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Quality Road eyes first breeze for Pletcher

Florida Derby (G1) winner QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality), who missed the Triple Crown because of quarter-crack issues, has been galloping steadily for new trainer Todd Pletcher. The Edward Evans homebred is on the verge of breezing as his connections look toward a possible start in the $500,000 Jim Dandy S. (G2) at Saratoga on August 1.

"He's fairly close to a breeze, probably some time in the next week or so," Pletcher said. "We've been working around a rain schedule, and he should be ready with a few more gallops on a good track."

Quality Road was an early favorite for the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1) while under the care of Jimmy Jerkens, but developed a quarter-crack in his right front foot that ruled him out of the classics. He returned to the worktab on June 8, breezing three furlongs in :38 4/5, and was transferred from Jerkens to Pletcher the following week.

Another three-year-old on the comeback trail is the Steve Asmussen-trained HAYNESFIELD (Speightstown), who has been sidelined since his subpar eighth-place finish in the Gotham S. (G3). The impressive winner of the Damon Runyon S., Count Fleet S. and Whirlaway S. over the winter, Haynesfield has been training well at Belmont Park.

"He's getting ready for a breeze and looking toward a fall campaign," assistant trainer Toby Sheets said.

River Downs celebrates 'Jockeys Across America'

A trifecta of events will be taking place at River Downs on Saturday for July 4. The first Saturday in July is traditionally dubbed "Jockeys Across America Day" and that title activity will be joined by a "BBQ and Blues" event in the track's paddock area.

The Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund is the beneficiary of "Jockeys Across America Day." It was set up by jockey Chris McCarron and his wife, Judy, along with comedian Tim Conway to assist injured riders. This is the 21st year that River Downs has participated.

One of the unique features of the day will be the silent auction featuring some great catches for collectors. The potential sales-topper is a guitar autographed by Jimmy Buffet donated by Inside Media. Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning jockey Calvin Borel has donated autographed photos of him aboard Mine That Bird (Birdstone) and Preakness S. (G1) winner Rachael Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro). He has also signed an official Kentucky Derby Program along with trainer Chip Woolley. In addition there are many tickets to sporting events, equine art, photography and gift certificates to local amusements and restaurants.

The silent auction items will go on display at 1 p.m. (EDT) and the auction will end approximately 5 p.m. The jockeys will be available throughout the afternoon for photo opportunities and autograph sessions. The day will kick off with the annual jockey's footrace prior to the first race.

In addition to Jockeys Across America festivities, award-winning Bluesman Sonny Moorman will head up a BBQ and Blues Fest featuring delicacies from the Rib City Grill. Moorman, who is back by popular request from the 2008 event, will perform in the paddock area from 4-7 p.m.

For a real close up and personal visit with the jockeys, join them after the races at A.J.'s Roadhouse. The jocks will be guest bartenders and servers at A.J.'s located just east of River Downs on Kellogg Road. They'll pose for pictures or partner up with fans for some charitable Cornhole Bean Bag competition.

As always, general parking and admission is free at River Downs and there are free Pony Rides in the paddock on Saturdays and Sundays. Live racing starts at 1:20 p.m. on Saturday.

Fans wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to the Don MacBeth Fund may do so at Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund, P.O. Box 18470, Encino, CA, 91416.

For more information, contact Director of Publicity John Engelhardt at 513-354-8243 or johne@riverdowns.com.

Gozzip Girl, Mrs Kipling bookend American Oaks

Well Monied is coming off a cozy score in the Honeymoon (Benoit Photo) Sunday's $700,000 American Oaks Invitational (G1) has attracted an overflow field of 16 fillies, including two also-eligibles. Contested at 1 1/4 miles on the Hollywood Park turf, the eighth running of the American Oaks serves up another fascinating clash between domestic hopefuls and foreign shippers. Spearheading the home defense are two fillies exiting convincing wins at Hollywood Park -- Honeymoon H. (G2) heroine WELL MONIED (Maria's Mon) and Senorita S. (G3) victress MRS KIPLING (Ire) (Exceed and Excel). The pair wound up in the two far outside posts on Sunday. The Howard Zucker-trained Well Monied, who is bidding for her fourth straight victory, has landed in post 13 with regular rider Joel Rosario. Mrs Kipling, who faces a hurdle in her first attempt beyond a mile, must also overcome ground loss from post 14. David Flores will be back aboard the Neil Drysdale pupil.

In contrast, the two fillies last seen at Belmont Park will break from the two innermost posts. Sands Point S. (G2) winner GOZZIP GIRL (Dynaformer), the more accomplished of the pair, has secured the rail with Kent Desormeaux. Trained by Tom Albertrani, Gozzip Girl captured the Herecomesthebride S. (G3) and Coconut Grove S. at Gulfstream earlier this season, and was also a near-miss runner-up in the Ashland S. (G1) over Keeneland's Polytrack. MAGICAL AFFAIR (Giant's Causeway), a terrific second in the Edgewood S. at Churchill, could muster only fourth behind Gozzip Girl in the Sands Point. The Michael Matz trainee will try to reverse the form on firm turf beneath Julien Leparoux.

