Saratoga Trip Notes (8/22-9/3)

[ateamstupid]

I'll be posting trip notes for the final two weeks of the Saratoga meet and Belmont fall here at DT. The idea is to help people who don't have time to dissect replays or give a second read to those who do. Feedback is welcome.

Wednesday, August 22

8-22-01
Meet the Mets off a length slow, Sandy'z Slew off a half-length slow. After his hesitant start, Meet the Mets was guided to the inside, sat unhurried in the second flight through the turn, saved ground into the stretch, was bottled up briefly between the eventual place and show horses when attempting to switch out, went back inside and brushed slightly with the tiring pacesetter, was soon clear and kicked on up the rail to win as best for a cold barn. Sandy'z Slew set up shop outside of the pacesetter down the backstretch, slipped into the 2-path going into the turn, was asked to collar the leader entering the stretch, then drifted out slightly to meet the challenge of Saint Arthur, allowing the winner an alley to his inside, could not quite match that one's late punch but held second in a good enough debut. Saint Arthur stumbled a bit coming out of the gate, could not keep up with the first three early, was asked going into the turn and had to come 3-4 wide after the top pair, could not forge past Sandy'z Slew, but continued on well to be a clear third in a good debut considering the ground loss. Goodtolook took a ton of late money, broke sharply and quickly made the lead, but was hounded by Sandy'z Slew for the first half-mile, tried to fight off a two-pronged challenge from that one and Saint Arthur until midstretch, began to sputter at the 1/8 pole and could not keep up with the top three thereafter. Steam horse bears watching for a barn whose 2-year-olds usually do better with a race in the rearview.

8-22-02
Little Nick and Ziptronic both broke ahead of the field. Jess Not Jesse was bumped by Departures after the start, tugged his way between horses into a share of second behind a loose leader, got carried wide off the turn by the pacesetter, was set down at the 3/16 pole, continued to drift out when the leader did in midstretch, eventually edged clear of that one just in time to hold off the bid of Ziptronic to his inside. Talented but fragile gelding finally managed (at 6) to get healthy enough to pair up wins. Hopefully he sticks around for Belmont fall. Ziptronic broke with the leader but was allowed to settle back in fifth early, was kept in reserve while saving ground as the pace quickened around the turn, came off the rail entering the stretch, was let out at the 3/16 pole, came through a big opening towards the inside when the leader bore out, was narrowly beaten to the wire by the sharp winner once that one cleared the pacesetter but ran well with a great trip and ride. Evacuation Route dropped back to last early, came off the rail on the turn when Ziptronic snuck over to the inside, produced a wide rally into the stretch and had to keep drifting wider along with the winner when the pacesetter got out, reeled the tiring leader in to get third but was no match for the top pair. Castellano was outridden by Dominguez here, who beat him to the rail on the turn and, as a result, the inside opening in the stretch. That said, Evacuation Route's lack of early pace hurts him in these typically speed-controlled Saratoga turf sprints. Interested to see what he'll do if he shows up in a longer turf sprint at Belmont. Little Nick is reportedly sore and ran like it, was off to a clear lead and quit in the stretch while bearing out badly.

8-22-03
Clear Pasaj was off a length slow, otherwise break was clean. Class Action Suit settled off the moderate early pace in midpack, made a sustained 3-wide bid after the dueling leaders on the turn as the pace quickened significantly, was taken wide off the turn by Vicki's Dancer, continued to chase that one before finally grinding past her inside the 1/8 pole, drew clear inside the 1/16 and held off a late longshot bid to score as clearly best off the claim. Warrior Marie tracked in the second flight on the inside down the backstretch, saved ground while unhurried as the pace began to quicken on the turn, was switched out deftly for clear run around the 3/16 pole, whittled away at the winner's margin in the final 1/16 but fell just short with a great trip and ride. Good step forward for this filly. Vicki's Dancer emerged from the early pace morass in a close second, disposed of early leader Ibid on the turn through a sharp middle 1/4, opened a clear lead turning for home, dug in gamely to try to hold off the challenge of the eventual winner but succumbed inside the 1/8 pole, only being passed thereafter by the tripped-out place horse. Ran the second-best race. Victory Island settled near the back early, tried to follow the winner's bid while 3-4 wide on the far turn but could not keep pace, switched to her left lead at the 1/8 pole, got back on her right lead late and sucked up for fourth as the overbet favorite.

8-22-04
Sylvestris stumbled a bit at the start. Favored Adjacent was allowed an easy, clear lead, dictated terms with the eventual place and show horses tracking third and second, continued on that soft pace around the far turn, race became a 1/4-mile sprint turning for home, with Adjacent narrowly holding off Sylvestris and Warm Hugs to score with the best trip, running the final 5/16 in :28.86. Top three were clearly best of this group, but would give a pass to those in the rear through the first three pace calls, as it was simply impossible to close ground in the stretch.

8-22-05
Clean break. Bourbon Twist dropped into the 2-path going into the first turn, had to check slightly when straightening onto the backstretch, settled nicely in sixth, launched a 3-wide bid on the near side of the turn while her stablemate went 4-wide, inhaled the frontrunners before they turned for home, opened up in the stretch to win as much the best on debut. The Lady Says Yes was steered to the rail going into the first turn, ran in last down the backstretch behind a slow pace, came off the inside midway around the far turn, made a 4-wide sweep alongside her stablemate, forcing that one's hand, could not keep pace with the quickening winner and stayed on to get a distant second by default. John's Mariah was eager early but wrangled off the slow tempo, ran in the second flight down the backstretch, was shuffled back on the turn when the top two were making their moves, got bottled up turning for home, closed decently to just miss third once clear. Poorly ridden and deserves another shot to see what she can do routing on grass.

8-22-06
Break good. Master Achievement made the lead on his own power, was unchallenged through moderate fractions, responded when set down entering the stretch and maintained a clear lead to the wire. Theft by Dominguez on a very sharp winner. Odds-on Kitten's Kid managed to get by stalking Knock Rock late but could not make up significant ground on the winner. No major trips in this strung out field.

8-22-07
Counting Days broke 1-2 lengths slow. Coach A. J. made a clear lead, maintained that advantage into the stretch while running well off the rail, was confronted and briefly headed by the eventual place horse, battled back while drifting out further, herding the place horse in deep stretch in typical Castellano fashion and held on to win narrowly. Boston Proper tracked outside the winner throughout, made a strong looking bid to briefly take the lead at the 1/16 pole, was herded by the winner just enough to lose momentum late and fell short. River Cruising sat in the second flight down the backstretch, came 4-wide on the near side of the turn to take a crack at the leader, couldn't quite get to that one but finished well while being affected as well by the winner's herding. Positive turf debut. Counting Days deserves another shot, as he quickly dropped back to last following the slow start and came off the rail to make a wide sweep on the turn, eventually getting into fourth from the back in a race that was dominated up front.

8-22-08
Break OK. Colony Strike went 3-wide around the first turn, was part of a trio of pace players setting a progressively faster clip down the backstretch, challenged the favorite midway around the far turn when the other speed checked out, battled that one into submission past the 3/16, continued on while bearing out a bit in deep stretch to score by a half-length. Good win, disposing of the other speeds despite being widest of them, holding sway late over the tripped-out place horse. Washington's Rules was several lengths off the 3-way duel up front, came wide off the turn to try to reel in the leaders, drifted out further under a lefty whip around the 1/8 pole, closed in from the middle of the track but couldn't produce a strong enough punch to get by the much-the-best winner. Second-best with a good trip.

8-22-09
Quiet Favorite and Live for Today each off a length slow. Willy Beamin was sent through between horses to make the lead into the first turn, set an easy pace largely unpressed, saw off a challenge from Fox Rules on the far turn, was asked at the 3/16 and responded to widen quickly in the final furlong, won off with a great trip, proving himself clearly best of the NY-bred 3-year-olds. Pearl of Wisdom was wide on both turns in the second flight, tired late to narrowly miss the show, but ran a better than looked race in his first start against winners. Don't know what the plan was with Fox Rules, as he somehow encountered an even slower pace than the one he set in the NY Derby and yet wasn't put on the lead. Expect a better effort when he's put on the lead once again. Zivo sat in a pocket while 2-wide on both turns, came through between horses to get a distant second late. OK horse but like the rest of these isn't on the same level as the winner. Slow pace will make for a depressed figure in this race.

