highlight Hall of Fame summer season
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will present special exhibitions celebrating the legacies of Hall of Fame members Paul Mellon and Ruffian this summer. Both exhibits open to the public Thursday, July 11.
A third special exhibition featuring the storied history of Harry M. Stevens Concessions is currently open in the Museum’s Link Gallery.
For more information about the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, including upcoming events, please visit racingmuseum.org or call (518) 584-0400.
Fashionable Fillies event honors Nancy Kelly
The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation will host its annual Fashionable Fillies Luncheon Monday, August 5 at Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs. The luncheon will honor the late Nancy Kelly and will welcome her sister, Fran, and nieces, Michelle and Lisa. Over the course of her 32-year career as the executive director of The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, Kelly helped thousands of individuals in need, totaling nearly $16 million in assistance.
Kelly organized countless fundraising events, ranging from golf tournaments to formal gala dinners, and she created the Fashionable Fillies Luncheon, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the foundation.
The theme of this year’s Fashionable Fillies Luncheon is All Things Nancy! The luncheon will celebrate Kelly’s passions, including friendship, fashion, food and wine.
Tickets ($160) and sponsorship opportunities are available at tinyurl.com/ffsar41.
Jockey of the Week
Thistledown and Mountaineer Park regular rider Erik Barbaran finished June 10 through June 23 in outstanding fashion, with two stakes wins at Thistledown and 11 wins from 30 mounts with a 60 percent in-the-money record. The panel of racing experts voted Barbaran the top jockey for the two-week period.
The honor recognizes jockeys for riding accomplishments and who are members of the Jockeys’ Guild, the organization which represents more than 1050 active, retired and permanently disabled jockeys in the U.S.
For the week beginning June 10, Barbaran posted five wins from 14 starts. At Thistledown, the wins included a claiming race for trainer Mario Ibarra aboard Brig, a maiden special weight with Cloak And Dagger and an allowance win with Agnello’s Dream both for trainer Jeffrey Skerrett. He also won a maiden-claiming event with Smoke Screen for trainer Robert Gorham. At Mountaineer, Barbaran won a claiming race with Here Comes Jigs for former jockey-turned-trainer, Marco Ccamaque.
The week of June 17 began with a claiming race win at Mountaineer aboard Call Me Gusto for trainer Jay Bernardini. Barbaran then continued his winning ways at Thistledown Wednesday with a maiden-claiming race as the pilot of Skypass for trainer Robert Gorham.
Riding at Thistledown last Saturday, Barbaran scored a 20-1 upset win in the Cleveland Gold Cup for trainer Robert Gorham aboard Who Da Boss. Thistledown’s leading trainer, Jeffrey Radosevich, gave a leg up to Barbaran to win the Ohio-restricted George Lewis Memorial for 3-year-olds and up aboard That’s the Way.
Barbaran finished the week at Mountaineer Sunday with an allowance-optional event aboard Malibu Rock Star and a claiming race with Tap N Glo, both for trainer Jay Bernardini.
Barbaran, 32, is a native of Peru who began riding in 2011 at Suffolk Downs. He currently makes Ohio his home and rides between Thistledown, Mahoning Valley and Mountaineer. He won his 1,000th race at Thistledown aboard Altissimo in September 2021.
As for the races …
Curragh. Race 1. 8:15 a.m. Hall of Famer John Velazquez picks up the ride on Bernard Shaw, a $1.8 million yearling son of Into Mischief, for Aidan O’Brien in the opener. The bay colt graduated from Saratoga Special advertiser St George Sales at Keeneland September. This is the first of three rides for Velazquez on the Irish card.
Did someone say advertising? Book now.
Newcastle. Race 2. 9:04. $2.1 million earner Kinross makes his 7-year-old debut in the Group 3 Jenningsbet Chipchase Stakes.
Curragh. Race 3. 9:30. California Dreamer exits a strong fifth in the Group 3 Albany. She takes on Truly Enchanting, 13th in the Group 2 Queen Mary, and eight others in the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes.
Newcastle. Race 3. 9:35. The Northumberland Vase stretches 14 stayers over the all-weather track. Yeah, we miss the turf, too.
Newmarket. Race 3. 9:50. Crystal Delight tries to make it three in a row in the JCB Fred Archer Stakes.