The three international invitees -- APPLE CHARLOTTE (GB) (Royal Applause [GB]), RARE RANSOM (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) and PUTTANESCA (NZ) (Bertolini) -- have drawn posts 4, 5 and 6, respectively.

Apple Charlotte ships in from England for Henry Cecil, and Mike Smith picks up the mount. The bay filly is a proven commodity at the 1 1/4-mile trip, having won the Swettenham Stud Fillies' Trial S. and lost an agonizing photo in the Lord Weinstock Memorial S. last time out.

The New Zealand-bred Puttanesca also boasts a victory over this distance, courtesy of an up-in-time score in the Royal S. (NZ-G2). The Wayne Hillis pupil has also collected three group placings, including a couple of tight finishes in the Desert Gold S. (NZ-G3) and Eulogy S. (NZ-G3). After a 10-week freshening, she recently returned to post a pair of near-miss efforts versus lesser company, likely tighteners in advance of her major target. Top Australian rider Glen Boss comes in to get acquainted with the chestnut, who will carry the top weight of 125 pounds as a four-year-old by Northern Hemisphere reckoning.

Irish horseman Dermot Weld, who shipped Dimitrova to win the 2003 American Oaks, will be represented by the Group 2-placed Rare Ransom. A winner against older males at Gowran in her sophomore bow, she comes off a fourth in the Irish One Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1). Stable rider Pat Smullen will guide the bay.

Other contenders in the main body of the field include Providencia S. (G2) scorer ACTING LADY (Theatrical [Ire]), most recently second to Well Monied in the Honeymoon; Appalachian S. (G3) queen AFTERNOON STROLL (Stroll), who comes off a third in the American One Thousand Guineas at Arlington Park; Regret S. (G3) runner-up THE BEST DAY EVER (Brahms); and THIRD DAWN (Sky Mesa), second by a nose in the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) and most recently third in the Hollywood Oaks (G2) on Cushion Track.

Other than Puttanesca, the remaining fillies will each tote 121 pounds.

Noble Court rolled home late in the Ack Ack (Benoit Photo) Two races after the American Oaks, a full field of 14 will head to the gate in the $300,000 Triple Bend H. (G1). NOBLE COURT (Doneraile Court) was a last-out winner of the Ack Ack H. (G3) over the Cushion Track, while MONTEREY JAZZ (Thunderello) set a new course record on Hollywood's turf when getting one mile in 1:32.59 on May 24. Those accomplishments will see the pair share highweight duties of 121 pounds in the seven-furlong Triple Bend. Seeking to keep his 2009 record perfect in the race, STREET MAGICIAN (Street Cry [Ire]) will be going for his third straight with new rider Leparoux. The pair team up for the first time after Julian Pimental guided the five-year-old to scores in a May 8 allowance/optional claimer and the Karl Boyes Memorial N.W. Pa. S. on June 7. Street Magician will get in at 116 pounds. El Segundo S. winner BAMAHA BREEZE (Lord Carson) will carry one pound less under Alex Solis. That five-furlong turf test was the four-year-old's only start this season thus far.

Bob Baffert will saddle the lightly-raced but highly-regarded sophomore ZENSATIONAL (Unbridled's Song), who has won both of his attempts sprinting on synthetic surfaces. The gray was a smashing maiden winner at Santa Anita in February, and after tiring late in a two-turn experiment, he got back on track with a driving allowance/optional claiming score over the track. Victor Espinoza will reunite with the speed-burner, who gets in with 111 pounds.

SIREN LURE (Joyeux Danseur), hero of the 2006 edition of the Triple Bend, seems to be rounding back into form and will be looking to reclaim his crown in this test. Victorious in the Golden Gate Fields Sprint S. earlier this season, he was most recently fourth by just 1 1/2 lengths in the Los Angeles H. (G3). The Art Sherman-trained eight-year-old will have Frank Alvarado aboard while toting a 118-pound impost.

Also entered are Grade 2 winner REBELLION (GB) (Mozart [Ire]), runner-up as the defending champion in the Commonwealth S. (G2) two back; Ack Ack second RUSH WITH THUNDER (Tribal Rule); and BET ON VICTOR (Yankee Victor), who filled the place spot in the Lazaro Barrera Memorial S. (G3) last out.

In brief

Hastings Park has canceled live racing for Friday due to a virus in the barns. Track officials have already drawn cards for the Saturday and Sunday programs...