8-22-10
Cypress Pond tossed his rider at the start but ran to the outside hedge on the first turn and didn't do any damage to the others. Krissy Kat settled in a distant fourth early behind a legitimate and contested pace, was asked to go after the top flight midway on the far turn, sidled up to last remaining pace player Race Palace nearing the 1/8 pole, began to drift out from there, costing the runner-up momentum and holding on to score by a neck as a result. Warm Glow took back early to avoid the riderless horse, ducked over to the hedge and saved ground on the first turn, continued a rail run on the far turn, came off the rail nearing the stretch, produced a strong late charge in the center of the course, was affected by the winner's extreme bearing out, had her momentum stopped and couldn't quite get up. Probably should've won, but until being carried out had an absolutely perfect trip. Race Palace likely ran the best race. She chased runaway speed Coral Glade's hot fractions throughout, went 3-wide on the far turn, put away Street Dreams in the stretch but couldn't quite keep up with the top pair in the late stages. Other two speeds finished up the track. Good effort that'll be hidden in the form. Top three were clearly best.

[Dahoss]

Good stuff man. If it's cool with you I'll try and add some stuff when I notice it.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

Good stuff man. If it's cool with you I'll try and add some stuff when I notice it.

For sure. Anything that adds to the discussion is great.

[pointman]

Joey, this is most appreciated, there really should be more of this stuff here. Great work.

[knickslions2]

Nice work here!! Not sure if you guys downloaded the horse races now app. Pretty slick and has the race replays up pretty fast.

[TheSpyder]

Great stuff here!

Thanks.

Spyder

[ateamstupid]

Thursday, August 23

8-23-01
STEEPLECHASE

8-23-02
Break OK. Saginaw was unhurried early, ran along in the second flight down the backstretch, rolled up within a length of the lead at the 5/8 pole, stalked the leader around the turn, was given his cue near the 3/8, eventually discarded the pacesetter at the 3/16, was put to a heavy drive thereafter, held a safe margin over the others to the wire while not appearing nearly as dominant as in many of his recent wins. Tough criticism maybe, but have to think the clock will strike midnight with this claim eventually. Private Tale was also part of the second flight early, ended up a clear third going into the turn, was asked around the 7/16, took dead aim on the top two in midstretch, could not get to the winner but stayed on late to make the chalkeaters sweat it out a bit. Indy Scent loped along towards the back behind a tepid pace, was urged along early on the turn, produced a 3-4 wide bid on the turn, moved into third late while proving no match for the top two. Could have saved way more ground than Velazquez did, but needs more pace to run at to show his best.

8-23-03
Scratches decimated this field. Original Art and Crooked as Can Be broke significantly better than the other two runners, proceeded to run 1-2 around the track after jogging through slow 1/4 and 1/2 splits. Not much to see here.

8-23-04
Torment missed the break yet again, spotting the field 4-5 lengths. Black Ace was checked back off the speed early, settled well off a quick pace, was kept in reserve when Torment was getting his typical premature wide ride, was asked past the 3/16, began to eat up ground on the new leader nearing the 1/16, passed that one late to win with a good trip and ride. Meet the new Torment, same as the old Torment. The claim by Levine and the blinkers coming off didn't do anything for his gate issues. However, for the third straight time, even with the poor break, he ran well enough to win with a more patient, ground-saving ride. There's no reason Castellano couldn't have given him the ride that Lezcano gave the winner, but instead he made the nearly identical wide, premature move with him that Castro made the last two times. This may be the unluckiest horse on the circuit. D'tiger was taken back off the speed in the opening stages, had to check slightly entering the turn, was angled 2-3 wide on the turn, had no alley at the top of the stretch, altered course to the outside at the 3/16, could not keep up with the top pair inside the final 1/8 but got up for the show after altering course a second time late. Not an ideal trip, but he was supposed to handle this field on figures. Strong pace in here predictably collapsed.

8-23-05
Break OK. Wandering Kitten was brushed after the start, settled in the second flight early, was given his cue around the 1/4 pole, came 3-wide off the turn, inched towards the leader at the 1/8 pole, was put to a full drive in an attempt to grind past that one, dug in to win a close 3-way photo between rivals with a good trip. Bundestag, one of the lovable losers on the circuit, saved ground on the first turn, loped along covered up down the backstretch, switched off the rail to come over the top on the near side of the far turn, produced a good late punch to engage the top pair inside the 1/8 pole, couldn't quite get past the winner but won the place. Current Design got loose on an average pace, battled back gamely when headed by the winner in midstretch, fought on through the final yards to miss the money by a neck. Top three were clearly best of a poor group.

8-23-06
Hightail and Kamchatka collided a stride or two out of the gate, otherwise break clean. Central Banker showed speed in the first furlong but soon backed off of a developing pace duel, dropped back to a ground-saving fourth on the turn, was asked past the 3/16, came through a big opening when one of the pace players packed it in, poked a head in front of Hightail at the 1/16, beat that one and troubled Mico Margarita to the line in a 3-way photo. Good turf debut with a trouble-free trip. Hightail was pushed through a good pace by Redwood Kitten, disposed of that one approaching the 1/8 pole, responded when confronted by the winner inside the 1/16 but came up just short. Honest colt ran well in spite of lacking turf pedigree, prevailed in a pace dispute before narrowly succumbing to the tripped-out winner. Mico Margarita was unhurried in fifth down the backstretch, went 3-wide around the turn, was urged around the 5/16, swung widest entering the stretch, was affected when Kamchatka drifted out sharply in midstretch, was then bumped by that one when tiring Redwood Kitten came out, recovered nicely to kick on with the top two late and finish a close and clear third. Encouraging debut overcoming trouble. Ran a winning race.

8-23-07
Good start. Lunar Victory was carried a bit wide entering the first turn, soon moved closer to the inside, ran in a distant third behind a suicidal frontrunner, remained in midpack heading into the far turn, willingly cruised up and past the retreating pacesetter at the 5/16, was asked to go after the new leader turning for home, came wide into the stretch, surged past Golden Gulch nearing the 1/8 pole, was kept busy while drawing clear late. Another sharp win in real racehorse time for this talented NY-bred. Golden Gulch was hustled into the first turn, was a distant second down the backstretch, hustled into the second turn, was the first to tackle the runaway leader on the far turn in an apparent attempt to get the jump on the favorite, could not keep pace with the much-the-best winner inside the 1/8 pole but held the place in another good effort for a quality horse who will eventually land in a spot without a buzzsaw entered alongside him. Praetereo saved ground on both turns while near the back of the pack, came off the fence turning for home, rallied well to nab the show with a good trip and setup. Self Control was 2-wide on the first turn, covered up down the backstretch, 2-wide around the far turn, tried to follow the winner's bid into the stretch, couldn't keep up with the top pair in the lane and was nailed late for third. Another nice horse who simply was overmatched by the winner. Arthur's Tale was 3-4 wide on the first turn, 3-wide on the far turn and came up empty in the stretch. Doubt he was doing much damage in this group but the overland trip put the nail in his coffin. Joan's Choice set a crazy pace and threw in the towel midway on the far turn. More dirtied up form to help this Aqueduct specialist's price once he gets back to his preferred oval.