Curragh. Race 4. 9:55. Bolster aims at his third straight in the Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes. Debut winner Jan Breughel makes his first stakes start for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore.
Newcastle. Race 4. 10:10. The iconic Northumberland Plate. A handicap going 2 miles. We’ll root for top weight Tashkhan. A real handicap, there’s a 25-pound spread from Tashkhan to Artisan Dancer.
Newmarket. Race 4. 10:25. Oh you must root for the ever-young Pogo. The 8-year-old horse hasn’t won for a while, but he always shows up and rates a long look in the Group 3 Plantation Stud Criterion Stakes.
Curragh. Race 5. 10:30. The Cairn Community Games Pretty Polly Stakes. Group 2 winner Bluestocking travels to Ireland in search of her first Group 1 stakes win for Juddmonte and Ralph Beckett. Emily Upjohn tries to stop a four-race losing streak. Stay Alert adds pep and step for Hughie Morrison. Ten furlongs of star power.
Curragh. Race 6. 11:05. Jump jockey Rachael Blackmore rides high weight Good Heavens in the Kildare Village Ladies Derby Handicap. It’s a handicap going 1 1/4 miles. She carries 150 pounds and faces several other jumpers including Scottish Champion Hurdle runner-up Bialystok.
Belmont at the Big A. Race 1. 12:35 p.m. Won’t be long now before the circuit moves north – again. In the meantime, savor another Saturday card in Ozone Park.
Churchill Downs. Race 1. 12:45 p.m. Stephen Foster Day kicks off with $50,000 claimer going two turns on the main track.
Woodbine. Race 1. 1:10. Kick things off with 6-furlong maiden on the grass for 2-year-old fillies.
Belterra Park. Race 5. 1:15. Full field of 12 for 5-furlong maiden on the grass, including Good Magic first-time starter Fawn Liebowitz for Wesley Ward.
Belmont. Race 4. 2:05. Vettriano, blowout winner in his return last time out, takes next step up ladder in New York-bred allowance going 1 mile.
Churchill. Race 5. 2:45. Lemon Muffin, fresh from battles in the Kentucky Oaks and Black-Eyed Susan, drops in class for 1 1/16-mile allowance-optional worth $127,000.
Belterra. Race 8. 2:45. Top Secret, last seen finishing sixth in $110,400 allowance for Steve Asmussen in late July at Saratoga, returns for 6 1/2-furlong allowance in a new barn.
Belmont. Race 7. 3:40. Field of six entered for the Grade 3 Manilla. Deterministic, once considered a potential classics competitor, makes turf debut for Christophe Clement. Chad Brown, always a force in the division, sends out Klaravich’s Move To Gold, who just missed last time out in the Jersey Derby; while Rob Atras tries to get back on track with Grade 3 Transylvania winner Neat.
Lone Star Park. Race 4. 3:59. Ova Charged, winner of six straight stakes, takes her show to Texas for the $125,000 Chicken Fried going 5 furlongs on the grass. Maybe we’ll see the speedy Louisiana-bred daughter of Star Guitar at Saratoga this summer. She’s already raced at Fair Grounds, Churchill Downs and Evangeline Downs in 2024. Why not?
Churchill. Race 7. 3:52. Ottoman Fleet looks to make it two straight graded stakes victories in the $500,000 Wise Dan. Named for one of our favorites and an all-time great, the 1 1/16-mile Grade 2 turf stakes only attracted field of six no doubt due to the favorite’s presence.
Los Alamitos Race Course. Race 1. 4:00. Bob Baffert unveils the 2-year-old Justify first-time starter Privman, named for longtime Eclipse Award-winning Turf writer and friend of The Special Jay Privman.
Woodbine. Race 6. 4:04. Witwatersrand, blowout winner in her last, returns and stretches out for the Grade 3 Selene.
Laurel Park. Race 8. 4:06. Quint’s Brew puts his 2-for-2 record on the line in the $75,000 Star de Naskra, for registered Maryland-bred/Maryland-sired 3-year-olds.
Churchill. Race 8. 4:25. Scylla looks like the next top-tier older female for Juddmonte and Bill Mott. Daughter of Tapit brings two-race win streak to the Grade 2 Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis but meets a solid field here against the likes of Xigera, Shotgun Hottie, Taxed and Occult.