MARGIE'S WILDCAT (Storm Cat) was represented by his first winning offspring on Thursday when his juvenile son You Take It Easy captured the 2ND race at Woodbine under David Clark. The Nicholas Gonzalez-trained two-year-old pulled away for the 5 1/4-length victory in his career debut, finishing up 4 1/2 furlongs on the Polytrack in :52. Margie's Wildcat was never able to break his maiden, running off-the-board in his two attempts for trainer Neil Drysdale. Out of Hollywood Wildcat (Kris S.), the 1993 champion three-year-old filly, Margie's Wildcat is a half-brother to 2000 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) victor War Chant (Danzig), Group 2 hero Ivan Denisovich (Ire) (Danehill) and dual stakes winner and Grade 3 runner-up Ministers Wild Cat (Deputy Minister), as well as a full brother to stakes scorer and Grade 2-placed Double Cat. The eight-year-old entered stud at Hal Snowden Jr.'s Roseglade Farm near Wilmore, Kentucky, in 2006 and stands for a $2,500 live foal fee...

WHATSTHESCRIPT (Ire) (Royal Applause [GB]) will tote the top weight of 120 pounds as he seeks to defend his title in Saturday's $150,000 American H. (G2) at Hollywood Park. In his only start of the season, the John Sadler charge finished a closing fourth in the May 25 Shoemaker Mile (G1), beaten a total of a half-length. Whatsthescript figures to enjoy the extra furlong in the 1 1/8-mile American, where he will face five challengers. The most accomplished is multiple Grade 1 hero ARTISTE ROYAL (Ire) (Danehill), who drops back in trip after finishing third in the 1 1/2-mile San Luis Rey H. (G2) and 1 1/4-mile Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (G1). Both confirmed closers, Whatsthescript and Artiste Royal, may have to run down the front-running MONTEREY JAZZ (Thunderello), a course record-setting allowance romper going one mile here on May 24 who is cross-entered to Sunday's Triple Bend (G1). Rounding out the six-horse field are STORM MILITARY (Arg) (Bernstein), a near-miss third in the Shoemaker last out for Bobby Frankel; Drysdale's GIANT GEM (Giant's Causeway) and the Ron McAnally-trained BUENOS DIAS (Ire) (Peintre Celebre), the respective one-two from a recent allowance/optional claimer...

Sunday's $200,000 Tom Fool H. (G2) at Belmont Park has attracted a small but select field of five sprinters. Grade 1 star FABULOUS STRIKE (Smart Strike), who is zero-for-three at seven furlongs, must concede between eight and 13 pounds while trying to answer that distance question. Runner-up in the General George H. (G2) and Carter H. (G1) at this trip earlier in the year, the six-year-old veteran is exiting a victory in the six-furlong True North H. (G2). The 123-pound highweight is likely to get a stern test from the Todd Pletcher-trained sophomore MUNNINGS (Speightstown), an impressive 5 1/4-length winner of the Woody Stephens S. (G2) at this track and trip, who gets in with a feathery 112 pounds; DRIVEN BY SUCCESS (Precise End), third in the Carter and Metropolitan H. (G1) in his past two; and Metropolitan fifth RILEY TUCKER (Harlan's Holiday), who was a smashing allowance winner at Churchill going seven furlongs two starts back for Bob Baffert...

Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) heroine TIZAQUEENA (Tiznow) tops an eight-horse field set for Sunday's $100,000 Locust Grove H. (G3), the closing-day feature at Churchill Downs. The Michael Stidham trainee exits a third-place effort to Acoma (Empire Maker) and Pure Clan (Pure Prize) in the 1 1/16-mile Mint Julep H. (G3) over the course, and might prosper back at a flat mile in this spot. Other prime contenders include the speedy TENSAS YUCATAN (Ide), who earned her fourth career stakes score in the Honeymoon S. at Louisiana Downs last time out; stakes veterans ZEE ZEE (Exchange Rate) and NAMASTE'S WISH (Pulpit); and last year's Pucker Up S. (G3) winner CLOSEOUT (Repriced), a closer who could capitalize on the abundance of early speed here...

Swale S. (G2) third-placer CUSTOM FOR CARLOS (More Than Ready), a six-length allowance winner at Churchill Downs most recently, heads a short field of five sprinters in Sunday's $200,000 Jersey Shore S. (G3) at Monmouth Park. Stakes victor HAPPY BULL (Yonaguska) and recent allowance winner SNAPSHOT (Awesome Again) are also entered in the six-furlong event for three-year-olds. A few races earlier on the program, eight sophomores are entered in the $65,000 Choice S. over nine grassy furlongs. LAUREATE CONDUCTOR (Bernstein) and FINAL COUNT (Smart Strike) both figure to draw support...

WOODSMOKE (Langfuhr) will bid to remain perfect in sprints when lining up in Sunday's C$150,000 Ontario Damsel S. for Ontario-bred fillies at Woodbine. Successful in the Fury S. going seven furlongs on Polytrack, she suffered her lone career loss in the 1 1/16-mile La Lorgnette S., where she weakened to finish eighth. The Gustav Schickedanz homebred rebounded next time out in the 6 1/2-furlong Alywow S. on the turf, just hanging on by a nose. The Ontario Damsel is contested at the same course and distance as her narrow scrape in the Alywow, but only four rivals have dared to oppose Woodsmoke Sunday. The most attractive upset candidate could be MULLINS BEACH (Speightstown) from the Malcolm Pierce barn. Last seen finishing third in the Fury, the Melnyk Stables homebred broke her maiden over the Woodbine turf last summer...

