WEEKEND RACING
More turf this weekend, mostly in Maryland, New York and Kentucky Downs. The fillies are showcased at Kentucky Downs, with two of the races being marathons. Really is a treat to see these kinds of races in the U.S. and Kentucky Downs is our only "European" style course, which includes some "undulating" features of the track.
Of course, the headliners this Saturday are the Grade 1 Cotillion for the 3 yo fillies, and the G2 Pennsylvania Derby, both $1,000,000 purses.
Saturday's $1 million, Grade II PA Derby includes W. VA Derby winner MADEFROMLUCKY, Ohio Derby winner MR. Z and Los Alamitos Derby winner GIMME DA LUTE, plus Wood Memorial winner FROSTED, Grade III Smarty Jones winner ISLAND TOWN; and Holy Bull and Fountain of Youth winner UPSTART. Frosted, who finished second in the Belmont and Jim Dandy, is the morning-line favorite.
Saturday's $1 MillionCotillion at Parx Racing drew a nice field: Seven of the 12 are last-out winners, including EMBELLISH THE LACE, victor in the Grade I Alabama at Saratoga. Other graded stakes winners Include Breeders' Cup winner TAKE CHARGE BRANDI, I'M A CHATTERBOX, CALAMITY KATE, KEEN PAULINE, and PEACE AND WAR.
BULLETIN Just read that Bob Baffert's Gimme Da Lute has been scratched due to minor injury.
SATURDAY
2:42 ET COMMONWEALTH CUP G2, LP, $250,000, 3+, 1 1/8mT R4 CARD
3:00 ET Alphabet Soup H (r), Prx, $100,000, 3+, 1 1/16mT R6 CARD
3:32 ET Bayern S, Prx, $150,000, 3+, 1 1/16m R7 CARD
4:05 ET KYDns Ladies Turf, KYDns, $300,000, 3+, f/m, 1mT R7 CARD
4:05 ET GALLANT BOB S G3, Prx, $300,000, 3yo, 6f R8 CARD
4:46 ET NOBLE DAMSEL S G3, Bel, $200,000, 3+, f/m, 1mT R8 CARD
4:50 ET COTILLION S G1, Prx,
$1,000,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m R9 CARD
5:11 ET C'WEALTH DERBY G2, LP, $400,000, 3yo, 1 1/8mT R9 CARD
5:35 ET KYDns Ladies Marathon, KYDns, $300,000, 3+, f/m, 1 5/8mT R10 CARD
5:45 ET PA DERBY G2, Prx, $1,000,000, 3yo, 1 1/18m R10 CARD
6:05 ET Dueling Grounds Oaks, KYDns, $200,000, 3yo, f, 1 5/8mT R11 CARD
8:28 ET Barretts Debutante S (r), LosAl, $100,000, 2yo, f, 6 1/2f R8 CARD
10:11 ET DOGWOOD S G3, CD, $100,000, 3yo, f, 7f R9 CARD
10:25 ET CHARLES TOWN OAKS G3, CT, $350,000, 3yo, f, 7f R11 CARD SUNDAY
4:35 ET Ontario Derby G3, Woo, $150,000, 3yo, 1 1/8m R8 CARD
NEWS Footnote from last weekend's racing. Two controversial calls by the stewards in each jurisdiction decided the outcomes of the St Leger and the Irish Champions Stakes. Andrew Hawkins breaks down both races along with quotes from Twitter and replays from different angles of the two races: Why stewards got it right in both St Leger and Irish Champion
Kentucky Downs has postponed its Sept. 12 card because of a rain-softened turf course and will move each race to Sept. 14, according to track president Corey Johnsen
TURF, TURF AND MORE TURF!
Plenty of distance racing, not just overseas, but here in the Colonies
and in Canada.
If you like Turf, if you like long distance racing, an
action packed couple of days of racing awaits in North America, Across The Pond
and on the Continent!
ACROSS THE POND
NOTE: Two controversial calls by the stewards in each jurisdiction decided the outcomes of the St Leger and the Irish Champions Stakes. Andrew Hawkins breaks down both races along with quotes from Twitter and replays from different angles of the two races: Why stewards got it right in both St Leger and Irish Champion
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Group 1 action is in high gear. It does get a little confusing in that the English St Leger is also this weekend, as is the Irish St Leger.
ENGLISH ST LEGER G1
World's oldest Classic, the St Leger was run first in 1776. It is run left-handed. The "St" is written without a period, in fact the British tend to roll their eyes over the tendency of countries that run versions of the original St Leger in writing the "St" with a period. As an example, the new American version of this race, at Arlington Park, is written as "St." Leger.
Gleneagles scratched earlier.
