In the Sprint division, Private Zone is the clear cut leader off his recent dominating victory in the Belmont Sprint Championship. This versatile runner can win from six furlongs to a mile. The AG Vanderbilt and Forego are the major sprint preps at Saratoga.
The Turf filly division is always wide open and especially now since the talented three year old filly; Lady Eli is sidelined with an injury. Stephanie's Kitten looks to rebound off a dull effort last start at Belmont Park, but Tenpin is the current "hot" lady coming off a big win in the Just A Game Stakes. The Diana Handicap on opening weekend may include these two.
The Turf colts division got a bad hit last week when defending divisional champion; Main Sequence was retired due to an injury in his last start. Big Blue Kitten and Slumber have taken over going route marathon distances and we may see the return of Wise Dan coming back from an extended layoff in the shorter distances. The Sword Dancer and Bernard Baruch Handicap's are the major races in this division toward the end of the meet.
The three year old filly division is most wide open, especially since Kentucky Oaks winner; Lovely Maria was off the board in the Delaware Oaks last weekend. Curalina is ready to take charge off her impressive Acorn Stakes victory and also the return of two year old champion; Take Charge Brandi to the races sometime during the Saratoga meet, most likely early. The Coaching Club American Oaks and Alabama Stakes headline the female sophomore races here.
The colts division of the three year olds are hoping that Triple Crown winner; American Pharoah will make an appearance in the Travers Stakes. While that's highly unlikely, others will take his place in the Curlin, Jim Dandy Stakes or the Mid Summer's Derby - Travers. Frosted, Materiality and the return of Carpe Diem and Upstart will be contenders along with newcomer's Speightster and another Baffert runner; Gimme Da Lute.
The Distaff division seems to be evenly matched with no clear cut leader. Wedding Toast, Stopchargingmaria and Don't Tell Sophia are the top contenders for Shuvee Handicap and Personal Ensign Stakes.
The older handicap division should be led by Belmont Stakes winner and Jockey Club Gold Cup winner from last year; Tonalist. Honor Code winner of the Met Mile, tries two turns again in the Whitney Handicap and Lea, along with the current "hot" runner; Noble Bird as his opponents.Maybe, the Woodward Stakes on closing weekend just MIGHT attract own Triple Crown hero!
The two year old stakes make up a lot of the Spa meet. We have three major races for both sexes throughout the meet. Contenders from Kentucky, California and the mid Atlantic region will be pointing to Saratoga and the future in these sprints.
This along with the many New York bred stake races as well as two graded stakes over the hurdles in the steeplechase ranks make up a forty day stakes schedule at the Spa, second to none! While some of the top ranked horses hail from the west coast, Kentucky and Florida runners will travel to upstate New York and the finest thoroughbred racing in the world. No other racing meet in the world, showcases the best thoroughbreds in training. Saratoga will play big in the year end honors for many of the above horses I have mention.
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