Rosalie DiRico's DANCE GAL DANCE (Disco Rico) recorded her third career stakes win when posting an easy 4 1/4-length score in Thursday's $66,150 Wandering Cloud S. at Belmont Park. Favored at 4-5 in the six-furlong event for New York-bred distaffers, the Timothy Ritvo-trained filly led wire to wire under Rajiv Maragh, stopping the teletimer in 1:11 over the fast track. Winner of the Dewars Rocks S. and Love is Eternal S. last season, the four-year-old lass opened her four-year-old campaign with a runner-up in the June 5 Glowing Honor S. The chestnut has now earned $214,970 from a 7-5-2-0 line...

Jockey Calvin Borel will autograph photos at Belmont Park on Saturday from 2-2:45 p.m. (EDT). Borel, regular rider of Preakness S. (G1) and Mother Goose (G1) winner RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro), will sign 8x10 glossy, color copies of the filly from the June 27 Mother Goose, a race in which she shattered two stakes records -- margin of victory and final time. The bay sophomore defeated her two rivals by a 19 1/4-length margin, considerably more than the 13 1/2-length victory achieved by the great Ruffian in 1975, and completed the race in 1:46.33, besting Lakeway's previous record of 1:46.58 set in 1994. Borel, in town Saturday to ride Warrior's Reward (Medaglia d'Oro) in the Dwyer S. (G2), narrowly missed a chance to be the first jockey in history to win all three Triple Crown races aboard two different horses. After a major upset in the Kentucky Derby (G1) with Mine That Bird (Birdstone), Borel took off the gelding to ride Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness, making history when she became the first filly in 85 years to win that race. Back on Mine That Bird in the Belmont S. (G1), Borel finished third behind Summer Bird (Birdstone) and Dunkirk (Unbridled's Song). The autograph-signing will take place outside of The NYRA Store on the second floor of the Belmont Clubhouse. Autographed photos are $10 each, with all proceeds going to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund...

Russell Baze, the winningest jockey in North American Thoroughbred racing history, will ride in the 11th annual Claiming Crown on July 25 at Canterbury Park. Baze will have mounts on three or four horses for trainer Lloyd Mason and owner Ed Denike. The first rider in North America to win 10,000 races, Baze boasted a career win total of 10,570 through Wednesday. The Northern California-based Baze will be making his first Claiming Crown appearance. "Claiming horses are the foundation of horse racing," Baze said. "It's great to participate in a day when they get their accolades." Baze, 50, began his riding career at the age of 15. He has led the nation in annual victories 10 times and is currently second in the 2009 standings with 211 wins. Last Saturday at the San Joaquin County Fair in Stockton, California, Baze was aboard for Mason's 1,000th career win...

Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial H. (G2) near-misser EL CABALLO (El Corredor) was injured during a five-furlong turf work at Churchill on Tuesday morning. "He has the start of a condylar (fracture) and is out for the year," trainer Ralph Nicks said. El Caballo, who captured a salty allowance/optional claimer in an excellent time on June 7, figured to be a major player in Saturday's Firecracker H. (G2)...

An equine coldwater hydrotherapy spa opened Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs. The facility is located on the backstretch, near the Gate 10 side of Barn 45 and in front of Barn 48. "We are open from 5-11 a.m. (EDT) and in the afternoon by appointment," said John Christensen of Honor Roll Racing, who installed the apparatus. "This is our second one. We have one at Trackside and we will be taking that one to Turf Paradise in the winter. It is a 520-gallon tank with three filters, and the water temperature is 34 degrees. There are more than 250 pounds of a combination of sea salt and Epsom salt used to go with massage and oxygen. Generally each treatment lasts about 15 minutes." A variety of packages are available, according to Christensen. "We have a 20-treatment package for $500, which is $25 a treatment," Christensen said. "Depending on what the trainer needs for a horse, we can do packages of four or six treatments, whatever they require." Trainer D. Wayne Lukas was the first customer with five horses scheduled for treatment on Tuesday...

Outstanding female sprinter INFORMED DECISION (Monarchos), winner of the Humana Distaff (G1) and Madison S. (G1) in her last two starts, figures to be a heavy favorite when she lines up against five rivals in Saturday's $150,000 Chicago H. (G3) at Arlington Park. Unbeaten in both starts this season, the Jonathon Sheppard-trained four-year-old filly will bring a four-race, stakes-winning streak into the seven-furlong event, wrapping up 2008 with wins in the Raven Run S. (G2) and Missile Belle S. Equally adept on dirt and synthetics, the gray lass will retain the services of Julien Leparoux, who picked up the mount in the Humana Distaff...