8-23-08
Break OK. Pianist was 2-3 wide around the first turn, kept under a tight hold down the backside, allowed to creep closer to the leader heading into the far turn, got asked in earnest 2-wide around the 3/8, appeared to be one-paced in early stretch but gradually tracked down the leader under a full drive, quickened in the final furlong, leaving the frontrunner in her wake and pulling clear to score well as best. Clearly hated the wet turf last out, much better today back on firm. Interested to see where she goes from here. Antonia Autumn stuck to the hedge on the first turn, came off the inside slightly down the backstretch before deftly being steered back to the hedge on the far turn, made a steady advance in the stretch to grab the place late. Ran against the grain of the race but also saved all the ground and didn't encounter a pebble in her path. OK filly, just not in the same class as the winner. Kitty Wine quickly made the lead from her inside draw, shook off the brief challenge of longshot Mongos Expression onto the backstretch, maintained a measured edge into the lane, was challenged by the winner at the 1/8 pole and had no meaningful response, faded a bit late to end up third with the best of it. Race held together up front, 1-2-3 runners at the 1/2 split ended up 3-1-4.

8-23-09
Break OK. Yes She Rules was in a bit tight early, saved ground near the back of the field on the first turn, eased into midpack on the far turn, was given her cue 2-wide approaching the stretch, swung out at the top of the stretch, swept to the lead at the 1/8 pole, narrowly held off a late bid to score by a nose with a good trip. Donttangowithmango had to take back briefly when Belle Gallantey came in after the start, saved ground in last on the first turn, gradually moved up inside on the far turn, had to be held up slightly turning for home, lacked room past the 3/16, shifted out into the clear once the winner went by, closed well from there only to drop a close photo. Useful turf debut, did save all the ground but gets it done with a clean stretch run. Pace completely collapsed in here. 6-7-8 runners early ran 1-3-2 and finished well clear of the rest.

[my miss storm cat]

This is a great thread.

I have a question about this...

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Little Nick is reportedly sore and ran like it, was off to a clear lead and quit in the stretch while bearing out badly.

I am never around horses, for the record, but was surprised to read this part or rather that he was racing (didn't play that day) since he was the one in the collision with Jackson Bend 4 days prior.

Can anyone tell me if that was a little quick to bring him back?

Just wondering.

Saratoga has been brutal to the point of comedy so I'd just assume read your stuff and try really hard to stop playing it for the remaining time.

[ateamstupid]

Friday, August 24

8-24-01
Poultney jumped straight up at the start and lost about 3 lengths. Aussieaussieaussie got pinballed around at the break, losing 2-3 lengths as well. Magical Moon came in and bumped Aussieaussieaussie at the start, was eager in behind the speed down the backstretch, made a big 3-wide move on the turn, inhaled the frontrunners before the turn for home, was set down and put to a lefty whip inside the 3/16 pole, opened up quickly from there to win by double digits, eased up in the final yards of a powerful performance. Tough to say what she beat, but you don't often see 2-year-olds dominate on the grass like this. Watch going forward. Runway Ready came out slightly at the start, together with the winner sandwiching Aussieaussieaussie, bobbled a few strides after that, was bumped by the unwieldy K to the Croft going into the turn, had to shuffle back to fourth with no room on the turn after tugging her way into second, continued to be bottled up and stumbled approaching the turn for home, finally got clear run at the 3/16 and ran greenly from there but continued on OK to get in a 3-way photo for the place. Not bad all things considered. Grenoble broke well but couldn't keep up with the speed, was taken back to run a distant sixth down the backside, saved ground on the turn before being swung wide at the top of the stretch, closed decently in the center of the course to narrowly miss the show and galloped out past all but the winner. Clearly doesn't have the early foot to succeed in these sprints but showed enough in the stretch to hint that she could factor going longer on grass.

8-24-02
Desert Traveler stumbled a bit coming out of the gate, otherwise break OK. No More Fives broke alertly from the inside, was hustled to the front and made the lead without issue, got away with a slow 1/4 unchallenged, was kept busy to maintain a clear lead on the turn, stayed several lengths to the good into midstretch, began to drift out past the 1/8 pole, held a safe margin to the line, making all. Go the Distance had to be held up going into and through the turn but got a great opening on the rail going into the stretch, was the only one to make up ground on the drifting winner but couldn't go by. Painfully slow race.

8-24-03
Dangerous Trick stumbled at the start, otherwise break OK. Reserved Quality was away well, sat in a good spot down the backstretch behind two dueling pairs, somehow maneuvered to the inside and made an unimpeded rail run into the stretch, got the lead and opened up turning for home, comfortably held off all challengers in a textbook example of why Dominguez is the best on this circuit. Absolutely flawless ride. While Dominguez was getting his outside-drawn horse through on the rail, Professor Fate was held up in behind a tiring frontrunner 2-wide, came 3-wide off the turn and wore down Fusa Code to get the place. Not bad, just beaten to the punch by the winner like the rest. Fusa Code had a similar trip to the winner, dropping back into sixth, was also beaten to the rail into the turn, came 2-wide into the stretch but couldn't match the punches of the top two but finished well clear of fourth. Good run with a good trip.

8-24-04
Kellster was off 2-3 lengths slow. Bridgetta broke on top, was allowed to settle just off the second choice early, drifted up to that one willingly as the top pair separated around the turn, was carried wide top stretch by the drifting frontrunner, leaving the rail open for Carrot Thief, discarded the leader into the final 3/16, won unthreatened from there as best with a great trip. Esthers Classy Las was nudged outward by Azasecret after the start, consequently bumping with Dontrainonmyparade, was hustled to stay in touch with the first flight and then switched to the outside, made an unnecessarily wide bid on the turn, floated even wider into the stretch, came over the top to grab the place late from a tripped-out Carrot Thief. Showed a new dimension and ran way better than the form says, will benefit greatly with a switch to a competent rider.

8-24-05
Break OK. Ampersand hit the gate at the start, almost immediately dropped over to the rail in last, saved ground from far off a scorching pace on the 1st turn, came off the inside briefly before ducking back over to the hedge for clear run into the stretch, was set down from there and split horses to get up in the final 1/16 and hold sway to score in a 3-way photo. Night and day compared to the trip he was given last time. Gimme Credit saved ground in a distant fifth on the 1st turn, was asked from inside a tiring pacesetter on the far turn, began to reel in the gassed frontrunner inside the 1/8 pole, was narrowly outsprinted home by the tripped-out winner, still just beat Hear the Footsteps to the line despite having his jockey stop riding early. Hear the Footsteps broke well, was part of the early pace discussion on the hedge around the 1st turn but got taken back when the fractions started sizzling down the backside, got shuffled back briefly when attempting to come through between horses towards the end of the far turn, produced a good rally in the stretch only to finish on the short end of a 3-way win photo. Sharp effort, was closer to the salty pace than the top two but still kicked on with them late and finished a clear third. Appears on the verge of finally breaking through at this level.

8-24-06
Purely Love hopped at the start, otherwise break OK. Madame Giry found herself in a good spot sitting off a torrid 3-way duel on the backstretch, slid into the 2-path going into the turn, looped around the tiring frontrunners approaching the turn for home, opened up a clear lead in midstretch, veered in nearing the 1/16 pole but held to score over a tripped-out closer. Remains sharp for Gambolati. Revenue settled in second-last off the hot pace, made a 2-3 wide move on the turn, came through between horses in the stretch and made up ground on the winner but was second-best with a good trip and setup. Purely Love was eased back into the race after her slow start, tried to follow the winner's move 3-wide on the turn, got floated 5-6 wide top lane, could not keep up with the top two but closed OK to be a clear third in a decent try with an unideal trip.

8-24-07
Break OK. Sally's Dream was allowed to settle just off the pacemaker 2-wide on the first turn, inched closer to that one down the backstretch, stayed glued to her hip 2-wide on the far turn, pulled on even terms in midstretch, worked hard to poke her head in front nearing the 1/16 pole, held sway over two modest closing bids to score with a good trip and setup, coasting alongside a moderate pace. Forever Vow continues to refuse to win, rode the hedge in the 2nd flight both turns, came off the inside and had dead aim on the new leader in the final 1/8 but couldn't pass her. No excuse. Little Red Rider also had a good, ground-saving trip and could only rally for the show, was away last and a little bit further off the slow pace than Forever Vow, however. Frivolous Alex set that easy tempo, fought the winner inside into midstretch, but wilted from there to fade to a no-excuse fourth.