The mouth-watering match up with Gleneagles and Golden Horn may wind up being sabotaged by the weather-gods. Heavy rain would inconvenience several other runners on the star-studded card on Saturday.
IRISH MATRON S G1
Also at Leopardstown on Saturday in the Irish Matron Stakes, some fillies and mares will meet up, some of whom you may recognize: CLADOCERA (Oasis Dream x Green Desert), EURO CHARLINE (owned by Team Valor, won the Beverly D last year), LEGATISSIMO (beat Tiggy Wiggy in 1000 Guineas; beat Arabian Queen in the Nassau; 2nd to Diamondsandrubies in Pretty Polly; 2nd to Qualify in Oaks Stakes, all Group 1 races, all this year) face off in the 1 mile contest.
SUNDAY, at The Curragh, the Irish Champions weekend wraps up with three Group 1 races: the first two for 2 year olds: for 2yo fillies, the Moyglare Stud S. For 2yo colts and fillies, the Vincent O'Brien National S.
Lastly, the G1 IRISH ST LEGERwill see fan favorite BROWN PANTHER, try for a second straight win in this race, beating Leading Light and Encke last year, and earlier this year, he won the Dubai Gold Cup.
Sunday will also see TREVE's final prep in the PRIX VERMEILLE for her historic attempt to win the Arc for the third time. ARABIAN QUEEN, who ruined Golden Horn's perfect record at Juddmonte earlier this year, is one to watch out for.
In the race following the Prix Vermeille, another Group 1, the PRIX DU MOULIN, with KARAKONTIE (Japan bred, Broodmare Sire Sunday Silence, Grandsire Storm Cat, he won the BC Mile 2014); ESOTERIQUE, was second to Solow in the Queen Anne at RA, won the G1 Jacques Marois.
Times are EDT. Note: Great Britain/Ireland are 5 hours ahead of New York time. Times for French races were obtained from racing sites in Great Britain, so the time for the French races was converted from London time.
If you don't have the means to watch these races live, most should be posted soon after the running at YouTube, by those that do have access.
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With the recent passing of Green Desert, a very influential sire and sire of sires, he is represented this Saturday at Leopardstown in two G1 races: he is the grandsire for Golden Horn, who is slated for the Irish Chmpion Stakes; and he is also the grandsire of Cladocera who is running in the Irish Matron Stakes. Then, in the Irish St Leger, Agent Murphy's grandsire is also Green Desert. A couple of marathons, kind of unusual on U.S. shores Eleven are
entered for Saturday's $300,000 Dueling Grounds Derby at Kentucky Downs.
You might think you are in Europe or Great Britain with horses going 13
furlongs (1 5/8 mi) on the undulating, European-style course.CLOSING BELL, off his runner up showing in
the Grade 1 Secretariat at Arlington, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite.
CONQUEST PACEMAKER, in from Canada, will face GIN RIKI from California, and
GOOD AND PROPER from Florida.
A short field of only four in Saturday's $200,000 Temperence Hill
Invitational at Belmont Park, at 1 5/8 miles. V.E. DAY, who hasn't
won since last year's Travers, drew the rail, and will face TACTICUS who is off
a victory in the 1 3/4 mile Birdstone Stakes at Saratoga last month. Completing
the 4-horse line up are SLIM SHADEY and INDYCOTT.
If you crave more distance racing in the U.S., and if you like the Turf, you should enjoy the menu for racing this weekend. From the unique "European style" track at Kentucky Downs, to the oldest Classic race in the world, there's plenty to savor this weekend. Kentucky Downs is a Thoroughbred horse racing track located on the border between Kentucky and Tennessee, in the city of Franklin, Kentucky, just off Interstate 65. It is unique among American tracks in that it is a European-style course — its surface is all turf (grass) instead of dirt, and it is not oval in shape.
Eight-year-old HYPER comes off a third-place finish in the American St. Leger at Arlington Park to line up as the morning line favorite in a full field for Saturday's $600,000, Grade III Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs at 1 1/2 miles.
Kentucky Downs Track Layout Conventionally known as a “European style” track, the Kentucky Downs course is not only irregulary shaped, but features a number of small rises and dips as opposed to the more common flat-racing surface. This type of surface is frequently referred to as "undulating".
Built on the site of a historic, colonial 'dueling grounds' Kentucky Downs features turf racing only on one of the most unique courses in North America. The track was originally designed for steeplechase racing, and still holds a number of steeplechase races throughout the season.