Eight Ontario-bred juveniles will go 5 1/2 furlongs on Saturday in the C$150,000 Clarendon S. at Woodbine. SIR HEART THROB (Olmodavor), a 2 1/2-length maiden debut winner on May 10, is the only one in the field with prior stakes experience, running fourth in the Victoria S. most recently. Also entered are WHO'S BIG DADDY (Where's the Ring), TAKIDDM (Mutakddim) and MOBTHEWARRIOR (Mobil), the only other winners in the field...

Mountaineer Park will present three stakes on Saturday as part of their July 4 card, and the $75,000 Firecracker S. will get the show started in the 7TH race. A field of 11 turf distaffers have been entered in the one-mile test, including SI SI MON AMIE (El Corredor), an easy six-length winner of this race last year. Also set to line up are last-out allowance heroines SATANS QUICK CHICK (Sky Mesa) and ORIENTAL SUNSHINE (Medaglia d'Oro). One race later in the $75,000 Independence Day S., 12 turf runners will also take on eight furlongs, headlined by Memorial Day H. scorer BLUES STREET (Street Cry [Ire]) and CRIMSON COMIC (Distorted Humor), a 3 1/2-length victor of the Slipton Fell H. on Mountaineer's main track last out. The stakes action will conclude in the $75,000 Dale Baird Memorial S. RUN BROTHER RUN (Perfect Mandate), a dominant 20 1/4-length winner in a June 2 allowance over the main track, will take on 5 1/2 furlongs and nine rivals who include GRAND TRAVERSE (Pioneering), a nice fourth in the Maryland Sprint H. (G3) last out...

Friday's $70,000 Miss Liberty S. at Monmouth Park has attracted a graded quality field of fillies and mares to go 1 1/16 miles on the turf. CAPTAIN'S LOVER (SAf) (Captain Al), a Group 1 winner in her native South Africa and a Group 3 winner in France, will try and rebound from a fifth-place effort in the June 6 Just a Game S. (G1) in her U.S. debut. ALL IS VANITY (Fr) (Gold Away [Ire]) and QUIET MEADOW (El Prado [Ire]), who were separated by a neck when finishing first and second, respectively, in the June 7 Eatontown H. (G3) have the experience edge over this course, while last year's Athenia H. (G3) queen SUNSHINE FOR LIFE (Giant's Causeway) will also try to bounce back from a loss in her seasonal bow, a fourth-place effort in the Beaugay H. (G3) on May 2. Others of note are Grade 3 vixen AMERICAN BORDER (Boundary), Grade 2-placed ROSA GRACE (GB) (Lomitas), the entrymate of All Is Vanity, and local stakes winner COZZI CAPITAL (Cozzene). In the event of a washout, main track only candidate NO USE DENYING (Maria's Mon) might be the one to use following a 10-length romp in the John W. Rooney Memorial S. at Delaware Park in the slop...

Also at Monmouth on Friday, GO GO SHOOT (Songandaprayer) will seek his fifth career stakes triumph in the $75,000 Mr. Prospector S. over six furlongs. The four-year-old cruised by 9 1/2 lengths when taking the June 6 Longfellow S. over the same course and distance, and will again face that heat's third-place finisher, the Grade 2-placed MAN OF DANGER (Tiger Ridge). Also in the fray are last-out Charles Town Dash runner-up SECRETINTELLIGENCE (Smart Guy), Canadian Grade 3-placed TIMELY ADVICE (A.P. Indy) and Grade 3 victor ACTIN GOOD (Yes It's True), who makes his first start since running third in the nine-furlong Fred W. Hooper H. (G3) on December 13...

Twelve three-year-old fillies will line up at Hollywood Park Friday night in the $100,000 Flawlessly S. over a mile on turf. The race marks the return of ELOQUENTLY (GB) (Dansili [GB]), a five-length debut winner in England who came over to finish a fast-closing third in the Miesque S. (G3) in November over the same course and distance for trainer John Sadler. She will have to be at her best to overcome post 12 and a good group of rivals, which includes Manhattan Beach S. one-two STRAWBERRY TART (Atticus) and JEHAN (Forest Wildcat), Sweetest Chant S. winner OILGONEWILE (Montbrook), and MINUTE LIMIT (Ire) (Pivotal), another Sadler pupil who was a strong second against first-level allowance foes in her U.S. debut on May 30...

Trainer Freddie Head revealed Thursday that Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Fr-G1) winner NAAQOOS (Oasis Dream [GB]) will miss Sunday's Prix Jean Prat (Fr-G1) at Chantilly after returning a bad scope. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum's three-year-old colt was expected to go favored in the mile contest. "Naaqoos coughed and scoped badly, so we have decided not to run him," Head told the Racing Post...