8-24-08
Break OK. Isn'tlovejustgrand ran in a clear fifth behind a slow pace, moved 2-wide on the turn, came out top lane, rallied to reel in the tripped-out show horse, making the lead inside the 1/16 and holding off a late bid just to his outside. Chernobyl's Hero had a similar trip to the winner, following that one's 2-wide move on the turn, kicked on nicely in the stretch and fell short by a neck, galloped out past the winner. Not a bad run for the old-timer off a significant layoff. Saints Alive sat just off a slow pace, made the lead in midstretch but couldn't hold off the two from midpack. No excuse. None either for Silver Timber, a one-time crack turf sprinter who's lost a step. Sat a great trip in the pocket just off the easy pace, saved ground on the turn and couldn't keep up with the top two, horses he would've dusted in his heyday, in deep stretch.

8-24-09
Break OK. Turbulent Descent was bumped slightly coming out of the gate, set up shop on the outside of the 2nd flight behind a slow pace, began to inch up 3-wide in tandem with Nicole H at the 3/8 pole, made the lead turning for home, held a clear lead past the 1/8, was put to a full drive to hold off the bid of Derwin's Star. A win's a win, but she was hardly dominant in here the way many expected her to be. The place horse is OK, but when you're beating Belle of the Hall by less than 3 with a good trip, that's nothing to write home about. Derwin's Star stayed in touch behind the 2nd flight down the backstretch, was 2-wide around the turn, emerged as the only threat to the winner in midstretch but couldn't quite wear that one down while staying on for the place. Not a classic renewal of the Ballerina.

8-24-10
Ginagain got squeezed back at the start, Maggie R was off several lengths slow, Fun and Gains also was pinched a bit and Londoness had to be checked several times in the early stages, effectively taking her out of the race. Bluegrass Rumor went right to the sharp end, shook off the challenge of Any Given Moment around the first turn, strung out the field down the backstretch through legitimate fractions, continued to widen her lead into the far turn, was set down at the 3/16 pole, started to shorten stride nearing the 1/16 but had just enough in reserve to hold off the closers. Pretty impressive for the level considering the pace she set. Let the Kitten Run came out and bumped with Ginagain at the start, saved ground while headstrong on the 1st turn, was guided to the outside in a clear 3rd down the backside, made a 2-wide bid towards the lead into the stretch, had dead aim on the tiring leader but drifted out late and couldn't get by. No excuse with a good trip. Picture Book and Shewreckstheplace each had clear trips without significant ground loss and also couldn't couldn't produce significant rallies in the stretch. The winner was really the only one who ran here.

[ateamstupid]

Saturday, August 25

8-25-01
Break OK. Brigand showed speed, settled in a good spot a neck back outside the leader, edged past that one willingly on the turn, almost immediately took on a challenge from his outside, saw off that bid when put to a drive inside the 3/16, drew away strongly in the final 1/8, winning eased up in the final yards as much the best. Jeter sat in a good position in the 2nd flight, was asked to go after the top pair 3-wide on the turn, drew on even terms with the winner turning for home, could not keep pace with that one past midstretch, held the place in a good effort behind a classier 3-year-old dropping back into statebred company. Sky Music and Overextended pulled similar trips, saving ground at the back of the pack and getting clear run in the stretch to grab the minors.

8-25-02
Delhomme and Honorable Dillon each off about a length slow. Honorable Dillon was taken to the outside after the hesitant start and urged to get into a tracking 2nd, shadowed the frontrunner from there around the turn, attempted to drift in early stretch when asked to collar the leader, forged to the front past the 1/8 pole, drew away from the pacesetter and comfortably held off a late bid by the favorite to his outside. Good ride by Lezcano on a nice 2-year-old who still appears capable of better. Delhomme stayed towards the back despite urging while the winner was able to creep up on the pace, made a 3-wide bid to get into 3rd on the turn, drifted out several times from a lefty whip in midstretch, still closed decently to get the clear place in a sneaky good run. Howie's Tiz was outsprinted early, was eased back into the race 2-wide on the turn, was taken wide top lane, began to pick off horses inside the 3/16, really got cooking past the 1/8 pole, nailed the tiring pacesetter for the show in the last jump. Promising stretch run on debut from well off a modest pace. Watch top three going forward.

8-25-03
Cumberland Chief and Mo Jo each off a beat slow, break mostly OK though. Slamarama made the lead from the inside on his own power, ran a sharp 1st 1/4, was able to slow down the pace down the backstretch, repelled a challenge from the chalk turning for home, scooted away inside the final furlong and held sway late to score with a good trip and ride. Saint Vigeur dropped over to the hedge and saved ground in midpack 1st turn, was steered to the outside on the backstretch, came 3-4 wide around the far turn, closed OK in the stretch to get the place with a clean trip. Secretive had a ground-saving trip in the 3rd flight, had to be held up in traffic nearing the turn for home, remained stuck in behind horses into the lane, found space in midstretch and split horses and closed to get in a place photo, galloped out past the winner. Good debut to build on for Shug. Mo Jo was taken to the hedge near the back of the pack, taken 2-wide on the far turn, came to the outside in the stretch and closed decently to get fourth while drifting out, then in. Clean trip, OK debut. His Honour, who finished 9th, may be worth a look going forward, as he made a big middle move in a race where positions were otherwise largely unchanged until the stretch, flattened out for a barn whose firsters typically need a race. Price will definitely be right.

8-25-04
Milkyyourway was away 1-2 lengths late, One Pretty Cat broke 2-3 lengths slow while Bank On Basta got completely left at the start. Cinematize was taken to the inside in the 2nd flight, saved ground most of the turn before making a 4-wide sweep nearing the stretch, forged past Divadora at the 1/8 pole, pulled away late to win as best of a mediocre group with a good trip. Dominguez again gets a horse with an outside post a ground-saving, clean run just in behind the speed. This stuff is not easy. Bonita Sonata was guided over to the rail in midpack going into the turn, saved ground from there before following the winner's move, was yanked outward at the 3/16 for a clear shot at the winner, could not get to that one but came on to get the place with a good trip and ride. Milkyyourway raced in the 3rd flight after the hesitant start, was asked to pick it up going into the turn while 2-wide, allowed the place horse to slip through to her inside, had to wait for room into the stretch, altered course at the 1/8 pole and came with a decent late bid to get in a photo for the place. Has some ability, needs to get out of the gate. Divadora was widest of a 3-way pace battle from which the other two actors finished 9th and 11th and got passed for the place and show late. Not bad.

8-25-05
Break OK. Rigby broke alertly, was eased into midpack off an early pace scramble, was 4-wide on the turn, took the lead at the top of the stretch and drew off to score as much the best, showcasing that unorthodox stride of his. Another big effort for this one under Asmussen, this time outside of claiming waters. Reload dropped back early, started the turn 2-wide and gradually came 4-wide to try to follow the winner's move, couldn't make a significant dent in that one's lead and settled for 2nd with a good trip. Sage Valley was allowed to settle in midpack on the inside, saved ground on the turn, had to be held up midturn behind a tiring frontrunner, altered course to the outside at the 1/8 pole and stayed on well to get the show. Good step forward this 3-year-old.

8-25-06
Break clean. This 2-year-old turf race has the look of quality. Summer of Fun stalked in the 2nd flight off leader Worthwhilepursuit down the backstretch, was asked to go after that one 2-wide on the far turn, collared the leader turning for home, disposed of that one, spurted away past the 1/8 pole, held off a big kick from the place horse to score with a good trip and ride. Final 5/16 in :29.42. Wave Theory was away better of the Chad pair, saved ground on the 1st turn and settled in 4th down the backside, inched closer to the lead on the far turn, dropped back a bit in traffic while the winner was making her move, was set down in the clear past the 3/16, began to eat up ground inside the 1/8 and produced a good punch to fall a neck short. Strong debut. Flashy Gal was held up 2-wide and got shuffled back when Scat Scan came over on the 1st turn, dropped to last behind a moderate pace on the backside, began a 3-wide advance midway on the far turn, came 4 and then 5-wide late turn, was in a little bit tight inside the 1/8 pole, continued on well to be a clear 3rd. Great try, gave up a lot of ground and still closed into a quick late split. Scat Scan also ran better than it reads, as she was checked in behind the erratic, tiring pacesetter around the 1/8 pole and still closed decently to get fourth. Cloture, Tap Twenty One and Flash Forward all were taken very wide into the 1st turn, while She's Not Lazy was checked several times in behind horses while rank, then checked another time into the far turn for good measure. Toss race. Top three all worth watching going forward, particularly the Chad pair.