St Leger at Doncaster
TimeForm's predictions: The Great Voltigeur looks the key trial, and with STORM THE STARS winning that race in the style of one who will relish the extra distance, he's taken to confirm placings with Bondi Beach. The latter's stablemate Fields of Athenry has each-way appeal. Timeform 1-2-3
STORM THE STARS (6) BONDI BEACH (1) ORDER OF ST GEORGE (4)
The connections of Simple Verse prevailed in their challenge of their horse being DQ'd Simple Verse Wins St Leger Appeal | TDN Video replay from the stewards roomSt Leger replay Irish Champions Stakes
Timeform Prediction: This could be the race of the year. GOLDEN HORN suffered a shock defeat at York but there were excuses and he's taken to bounce back and confirm himself the real top-notcher he'd looked when winning the Derby and Eclipse in impressive fashion prior to that. Prince of Wales's hero FREE EAGLE could easily have more to come after just 5 starts and may provide the main threat ahead of GLENEAGLES. Timeform 1-2-3:
1. GOLDEN HORN (5) 2. FREE EAGLE (2) 3. GLENEAGLES (4)
Irish Matron S - Leopardstown
Timeform prediction: LEGATISSIMO showed what she's capable of when everything drops right (arguably unlucky not to have won at highest level on last 4 starts) in the Nassau at Goodwood last month and is narrowly preferred to David O'Meara's AMAZING MARIA, who goes in search of a hat-trick of Group 1 successes. EURO CHARLINE wasn't far behind AMAZING MARIA in the Falmouth and may prove best of the remainder. Timeform 1-2-3:
1. LEGATISSIMO (7) 2. AMAZING MARIA (1) 3. EURO CHARLINE (4)
In focus: Treve's main Arc rivals New Bay French Derby winner who represents master trainer Andre Fabre. Second favourite for the Arc after swatting aside rivals to win the Prix Niel on Sunday, the race Fabre used to prep his Arc winners Trempolino, Carnegie, Hurricane Run and Rail Link.
Jack Hobbs Winner of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and warmed up for the Arc with an effortless win against inferior rivals on the all-weather at Kempton. Soft ground in Paris preferred by trainer John Gosden.
Golden Horn Leading three-year-old of the year having added Saturday's Qipco Irish Champion Stakes to wins in the Investec Derby and Coral-Eclipse. Potentially better at 1m2f and soft ground an issue but has a turn of foot to match Treve.
North America
1:55 ET Bold Venture S G3, WOO, $150,000, 3+, 6 1/2f R3 CARD
3:32 ET NORTHERN DANCER T G1, WOO, $300,000, 3+, 1 1/2mT R6 CARD
4:46 ET Allied Forces S, Bel, $100,000, 3yo, 6fT R8 CARD
5:12 ET Canadian S G2, WOO, $300,000, 3+, f&m, 1 1/8mT R9 CARD
5:45 ET WOODBINE MILE G1, WOO,
$1,000,000, 3+, 1mT R10 CARD
7:01 ET British Columbia Oaks, Hstgs, $100,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/8m R7 CARD
7:42 ET British Columbia Derby G3, Hstgs, $200,000, 3yo, 1 1/8m R8 CARD WOODBINE REPLAY - Thrilling race
Mondialiste just inhales the competition at the end, squeezes through two front runners and puts nose on the wire first. A very determined blanket finish.
************************ NEWS Pizza Man hoping to deliver in Japan as well as at home
Richard Papiese, principal of owner/breeder Midwest Thoroughbreds, revealed that The Pizza Man will use the Shadwell Turf Mile as a prep for both the October 31 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), which also takes place at Keeneland, as well as the Japan Cup (Jpn-G1) at Tokyo Racecourse on November 29.
Monday - 5-6pm EDT Jockey Club on Fox G1 Hopeful - Saratoga
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TWO YEAR OLDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The two top races for two year olds will be on Monday: the $350,000 G1 Hopeful at Saratoga and the $300,000 G1 Del Mar Futurity. Other 2 year old races are plentiful at Kentucky Downs, Saratoga, Del Mar, Woodbine, and Gulfstream Park. Overall, there are 10 stakes for two year olds this holiday weekend, with some of these runners no doubt likely will be seen on the Derby Trail early next year.
INTERNATIONAL Saturday's Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock has a bunch of top runners including Stewards Cup winner Magical Memory, Sole Power, Gordon Lord Byron, Tiggy Wiggy, Adaay and last year's winner, G Force.