King's Stand S. (Eng-G1) winner SCENIC BLAST (Scenic [Ire]) is due to take part in a racecourse gallop at Newmarket ahead of Friday's July Cup (Eng-G1). The five-year-old gelding visited the July Course last week and will go back again ahead of the six-furlong contest. "He's worked over the course once before and will do so again before the race," conditioner Danny Morton told PA Sport. "It's a big help to be based at Newmarket and it's definitely a different test to Ascot. The course is more undulating with a stiff finish. He came out of the Ascot race great and I have been very pleased with him since. Everything has gone according to plan." Multiple South African Group 1 winner J J THE JET PLANE (Jet Master), who exits a fourth in the Golden Jubilee, also worked over the course in advance of his tilt in the July Cup. The five-year-old gelding delighted his connections, with Mike de Kock's assistant Juan Nel telling PA Sport, "He had a really good workout and we're extremely happy with him. He was really put through his paces and is looking extremely well, better than before Ascot. We are really looking forward to the race and I think you'll see a different horse at Newmarket."...

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum's One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and Coronation S. (Eng-G1) heroine GHANAATI (Giant's Causeway) will take on the colts in the July 29 Sussex S. (Eng-G1), her connections told the Racing Post. Foregoing Wednesday's Falmouth S. (Eng-G1) at Newmarket, the Barry Hills-trained sophomore filly will be pointed at the highlight of the Glorious Goodwood meeting. "Ghanaati has come out her race in the Coronation Stakes well and, at the moment, all being well, will go for the Sussex Stakes," Racing Manager Angus Gold told the trade daily. "Sheikh Hamdan wants to take on the colts and prefers to run her in the Sussex Stakes, rather than in the Falmouth."...

A 13-strong draft of horses from the stable of the Aga Khans Studs figured to be among the most coveted items at Thursday's Arqana Summer Mixed Sale at Deauville, and that they were, as they accounted for the day's top three prices. SCEPTRE ROUGE (Red Ransom) proved most popular during the afternoon and was knocked down for a session-topping price of €180,000 to the bid of the Mandore International Agency. Trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, Sceptre Rouge took the listed Prix Herod as a juvenile in 2007, was stakes-placed at three and most recently took a Saint-Cloud conditions test June 28. The Aga Khan draft also included the three-year-old DARBAN (Kalanisi [Ire]), who was purchased by the Peak Bloodstock Ltd. for €115,000. A half-brother to Prix de Diane (Fr-G1) and Prix Vermeille (Fr-G1) winner Daryaba (Ire) (Night Shift), he has a pair of third-place efforts from four career trips to the post.

On the California worktab

Over Hollywood Park's firm turf on Friday, New Zealand Group 2 star PUTTANESCA (NZ) (Bertolini) blew out a half-mile in :51 4/5 for Sunday's American Oaks Invitational (G1).

Undefeated Cinderella S. heroine WELL DESERVED (Cactus Ridge), likely prepping for the July 12 Landaluce S., worked six Cushion Track furlongs in 1:14.

Promising juvenile SOUTHERN FIREBALL (Southern Image), fourth as the even-money choice in the Cinderella, zipped four panels in :48 2/5.

Grade 2 veteran GET FUNKY (Straight Man), fifth as the defending champion in the Robert K. Kerlan Memorial H., clocked :49 3/5.

Grade 2 scorer ZAPPA (Afternoon Deelites), most recently third in the Round Table H. (G3), breezed five-eighths in 1:01 4/5.

Grade 3 winner TEN MEROPA (Johannesburg), unplaced in his last three tries, traveled three furlongs in :38 3/5 in advance of his 2009 bow.

At Santa Anita, Grade 2 hero SKY CAPE (Najran) blitzed five panels in 1:00 2/5 on the Pro-Ride. The Kristin Mulhall charge comes off a smart runner-up effort in the Robert Kerlan.

Argentinean Group 2 victor GLOBAL HUNTER (Arg) (Jade Hunter), fifth in the Arcadia H. (G2) in his latest, sizzled six furlongs in a bullet 1:11 1/5.

MR. ROD (Scrimshaw), sidelined since capturing the Generous S. (G3) last fall, toured three-eighths in :38 4/5.

B. Thoughtful S. queen WAVELINE (Stravinsky), last of seven in the Desert Stormer H., covered five furlongs in 1:00 2/5.

On the fast dirt training track, Laz Barrera Memorial S. (G3) runner-up BET ON VICTOR (Yankee Victor) went six panels in 1:15 3/5. The Vladimir Cerin pupil had been entered in Sunday's Triple Bend H. (G1).

On the Florida worktab

Grade 2 veteran MACH RIDE (Pentelicus), last seen running third in the Sunshine Millions Sprint in January 2008, breezed four furlongs in :50 1/5 over the fast main track at Calder on Friday.

On the New York worktab

JARDIN (Montbrook), victorious in the Schuylerville S. (G3) last summer but unraced since finishing second in the Spinaway S. (G1) in her follow-up, breezed three furlongs in :36 1/5 over the muddy main track at Belmont Park on Friday.

