Earlier this spring, I was so looking forward to this year's sophomore, three year old crop. With no clear cut leader of the group and many worthy horses to be the top three year old going into the Triple Crown races, we had a chance to see something special in 2012. After the first two legs of this year's Triple Crown, I'll Have Another was the "clear cut" leader of this group. But, on the eve of the Belmont Stakes; the dual Triple Crown race winner came up with an injury and could not only race in the final leg of the series.....but would never race again! Disappointment soon turned into a sigh of relief nearly 24 hours later when, Union Rags the 2nd choice in the Kentucky Derby redeemed himself by his gutsy victory in the Belmont Stakes. But, Union Rags suffered an injury and is now on the shelf too the rest of the year. Now, just over a month later; the two horses who won ALL the Triple Crown races are no longer racing this season.
We head into the second season for the three year old runners without either of their class leaders. How does this bode for the upcoming stakes at Saratoga and other premier tracks across the country? The three major three year old races on the east coast are; the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on July 28th, the million dollar Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park the next day July 29th and the Mid-Summer's Derby at Saratoga on August 25th. These are the three key races next up for the sophomore runners until they faced older foes this Fall. With the leaders of the class, not racing.....who will fill the void in these three major events and who will go to the head of the class?
The three horses that come to mind are ALL trained by Hall of Fame trainer; Bob Baffert. They include; the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes runner-up; Bodemeister, the 2nd place finisher in the Belmont Stakes; Paynter and recent Swaps Stakes winner at Hollywood Park ; Blueskiesnrainbows. While Mr. Baffert was second fiddle in the Triple Crown, he looks to have the inside track for the next few three year old races. All three of the above mention horses are nominated for the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park . Most likely, Bodemiester will represent team Baffert in the million dollar race on the Jersey shore. Paynter will go in the Jim Dandy Stakes, the day before and the "other" Baffert 3rd stringer will go in the overnight, Curlin Stakes at the Party at the Spa first late post race card, the day before the Jim Dandy Stakes. Even with horses like; Dullahan, Hansen and Alpha, the west coast trainer of champions holds the edge.
We'll get to see a lot of other three year old runners who have "fallen through the cracks" this spring like; Teeth of the Dog, Atigun, Street Life and Fast Falcon, but Baffert holds the winning hand at this point. The top three year old championship could be on the line if Bodemeister runs the table. But, if the above mention horses make an impact, I'll Have Another gets the honors because of his Derby and Preakness heroics. With Union Rags injured, he is out of consideration for any year end honors. So, the races the next few weeks and months will be good betting events, IF you don't like any three of Baffert's militia.
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will host it's 32nd annual open house at historic Saratoga Race Track tomorrow between 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The events scheduled are; live music, food from local non-profit organizations , pony rides, behind-the-scenes tours, handicapping seminars and the ninth-annual mascot race. Plus, four hurdle races and one turf race on the Saratoga turf course. Admission is free and it's a family day with a sneak preview for the upcoming Saratoga race meet.
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