Monmouth Park. Race 8. 4:26. The $100,000 Maryfield, named for the inaugural winner of the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. That was way back in 2007 – yikes!
Woodbine. Race 7. 4:36. New York-bred Saratoga Flash ships from Saratoga for the Grade 2 bet365 Highlander Stakes sprinting on the grass. Solid field also includes Kentucky shippers Oceanic and Filo Di Arianna and Maryland shipper Witty.
Lone Star. Race 6. 4:55. Hoosier Philly, fourth behind Scylla, Xigera and Wet Paint, ventures to Texas for some class relief and turf debut in the $125,000 Wasted Tears. Problem is shippers Stir Crazy, Libban and Ever Smart are also in the field.
Churchill. Race 9. 4:58. Back to the grass for the $250,000 American Derby. First World War, winner of the Grade 3 Penn Mile last time out, looks for his third stakes win of the season for Brendan Walsh.
Woodbine. Race 8. 5:08. Palazzi, Tyson and Paramount Prince were 1-2-3 in the Grade 2 Eclipse and they’re back for the Grade 3 Dominion Day.
Churchill. Race 10. 5:31. Hoist The Gold, third behind National Treasure and Post Time in the Met Mile last time out, shortens up some more in $250,000 Kelly’s Landing at 6 1/2 furlongs. Field of eight also includes 11-time Churchill winner Bango, who returns to defend his title for Greg Foley.
Gulfstream Park. Race 10. 5:35. Saffie Joseph Jr. sends out four, including 2-1 favorite Imonra, in the $100,000 Musical Romance Handicap.
Woodbine. Race 9. 5:40. Field of seven for the Grade 3 HPIBet Marine Stakes for 3-year-olds.
Lone Star. Race 8. 5:51. Tough to sort out the field here for the $250,000 Texas Turf Classic.
Churchill. Race 11. 6:03. Headliner of the day, the Grade 1, $1 million Stephen Foster. Brad Cox has pointed Godolphin’s First Mission to this since this winter and spring, when son of Street Sense racked up dominating victories in the Grade 3 Essex at Oaklawn and Grade 2 Alysheba at Churchill. He’s the deserving favorite against quality field that also includes Pimlico Special winner Pyrenees, Ben Ali winner and Pimlico Special runner-up Kingsbarns, 2023 Travers runner-up Disarm, 2023 Pennsylvania Derby runner-up Dreamlike and multiple graded stakes winner and $2,291,685-earner Skippylongstocking.
Woodbine. Race 10. 6:13. Canadian Horse of the Year Fev Rover, sixth last time out in deep renewal of the Grade 1 New York at Saratoga, returns “home” for the Grade 2 Nassau Stakes going 1 mile on the grass. She meets either others, including Grade 3 Modesty winner Fast As Flight, graded stakes winners Implicated, Cairo Consort, Full Count Felicia and Millie Girl and Safeen.
Churchill. Race 12. 6:32. The stakes aren’t finished yet. Here’s the $250,000 Tepin for 3-year-old fillies going 1 mile. Mark Casse trained Tepin, who climbed so many mountains including a pair of Breeders’ Cup Mile wins and a successful foray to Royal Ascot, and sends out Dancing N Dixie. Tall order with the likes of Pipsy, Poolside With Slim, Simply In Front and Mo Fox Givin among the top threats.
Lone Star. Race 10. 6:47. The $125,000 Grand Prairie Turf Sprint closes the card.
Pleasanton. Race 6. 7:22. A latefarewell to Golden Gate. Pleasanton flies the flag now for Northern California. Here’s the $50,000 Oak Tree Sprint, the feature on the seven-race card.
Los Alamitos. Race 8. 7:37. Tapalo, a New York-bred son of Tapiture bred and raised at Saratoga Glen Farm not far from Saratoga Race Course, looks for back-to-back stakes victories against four others in the $100,000 Los Alamitos Derby. Small but classy group also includes Bob Baffert’s duo of Grade 2 winner Wynstock and Cornell, along with two-time winner Curlin’s Kaos.
Click here to read more about our 2024 plans for The Saratoga Special.