For Friday or Next Raceday

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

A strong field of nine turf runners will travel 1 3/8 miles in the traditional Monmouth Park Holiday feature, the $750,000 United Nations S. (G1). Grade 2 stayer LAURO (Ger) (Monsun) has been out top pick in his last two and we're willing to give him one more chance in this spot for trainer Andreas Wohler. The stubborn six-year-old couldn't accelerate with the field in the Manhattan H. (G1) last out at 10 panels and might be running at a distance shorter than his best in here, but we're envisioning a huge run in his third effort off the bench. The classy dark bay should be tracking in second or third early under Jorge Chavez, prior to getting up in the latter stages.

Second by a neck in this race last year, Grade 2 winner STRIKE A DEAL (Smart Strike) had a nice prep for this and should be set for a big showing in his third off the bench. The Alan Goldberg pupil is a better animal at longer distances as opposed to the nine-furlong races he's been in lately, and his experience at this venue gives him a fighting chance beneath Chuckie Lopez.

PRESIOUS PASSION (Royal Anthem) won this race a year ago for trainer Mary Hartman and has been full of heart in his last two races, including a win in the Monmouth S. last out. The speedy gelding will be on the lead early, likely by a comfortable margin, and he'll probably let the field come to him before trying to out-sprint them to the wire. The chestnut has earned our respect with his courage, and we know he adores this oval, so another top showing is looks very possible under Elvis Trujillo.

Grade 2 hero SPICE ROUTE (GB) (King's Best) has finished in the top three in seven of his last eight starts, and in his defeats, the chestnut has never been beaten by more than 1 3/4 lengths. The Roger Attfield gelding always runs well and is more than logical to finish in the top three, or possibly win, in this test. Eddie Castro will be aboard the high-level performer.

COURT VISION (Gulch) finished fourth in the Manhattan in his latest for Bill Mott and the four-year-old is a proven talent on the lawn. Winner of the Hollywood Derby (G1) in late November, the Kentucky-bred has a strong turn of foot and is adept at handling 1 1/4 miles, so the extra furlong here shouldn't pose a problem in our estimation. The late runner will need a decent early tempo at which to run at beneath Garrett Gomez, and there doesn't appear to be much speed present.

BANROCK (Go For Gin) was a touch unlucky not to win the local prep for this, the Monmouth S., but the Tom Bush trainee is in excellent form and can run over any kind of turf. The Empire State-bred is not a proven commodity at this distance but with the inside draw and potential fast early tempo, we see no reason why he can't challenge for a Grade 1-placing under Joe Bravo.

WESLEY (El Prado [Ire]) has gotten really good for trainer Mark Hennig, but we just don't see him toppling these rivals in his first try at 1 3/8 miles. We do consider the gray an exotics contender, though. Louisville H. (G3) upsetter BRASS HAT (Prized) proved that he still is capable of competing at this level for Fred "Buff" Bradley. However, the gelded eight-year-old will face a much better field than he saw last out, and while he did conquer a horse we're quite fond of, we don’t have faith that Brass Hat can duplicate that effort in here.

BETTER TALK NOW (Talkin Man) is expected to scratch after reportedly injuring a split bone in a hind leg.

Nine sophomore fillies will dash six furlongs over Belmont Park's main oval in the $300,000 Prioress S. (G1).

Acorn S. (G1) heroine GABBY'S GOLDEN GAL (Medaglia d'Oro) has smoked a pair of bullet half-miles leading up to this for Bob Baffert and is, in our minds, the clear horse to beat in this affair. The ultra-talented filly did receive a dream pace scenario in her last, but she proved that she can rate (on the lead) and she could be the recipient of another perfect trip sitting just off the early pace. The dark bay will be formidable with something resembling her best under Javier Castellano.

SELVA (Forest Wildcat) has been first or second in all six of her lifetime tries for trainer David Carroll, finishing a strong second in the Beaumont S. (G2) at Keeneland in her latest race. The dark bay owns excellent tactical speed and a good late kick, and her draw near the outside should be ideal. Rajiv Maragh has the call aboard the Kentucky-bred, who could win with some luck.

BE FAIR (Exchange Rate) was a useful fifth in the Acorn last out and might benefit from the cutback in trip for D. Wayne Lukas. The dark bay is fast, and while she's yet to earn a BRIS Speed number higher than 94, we wouldn't be surprised to see her crash the exotics party.

LIGHT GREEN (Pleasantly Perfect) has scored BRIS Speed figures of 100 and 104 in her previous two tries, including a romp in the Fall Aspen S. over this strip. The Todd Pletcher charge hasn't been headed in three of her last four races and is peaking at the right time, so we surely can't dismiss her chances for a top three finish in this spot. John Velazquez will ride.