8-25-07
Mad Bomber was unprepared for the start and lost 3-4 lengths. Alarmed Ndangerous saved ground in a good spot, 3rd behind two pace players going at it, moved with Gossip Column on the hedge while that one went wide, was put into the 3-path in midstretch, was briefly boxed in around the 1/8 pole, soon got through between horses and narrowly beat the favorite home with a good trip. Gossip Column tracked 2-wide in the 2nd flight, was given his cue 3-wide on the far turn, lost a lot of ground to the winner on the hedge, kept that one penned in briefly, was beaten home once the winner was let clear. Likely ran the best race. Pace held together, 1-2-3-4 runners down the backside finished 4-3-2-1.

8-25-08
Break OK. Optimizer cleared from the outside nicely into the 1st turn, set a progressively faster pace, shook off his one pace opponent turning for home and comfortably held off all bids to make all as clearly best. Sharp effort from a versatile runner who's likely best on the green. Film Making and Arc Above each had great ground-saving trips but couldn't gain ground on the good winner. Villandry chased the winner's legitimate pace while 2-wide around both turns, couldn't keep up with that one in the stretch and was passed late for the minors, still a positive run shipping up from Ellis for Lopresti.

8-25-09
Break OK. Zagora was 2-wide in a distant 3rd flight, was asked nearing the 1/4 pole, blew past the gassed frontrunner inside the final 1/8 and held off the last move from Hungry Island to score in razor sharp time with a perfect trip. Hungry Island settled towards the rear 2-wide 1st turn, ran just in behind the eventual winner on the backstretch, let that one get away from her a bit far turn, kicked on nicely in the lane to make up some ground on a fast winner. Summer Soiree tugged her way up to the lead, set a reasonable 1/4, strung out the field through an insane 2nd 1/4 (:22.65), pulling Tapitsfly out of her race in doing so, had nothing left at the 1/8 pole and faded to be a sneaky good 3rd. This was her 1st start off a long layoff, she did some very heavy lifting and still easily bested the only other two (Tapitsfly 6th, 7th) to get near her scorching pace. Top three were clearly best of these.

8-25-10
Book Review was bumped hard at the start and checked back early. Contested was away flat-footed, recovered with enough speed to sit in 3rd behind a suicidal leader, was asked to keep pace from 5 lengths back at the 1/2 pole, moved into contention at the 3/16, wore down the two pace players nearing the 1/8, inched away while drifting out a bit late to win as best with an OK trip in slow time. Gypsy Robin ran a very good race, chasing an insane pace, taking over before immediately having to battle the winner, just succumbed to that one but held 2nd. Daughter of Daaher may have turned the corner. Jazzy Idea dropped well off the leader down the backstretch, was given a premature 4-wide move on the far turn, was interfered with by the bearing out Beautiful but Blue in deep stretch, ran better than it looks. Amie's Dini was bumped hard by Aubby K on the backstretch, was checked while moving 3-wide on the turn, switched back to the inside, was carried out by Well Kept in deep stretch and put together an OK race to get 6th with a rough trip. Top two were easily best.

8-25-11
Spin Out was completely steadied out of the race in the first few strides. Willy Beamin settled near the back behind a reasonable pace, moved 2-wide on the far turn, swung out top stretch, rallied nicely in the last 1/8 to win a blanket finish off two days' rest. Five-star quarter claim for Riccio. Fort Loudon was sent after the top pair 3-4 wide on the far turn, continued a sustained wide bid to eventually reach contention in the final 1/8, appeared spent but rallied well to just get nipped by the tripped-out winner. Big run. Unbridled's Note was away in the 2nd flight, got shuffled back in traffic going into the turn, continued to be held up into the stretch, was driven to the inside, then altered course when that lane didn't open, came back out and was briefly bottled up, pushed through between horses to fall a half-length short. Good and unlucky effort. Doctor Chit pressed a fast horse in Trinniberg, put that one away by midstretch, took a brief lead before being run down by the top three. Has proven his quality. Laurie's Rocket also put in a progressively wider run from the back of the pace to be an in-touch fifth. Backed up his good close in the Amsterdam. Gun Boat was checked hard when Currency Swap came over in the early stages, fought his rider on the rail going into the turn and had nothing in the stretch. Toss race. No excuses for either Currency Swap or Trinniberg.

8-25-12
Five Sixteen was shuffled back at the start, Nonios and Liaison were each off a beat slowly. Neck 'n Neck and Atigun each went 5-wide on the 1st turn, the latter strangely being guided off the inside to do so. Liaison lost a lot of ground onto the backstretch as well. Neck n' Neck and Atigun each went 4-wide on the far turn too, Alpha also moved 4-deep while Golden Ticket snuck through inside from the pocket. Golden Ticket kicked clear nearing the 1/8 pole, began to get weary at the 1/16, dead-heated with Alpha for the win with the best trip. Fast Falcon was smartly dropped to the inside at the back 1st turn while others were going wide, saved ground unhurried far turn, produced a big kick when swung out top stretch, picked off all but the top pair late. Good step forward with a great trip. Atigun, despite going impossibly wide on both turns, was charging home with the top three and had to be steadied late in behind the dead-heating winners. An absolutely ridiculous ride and a big hidden effort. He ran a winning race and will break out against similar with a better trip.

8-25-13
Viva Litalia was off slowly. Kris Royal coasted into a good spot in midpack, was 2-wide and unhurried on both turns, remained on hold until the 3/16, given his cue and responded from there, reeling in two good maidens to win going away through a fast final 5/16 (:28.85). Great trip. Rollingwiththetide was 2-wide 1st turn, settled in the 2nd flight down the backstretch, made a 3-wide challenge for the front far turn, wrested the lead in deep stretch only to be run down by the tripped-out winner. Positive debut for Stall. Night Site was bumped by Amber Coast and checked several times in traffic going into the 1st turn, continued to be shuffled back on the turn, began to advance outside when the pace slowed down the backstretch, came into contention 3-wide on the near side of the turn, closed strongly to miss the place with a lousy trip. He's become a bit of a money burner, but was not put in a position to succeed here.

[ateamstupid]

Sunday, August 26

8-26-01
Cindy's Joy off several lengths slow, then bumped by Kittylicious, leaving those two at the back. Speedy's Gal relaxed in midpack down the backstretch, was aggressively sent through on the inside nearing the far turn, came 2-wide on the far turn, reeled in the spent frontrunner in midstretch and drew off to score unchallenged. Great ride, saving ground and getting first run on the closers. Didn't see any meaningful trips behind the winner.

8-26-02
Apologize hopped at the start, losing about 2 lengths. Sign was off second-last, had enough speed to put herself in a good spot 3rd at the rail, was kept unhurried on the turn while the top three locked horns, asked and shifted off the rail into the stretch, quickly caught up to the leading trio while drifting in at the 3/16 pole, surged to the front nearing the 1/8 and absolutely exploded away from there to win as tons the best. Very impressive debut and the needs to be watched going forward.