FRIDAY
9:00 ET I'm Smokin S (r), Dlmr, $150,000, 2yo, 6f R5 CARD
2:39 ET Evan Shipman S (r), Sar, $100,000, 3+, 1 1/8m R4 CARD
SATURDAY
International - Great Britain
10:45 a.m. ET SPRINT CUP G1, Haydock, $455,000 US, 3+, 6fT R4 CARD
Race result Sole Power listed as "non runner"
Finish: Twilight Son, Strath Burn, Magical Memory, G Force
Forecast: 11/2 Adaay, 6/1 Danzeno, 7/1 Mattmu, 8/1 Gordon Lord Byron, 8/1 Twilight Son, 10/1 G Force, 10/1 Magical Memory, 12/1 Waady, 14/1 Sole Power, 14/1 Belardo, 20/1 Pearl Secret, 20/1 Eastern Impact, 20/1 Watchable, 20/1 Tiggy Wiggy, 25/1 Interception, 25/1 Due Diligence, 25/1 Strath Burn
Timeform: A wide-open renewal may go the way of DANZENO, who looked a bit unlucky not to finish closer when fifth in the July Cup and can provide trainer Mick Appleby with a breakthrough success at the highest level. Twilight Son steps straight from a handicap into a Group 1 but should still make a bold bid to maintain his unbeaten record. The reliable Mattmu completes the shortlist.
North America
4:33 ET SARANAC S G3, Sar, $300,000, 3yo, 1 1/8mT R8 CARD
4:35 ET KY Downs Juvenile Fillies, Kdns, $300,000, 2yo, f, 7fT R7 CARD
4:49 ET Swynford S, Woo, $125,000, 2yo, 7f R8 CARD
5:05 ET KY Downs Juvenile, Kydns, $300,000, 2yo, 7fT R8 CARD
5:11 ET SPINAWAY S G1, Sar,
$350,000, 2yo, f, 7f R9 CARDNBCSN
5:12 ET BOILING SPRINGS S G3, Mth, $100,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/8mT R10 CARD
5:35 ET More Than Ready Mile, Kydns, $300,000, 3+, 1mT R9 CARD
5:47 ET WOODWARD S G1, Sar, $600,000, 3+, 1 1/8m R10 CARDNBCSN
6:24 ET GLENS FALLS H G3, Sar, $200,000, 3+, f&m, 1 3/8mT R11 CARD
7:40 ET Del Mar Juvenile Turf, Dlmr, $100,000, 2yo, 1mT R6 CARD
9:10 ET DEL MAR DEBUTANTE G1, Dlmr, $300,000, 2yo, f, 7f R9 CARD
More on today's races Rachel's Valentina in G1 Spinaway; Liam's Map in Woodward Spinaway Forecast: 5/2 Rachel's Valentina, 3/1 Constellation, 7/2 Tonasah, 7/2 Tap To It, 8/1 Banree, 12/1 Anna Rae Woodward Forecast: 6/5 Liam's Map, 4/1 Effinex, 5/1 Wicked Strong, 6/1 Coach Inge, 10/1 Bay Of Plenty, 12/1 Protonico, 15/1 Mylute, 30/1 Commanding Curve
SUNDAY
5:21 ET Sapling S, Mth, $100,000, 2yo, 1m R10 CARD
5:47 ET PRIORESS S G2, Sar, $300,000, 3yo, f, 6f R10 CARD
7:05 ET Presque Isle Mile S, PID, $200,000, 3+, 1m R5 CARD
8:10 ET DEL MAR DERBY G2, Dlmr, $250,000, 3yo, 1 1/8mT R7 CARD
9:10 ET YELLOW RIBBON H G2, Dlmr, $200,000, 3+, f&m, 1 1/16mT R9 CARD
More on today's races
Zenny's 3/4 sister SHE'S NOT HERE will be running in the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap at Del Mar on Sunday, Race 9. Mike Smith will be aboard again. Last time out, they won very nicely on the Del Mar turf.
Another 2-year-old debuting this weekend, on Sunday at Saratoga in Race 6, is SHERINI. She is out of broodmare of the year Oatsee (dam of Shackleford, etc) and by Bernardini. She's owned by My Meadowview Farm and trained by Graham Motion.
PIERSON will be making his first start on Sunday, in Race 8 at Ellis Park! He is by Lonhro out of ST TRINIANS. He's owned by St George Farm (Mr Commons and Ebby's owner) and trained by Philip Oliver. This is St Trinians' first foal.
MONDAY Times and Cards will be posted when available
5:11 ET BERNARD BARUCH H G2, Sar, $250,000, 3+, 1 1/16mT R9 CARDFox Sports 1
5:47 ET HOPEFUL S G1, Sar,
$350,000, 2yo, 7f R10 CARDFOX SPORTS 1
7:20 ET PID MASTERS G2, PID, $400,000, 3+, f&m, 6 1/2f R5 CARD
TURF MONSTER H G3, Prx, $300,000, 3+, 5fT R CARD
GREENWOOD CUP G3, Prx, $200,000, 3+, 1 1/2m R CARD
Turf Amazon H, Prx, $200,000, 3+, f&m, 5fT R CARD
DEL MAR FUTURITY G1, Dlmr, $300,000, 2yo, 7f R CARD
Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf, Dlmr, $100,000, 2yo, f, 1mT R CARD