8-26-03
Break OK. Favored Thescreenisred was even with the leader in the first furlong, dropped back to the 2nd flight, was in tight while saving ground in the pocket into and around the turn, got clear top lane, caught up to the leader past the 1/8 pole, gradually pulled away from that one and maintained a safe margin over a good firster to the line to win as best. Talmadge Hill was away in midpack, saved ground on the turn, continued on the hedge through the stretch and closed nicely inside of the tiring pacesetter to get the place. Good debut with a good trip. White Sangria fended off the challenge of a longshot pace player through a sharp 1st 1/4, spurted clear past the 3/16, battled the winner gamely when she approached at the 1/8, began to get leg-weary at the 1/16 and was passed by the quality top pair. Decent turf debut. Desert Bliss dropped to the rear as usual, was 2-wide on the turn, swung widest turning for home and closed into a :17.30 final 3/16 to get fourth. Always was up against it in these speed-dominated Saratoga turf sprints. Anticipate her finally getting through this condition back at Belmont.

8-26-04
Break OK. Fiddlers Afleet was widest in the 2nd flight behind a leader setting a slow 1st 1/4, sidled up to the pacesetter approaching the turn for home as the pace quickened, poked a nose in front inside the 1/8 pole, gradually battled that one into defeat and held to win narrowly over a closing Sailmate. Not flashy, but had to wear down a leader with a lot of horse and then hold off closing bids to get home. Good to see him bounce back from his poor Morrissey run. Sailmate was in fifth behind a slow pace, made a 4-5 wide bid on the far turn, emerged as a threat past the 1/8 pole, couldn't quite get up but nailed the pacesetter for the place. Sneaky good race from off dawdling fractions with a lot of ground loss. Obviously better at these long sprints/one-turn miles than two-turn routes. Mine Over Matter can't buy a stalking midpack trip. He was gunned to the lead through suicidal fractions in the Chasin Wimmin and came back to trail behind an average pace in the Morrissey. Well, yet again, he fell back to last, was 2-wide on the turn and had to come over the top to get a closing 4th in here behind the crawl up front. Keeps running his race without getting any kind of setup. Be Bullish didn't appreciate being rated, fought his rider down the backstretch and came up empty in the stretch. Would've been better off on the lead.

8-26-05
Break OK. Mr Cowboy saved ground on hold in midpack off a hot pace, kept the hedge while sneaking up to the 2nd flight on the far turn, came a path off the inside to collar the sputtering leader turning for home, scooted away in midstretch and was never seriously threatened, winning in good time for the level with a dream trip. Hope Still Springs was shuffled back early, saved ground well off the legitimate pace, followed the winner's bid inside on the far turn, was cut loose past the 3/16 and whittled away at the winner's margin slowly, fell short but was well clear of 3rd. Big step forward for this guy with a good trip. Pace collapsed in here.

8-26-06
Break OK. A scorching pace duel developed between Red Hook and With Honorandgrace, while Daisysgonnamakeit was for some reason sent 3-wide after those two going into the turn instead of sitting chilly and waiting for them to retreat. Fractions fried all three runners, setting the table for Heidi's Holiday, who was outsprinted early, began to advance 2-wide on the turn, emerged as a danger near the 3/16, inhaled the tired pace players past the 1/8 and ran away to win by open lengths with a great setup.

8-26-07
Troubleinrivercity broke several lengths slow. A speed duel materialized between Paci Di Notte and War Hitch. Mr E Philip sat in a great spot 2-wide in the 2nd flight behind the sparring leaders, made it into a four-way share of the lead at the 1/8 pole, kicked on strongest to score going away with a good trip. War Hitch dueled Paci Di Notte into defeat, took on a 3-pronged challenged at the 1/8, just succumbed to the winner but held the place in a strong effort. Did all the heavy lifting and backed up his big fig maiden win. Alternative was outsprinted early, saved ground on the far turn, eased back into the race, produced a good rally in the stretch, drifted out from in behind the winner, carrying the fourth horse with him to get the show. Useful turf debut, will benefit from the longer turf sprints at Belmont. Tiny Predicament was away near the back, guided to the inside on the turn, advanced into contention turning for home, had to alter course several times in midstretch, allowing the winner to go by, started to close once clear and was carried out by the show horse in deep stretch, likely costing him 3rd. This is his 2nd consecutive hidden good turf race. Sitting on a win.

8-26-08
Break OK. Screenplay made a clear lead going into the 1st turn, was rated from there, allowed Ronin Dax to take a narrow edge at the 9/16, engaged that one going into the far turn, poked a head in front turning for home and disposed of the other pace player at the 1/8 pole, opened up past the 1/16 and stayed clear to the wire with a good trip and ride as best. Recharged, sent off at a ridiculous 32-1, was wrangled back into midpack to get the hedge 1st turn, was unhurried on the inside far turn, came off the hedge past the 1/8 pole, rallied to get the place in the last few strides. Ground-saving ride and a good effort. Gelding is plenty capable going two turns. Sr Henry bumped with Pleasant Run at the start, was rank on the 1st turn, eventually settled in a comfortable 3rd behind the two pace players down the backside, let the winner get away a bit while saving ground nearing the turn for home, was set down at the 3/16, tried to reel in the winner but couldn't make a dent in that one's lead, was caught late for the place.

8-26-09
Clean break. Bombaguia stalked an easy tempo in 2nd, glued to the leader's neck in no hurry to go by, stayed in that spot as the pace started to quicken significantly on the far turn, drew on even terms into the lane, edged away from the leader nearing the 1/8 pole, kicked clear and held off a late bid from the tripped-out, overbet favorite. Grey gelding has turned into a quality 9-10 furlong turf horse for Kimmel. Barocci had a great trip, saving ground in the 2nd flight behind the two leaders, came out in the stretch with a clear shot at the winner but was never a serious threat. No excuse. Share Out and Westside Corral each saved ground near the back of the field and produced good late bids to get 3rd and 4th, respectively, in a race that otherwise held together. Good move forward for both.

8-26-10
It's Tricky went to her face at the start, somehow didn't lose the rider, lost 5+ lengths. Love and Pride tracked Brushed by a Star in a close 2nd through reasonable but progressively faster fractions, moved into the lead midway on the far turn, dueled with It's Tricky into midstretch, opened a clear lead at the 1/8 pole and had just enough to hold off the favorite. Good effort and trip with the blinkers off. Royal Delta got into a good position 2-wide in the 2nd flight, stayed in that spot until being asked 3-wide to go after the top pair into the far turn, was drifted wider turning for home, struggled to make an impact in the stretch, kept trying though and managed to whittle away at the winner's lead late, didn't have enough to get up. Disappointing effort from the presumptive queen of the Distaff division. It's Tricky ran a huge race, tugging her way up into a joint 3rd with Royal Delta after the disastrous start, was rated back to 4th down the backstretch, had a hole open on the rail far turn, briefly challenged the winner in the stretch before understandably fading, still was only beaten 1.5 lengths on the line. Clearly should've won this.

8-26-11
Saguaro Blossom was pinched back and checked coming out of the gate, affecting Patti's Zip as well. Owen Rico shook off the bid of a one-way speed to make a clear lead from the outside, scooted away turning for home and dominated this mediocre group in a big first-turf effort. Watch going forward. Shy Humor was very rank while drifting out in behind horses on the backstretch, came through an opening inside into the stretch and won a 3-way photo for the place. OK recovery to get a piece. No excuse for favored Verde Mont who was in a good position in the 2nd flight, asked to go after the winner turning for home and mustered no response, was beaten late for the minors. Saguaro Blossom might be worth a shot next out, as he made a decent 2-3 wide bid through traffic into the stretch after that poor beginning, flattened out from there. Has some turf breeding, would want a rider change though.

[Calzone Lord]

I've seen the way several different handicappers watch and analyze races and do trip notes -- and a lot of people have very different approaches.

The right approach is the one you find out works best for you through trial and error. Doing this kind of work like Ateam is doing will give you an edge...and especially a lot more so over time.

This is good effort Ateam. I haven't studied a lot of those races and appreciate your write-ups.

Ultimately for me, the best way that I found that I could maximize an edge doing trip notes was not to do a circuit like you are. Even though you are detailed and do a good job, you are going to watch quite a few races where, for the most part, nothing really important to note happens.

Over the years, I went from initially trying to make something out of nothing with those type of races -- to eventually just writing stuff like "Fairly enough run race" for my entire analysis of it. It looked like it screamed of laziness -- but I learned over time that some races simply aren't even worth the effort.

They are typically fairly paced races, where all paths and running styles have a chance, and no major trips happen...and when they do, chart callers do a decent job noting it.

My entire M.O. for my trip notes eventually changed to where I developed a profiling system for finding the kind of races that are likely going to create big edge situations. And filtering out the kind of races that appear to be unlikely to create much advantage going forward.

Before I ever watch the race, I especially want to analyze trips on days where I believe racing surfaces are biased. I want to analyze races where I know extreme pace scenarios happen. I want to analyze races that I believe are unusually strong (or weak for finding bet-against if you do exchange betting) I don't care where these races take place. They can take place at Canterbury Park for all I care.

The real trick to this approach of mine is figuring out where the bias days are, where the crazy paces are, where the strong and weak races for the level are.

The type of horse who raced against both a track bias, and unfavorable pace dynamics, in an unusually strong race for the level -- is going to do a hell of a lot more for you than one who legitimately had a few lengths worth of trouble in a fairly paced race over a fair racetrack...especially if the chart caller caught the trouble.

The type of horse who was aided by a track bias, as well as highly favorable pace dynamics, in a below par for the level type of race is going to be a much better bet against than a horse who got a nice ride and had a perfect trip in an avg paced and quality race over a fair track.

The big drawback to my newer approach VS your current approach (which is very close to my old approach) is that what you are doing now will help you a lot more with multi-race wagers like the Pick 3 and Pick 4. Those are the best value wagers on the standard betting menu in America right now -- and a lot of times I'm stuck not playing them.

Anyway. Good work. I appreciate the effort and look forward to reading more. If you start to feel burn-out from this at some point -- don't give up on it, just put less emphasis and fewer words into the races that don't merit as much effort on your part.

If you watch a race just once -- and write "fairly enough run race" and quickly move on -- that is nothing to feel bad about.

[ateamstupid]

Good insight, Doug. I agree that there are a lot of races where not much is to be said, and I do use a succinct 'no major trips' comment occasionally, but I still usually include a few sentences if I think something can be gleaned from a fairly-run race (i.e. favorite loses with no excuse, horse looks like it needs more/less distance, first-time starter runs better than anticipated, etc.)

I prefer to focus on one track at a time, not just in doing trip notes, but my wagering as well. Obviously this is limiting in the ways you pointed out, but I generally do better when I can handicap a particular meet card-by-card. It helps to figure out owner/trainer/jockey tendencies, and more importantly, it allows me to gauge whether a race came up strong/weak for its level and how to view the horses coming out of that race going forward.

I've been busy with work the past week, so that's why I haven't been posting as much, but now that the US Open is coming to a close, I'll be putting up some cards this week.

[Gate Dancer]

Like what you've done so far and will be following along as the Fall progresses. Will be adding a few more horses to my Stable Mail based on some of the comments. Thanks much!!

[ateamstupid]

Monday, August 27

8-27-01
Spinit to Winit stumbled badly at the start. True Fortune was engaged in a pace duel with Carla Sweetrevenge from the bell, began to get away from that one at the 3/16, dug in to meet and repel the challenge of Polan while drifting out in deep stretch. OK effort. Polan sat just off the dueling pair in 3rd, went 3-4 wide around the turn, launched a bid into contention in midstretch but flattened out and couldn't get to the winner while being affected slightly by that one drifting out. Ran better than the winner considering ground loss. Bit Bustin was devoid of early speed, began to drop back even further when resenting the dirt in her face going into the turn, saved ground before coming widest top lane, made up a ton of ground from there to get a fast-closing 3rd. Looks to have the most upside from this group. Watch going longer and/or on turf.

8-27-02
No major trips. Federation was much the best with a good trip. Prize Catch was the only horse to make up ground in the stretch. No excuse for Counterparty.

8-27-03
Golden Fire was bumped coming out of the gate. Effie Trinket stalked a slow pace 2-wide, made the lead in midstretch and narrowly held off two good closing bids to score not particularly impressively with the best of it. Agilion was unhurried early, putting her up against it coming from off a slow pace, was produced 3-wide on the turn and came with a good rally to just miss the win. Not bad considering the quick late pace she had to close into. Zekes Surprise was in the 2nd flight going into the turn, was pushed along 2-wide at the 5/16 pole, kicked on with the place horse and finished a close 3rd while in a bit tight late. Top three clearly best in this phony stake.

8-27-04
Henny's Hurricane off about 2 lengths slow, Santorini Moon away a length late. Wildcat Aly traveled in the 2nd flight into the turn, made an early 3-wide move nearing the top of the stretch, inhaled the frontrunner while drifting wider turning for home, saw off the challenge of Victoria Lynn in midstretch and kicked clear again in the final 1/16 to win comfortably as best. Magnificent Mia tracked the leader 2-wide in 2nd, was checked back sharply off heels around the 5/16 pole when the winner made her move, dropping back to 4th, began to re-rally at the 1/8 and came on nicely to grab the place. Well done considering the trouble on the turn. Henny's Hurricane recovered from the slow start to produce an OK stretch kick and just nail the chalk for 3rd while never threatening for the win.

8-27-05
Break OK. O' Frederica was in the 2nd flight behind a 3-way pace squabble, put in the 2-path for the first half of the turn before making a sudden, sweeping 4-wide move into contention on near side of the turn, gradually wore down the lone remaining pace player inside the final 1/8 to win going away with a good trip. Let's Have Us One was sandwiched in that pace duel and emerged victorious from the battle entering midstretch, but had no real response when engaged by the winner at the 1/8 pole, stayed on a little better than evenly for the place. One More Cat was 3-wide on that duel, couldn't quite stay with the top two in deep stretch but kept on for a clear 3rd.

8-27-06
Break OK. See Me Proud was under a good hold in last while saving ground, made a looping 4-wide move on the near side of the far turn, inched towards two pace players inside the 1/8 pole and forged by them in the final 1/16, holding off a fellow closer who saved ground to the line. Big step forward. Was best by more than a neck in reality, as place horse Myhorseofcourse had a similar trip until the far turn but slipped through an opening at the hedge while the winner was going wide. Parachute Coney and Imperial Robyn traded the lead multiple times throughout the race, hooked up once and for all at the top of the lane, dueled until midstretch when neither could answer the challenges of the top pair. Not bad for either.

8-27-07
Forever Road missed the break, spotted the field about 4-5 lengths. Indian Splendor caught a flier and shot right out to set a clear and fast pace, stringing out the field down the backstretch, began to drift out at the 7/16 and eventually completely bolted to the outside rail. Has serious speed but racks disciprine at this point. Sensational Appeal was hard ridden going into the turn, saved ground before being put into the 3-path top lane, rallied to collar default leader Neon Moon past the 1/8 and win going away. Speaking Role was away a half-step slowly, dropped back to second-last down the backside, went 2-wide on the far turn, reached contention nearing the 1/8 pole, shied when asked to split horses to the inside, was taken to the outside and closed with interest to get the place while drifting out. Galloped out past the winner while still bearing out. Looks like the only remotely interesting horse from this slow race.

8-27-08
Can't Catch Me Now stumbled at the start, Alcolite broke 2-3 lengths slow. Leap was 3-wide in the 3rd flight around the turn, was put to a hard drive at the 3/8 without making a serious impact, continued to plug away until the 1/16 pole when he finally started to reel in the leader, got up in the last jump to win as best. Bigger colt should improve stretching out. Tough beat for Comandante, who made all the pace and appeared home free at the 1/8 pole but was nailed in the final stride. Pretty good debut for Western Grit, who ran alongside the winner 2-wide, had to be held up a bit in behind horses when that one made his move, was briefly leaned on by the tiring favorite in midstretch, stayed on well to finish an in-touch 3rd. No excuse for favored Shot Rock.

8-27-09
Ginger Snapit hopped at the start, got squeezed back and stumbled a few strides out of the gate. Go Unbridled dropped back towards the back behind average fractions, started to pick it up 2-wide midway on the far turn, slipped through inside a tiring pace player, rallied up to the leaders at the 1/8 pole and powered away from there to score as much the best. The Chief's mare was the only proven nine-furlong horse on paper and that proved out. Ginger Snapit was 2-wide on the first turn after her troubled start, unhurried in last down the backstretch, urged 2-3 wide on the far turn, couldn't quicken with the winner but came on late to get 3rd and was the only other horse still running in the stretch. Good effort, ran the 2nd best race.

8-27-10
Rockefeller missed the kick and was then squeezed back, while Gallant Breeze and Join Forces were off several lengths slow as well. Miss Suwanee made the lead easily, set sharp fractions and drew away in the stretch to score impressively over the boys off the layoff. Loud Pipes chased her all the way around the track and finished a clear place. No major trips behind the top pair.

[ateamstupid]

Wednesday, August 29

8-29-01
Clean break. Norumbega was 3-wide on the clubhouse turn, traveled in midpack down the backstretch, put to an aggressive drive 3-4 wide halfway around the far turn, remained a chasing 3rd at the 3/16 pole, approached and collared the heavy chalk at the 1/8, gradually edged away from that one to score going away as clearly best with a busy ride. No excuse for odds-on Thane, who got first run on the winner, taking over from the tiring pacesetter turning for home but had no meaningful response when challenged at the 1/8 pole. Narrowly held the place over closing Western Sadler. Long way back after the top three.

8-29-02
Scofield broke several lengths slow. Brazilian Court tracked the pace from the pocket on the turn, was kept on hold inside at the 3/8, switched out entering the stretch, attempted to come through a narrow opening but was bounced around in so doing, continued to be pinned between horses in midstretch, finally got clear at the 1/8 and responded by kicking on best of a trio to hit the line first. Was subsequently taken down in a bogus DQ. It's extremely dubious that Brazilian Court caused any of the stretch contact. The initial bumping was mutual at best, while the second series of bumps was set off by the drifting Brother Bob. The fact that this merited a DQ while 8-path herding doesn't even draw an inquiry is why NY stewards are a running joke. Kind of a bummer that Scofield was put up, because he ran a very good hidden race, quickly rebounding from the significantly slow start, making a sustained wide move on the turn, bumping several times with the DQ'ed winner in midstretch and continuing on late to get the place. Now has to tackle graduates next out instead of getting another shot at maidens with a better trip. Nevertheless was way better than it looks here.

8-29-03
Awesome Weekend off a beat slow, Slot Play was bumped by Cay to Pomeroy coming out of the gate. Weekend Hideaway settled nicely in 2nd, coasted up 2-wide to even terms with the pacesetter turning for home, was let out past the 3/16 and opened up quickly, dominating this overmatched field in the final furlong. Very nice 2-year-old colt, clearly too good for these Empire breds - expect to see him in the Futurity or Champagne next. Slot Play and Mr Rodriguez each stepped forward nicely in their respective second starts to photo for the minors. The former rallied well after the unlucky break, the latter sustained a decent bid despite making the widest move on the turn.

8-29-04
Hearts of Red broke 1-2 lengths slow, was in a bit tight going into the turn, slipped to the rail early turn, came wide nearing the turn for home, entered into a four-way battle for the lead at the 1/8 pole and soon powered away from that group to score as much the best. Big step forward on the turnback for Nicks. No excuses for the others.

8-29-05
Break OK. Fredericksburg won a contentious early pace scramble, was pressed every step down the backstretch, was asked to fend off a stiff two-pronged challenge on the far turn, began to prevail past the 3/16 pole, was kept busy inside the 1/16 to comfortably hold off a bid from a tripped-out closer. Well done, had to run hard every step of the way. Summer Shiner was well off the contested pace while saving ground, had to check outwardly in early stretch, moved into contention at the 1/8 pole but couldn't run down the sharp winner. Fine trip and great setup, wasn't good enough. Brickyard Kitten arguably ran as well as the winner, had to go 4-5 wide on the first turn when part of the pace scrum, then was sent 3-wide on the far turn after the leader, understandably couldn't quite kick on with that one and got passed late by the tripped-out place horse, but hung in for the show in a much better than looks effort.

8-29-06
Perfect Footprint jumped at the start and lost several lengths. Swift Warrior saved ground on the first turn, traveled in a dual 2nd behind a loose leader, came off the inside to go 2-3 on the far turn, surged past the pacesetter near the 1/8 pole, put away a stubborn bid from that one at the 1/16 and pulled clear to score as best. Good job off the layoff for Terranova with a good trip. Yield Bogey set a clear, moderate pace, put up a decent fight with the winner until the 1/16 pole, then threw in the towel. Honest horse but he's clearly a nibbler at this level. Hoofit saved ground in the 3rd flight on both turns, slipped through an opening on the hedge turning for home, had no alley from 3/16-1/8, was clear from there and home a little better than evenly for the place. Pretty good ride from Velazquez until the traffic. Beau Choix had a similar trip to Hoofit, but was wider on both turns, was getting to that one late, lost a 3-way photo for the place. Nine O Wonderful was 2-wide on the first turn, on the rail on the far turn, was asked to quicken through a hole at the 3/16 but soon got bottled up when Beau Choix didn't let him out. Got stopped behind Right One as a result inside the 1/8 pole, had to alter course and re-rallied to get fifth, only beaten a half-length for second. Has a very good closing kick but wasn't allowed to show it today. A case of Alvarado more aggressive than Rosie here.

8-29-07
Everything Sweet broke outwardly at the start, affecting Coarsegold and especially Zadina. Hedonemewrongsong was bumped at the start, saved ground at the back 1st turn, was held up in tight when moving to midpack on the backstretch, continued a hedge run far turn, got shuffled back nearing the lane, had a big hole open up turning for home, came charging home and held off an outside bid gamely to win with a good trip. Coarsegold was bumped at the start, traveled in the last flight 2-3 wide on the 1st turn, got nudged along heading into the far turn, kept a big deficit into the stretch, swung widest and began to gain significantly in midstretch, appeared poised to run by the new leader but settled for the place in a good effort. Sandsarita was held up to run in midpack, in between horses 2-wide on the 1st turn, was jostled around like the winner when the pace slowed on the backstretch, continued to be on hold 2-wide around the far turn, was switched out turning for home and bumped off stride by Zadina, continued to be bottled up between that one and tiring Emotional Kitten, lacked room once again when the place horse crossed over, came on once clear to grab the show from a tiring pacesetter. Promising turf debut with not a lot of opportunity to run. Ruthie Blue Eyes beat a pretty fast horse to the lead from the outside, shook off all other pace players, started to wilt at the 1/8 pole, just lost 3rd in the last stride in a solid debut. Zadina was squeezed back at the start, 3-4 wide around both turns and never threatened. Emotional Kitten turned rank once she was denied the lead, was unable to produce her best run because of it.

8-29-08
No major trips here. Great stretch duel between Watsdachances and Broken Spell, who were clearly best.

8-29-09
Alcomatch hopped at the start, Gamblin Fever was checked in the early stages. Race dynamics a little screwed up because of a runaway leader. Top three, Gimme Credit, Cinnamon Beach and Dugan had similar trips. Big step forward for Cinnamon Beach. Wishingonadream ran a pretty impressive fourth considering he was 15-18 lengths faster early than anyone else.

8-29-10
Romolo's Juliet and Vicola each off 1-2 lengths slow. Corinzia was well off a moderate pace, 3-wide around both turns and jostled around near the 3/8 pole, closed strongly furthest outside to get up late. She Be Bunny got clear through a soft opening 1/4, continued to rate on a comfortable lead into the far turn, took on a strong 3-way challenge at the 5/16, cut the corner nicely, opened back up by midstretch, was nailed in the final jumps by the last mover. Slow race.