HEART ASHLEY (Lion Heart) has rolled to three wins in succession for Steve Asmussen, including the Cicada S. (G3) and Miss Preakness S. (G3) in her previous two tests. The chestnut has compiled monstrous BRIS E2 Speed numbers in her last four suggesting that she'll be in the mix turning for home beneath Edgar Prado. LUSTER (Touch Gold) has steadily improved for Albert Stall Jr. and drew the rail for this endeavor. The Kentucky-bred was a good second in the Dogwood S. (G3) against a repeat winner and she has enough early speed to keep touch early, and while we can't see her winning this, we wouldn't be surprised if she crosses the line in third or fourth under Cornelio Velasquez.

CAT MOVES (Tale of the Cat) has toyed with a pair of fields for conditioner Tony Dutrow. The bay filly hasn't beaten anything like the competition here and she's faced only four rivals in each of her two career starts, so it's difficult to back the speedster on this occasion. If the Virginia-bred does beat this field, she'll be something special. ON THE MENU (Canadian Frontier) has been a steady performer against a bit lesser for Larry Jones, winning or placing in four consecutive listed stakes. We're not sure how much more improvement the filly has in her and we're not thrilled about her drawing widest of all, so we feel compelled to let her beat us. REFORESTATION (Forestry) is on the improve and likes this strip, but we can't tab the miss for anything on the class hike.

Ten older handicappers will vie in the 1 1/4-mile, $400,000 Suburban H. (G2) at Belmont Park on Saturday. Stephen Foster H. (G1) runner-up ASIATIC BOY (Arg) (Not for Sale) was a standout in Dubai earlier in his career and looks capable of regaining that form for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The six-year-old bay was a good second in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) last year at this trip, signaling that he can stay 10 panels at the right venue, and it could be argued that he faced a deeper field last out at Churchill Downs. Alan Garcia will pilot the win threat.

The Barclay Tagg-trained DRY MARTINI (Slew Gin Fizz) loves a route of ground and has been freshened for this event in hopes of taking down the lucrative winner's share. The Florida-bred, who sizzled a bullet five-eighths in advance of this, is a one-run closer who will need some of those in front of him early to back up, but he may get his wish in this demanding test. We'll certainly use the gray is the exotics at a square price.

RISING MOON (Runaway Groom) was a solid third in this event last campaign and he could be ready for a big showing in his third off the bench for trainer Richard Dutrow. The gray six-year-old has good tactical speed and a good draw, so we expect him to be in the second flight early beneath Jose Lezcano before offering a challenge.

Multiple stakes star COOL COAL MAN (Mineshaft) has been incredibly consistent as of late for trainer Nick Zito, and the four-year-old rates a long look against these under John Velazquez. The tactical colt should endure a useful trip from just off the pace before putting in his run.

FINALLYMADEIT (Concerto) has proven himself in Florida this campaign, picking up a pair of Grade 3 wins while finishing a close second in the Donn H. (G1) this winter. The Javier Negrete charge had no excuses when seventh in the Stephen Foster last out and could have some company on the font end this time, but if he establishes a clear lead in the early going on this day, he can hang on for a minor award. REAL MERCHANT (Chi) (Merchant of Venice) is winless in five starts since coming to the United States and may be a cut below the best in here, but he did register a 109 BRIS Speed rating two starts back at Belmont and merits consideration for the bottom of the vertical plays under Rajiv Maragh.

Oaklawn H. (G2) star IT’S A BIRD (Birdonthewire) has come to hand in fine fashion for conditioner Marty Wolfson, rolling home to three wins in his last four, including a tally in the $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic earlier this year. The six-year-old Florida-bred will lose his regular rider but pick up an ample sub in Javier Castellano. We just can't see this one negotiating 10 furlongs over this oval and will take stand against the possible favorite.

Hard-trying New York-bred STUD MUFFIN (Raffie's Majesty) has been first or second in four straight and six of eight overall at this venue for David Duggan, but his lack of recent wins is of concern against this cast. The five-year-old gray doesn't figure to get tired at this distance, but we're not sure if he's fast enough to keep pace throughout. Cornelio Velasquez has the assignment. READY'S ECHO (More Than Ready) was seventh in the Metropolitan H. (G1) last out while receiving a relatively good trip. We've never thought of the Todd Pletcher charge as a natural 10-furlong runner, so we will pass on this colt. SAMHOON (A.P. Indy) struggled in claiming races in recent times before turning it around for Dan Peitz, rolling to two wins over this strip by a combined 6 1/2 lengths. The well-bred bay still needs significant improvement to receive mention against these from the widest post.

A smart field of eight, led by multiple Grade 2 star SMOOTH AIR (Smooth Jazz), will contest Saturday's $250,000 Salvator Mile H. (G3) at Monmouth Park. Transferred to the barn of Chad Brown in advance of this start, Smooth Air has finished worse than third just once, and that came on Pro-Ride in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) last fall. The four-year-old colt just missed in a fine runner-up showing in the Metropolitan H. (G1) most recently, the Florida-bred is a Grade 2 winner at this distance and he possesses the tactical speed to be placed virtually anywhere throughout the race. The likely favorite looks imposing.

Brazilian Group 1 star RUNFORTHEDOE (Brz) (Our Emblem) exits an even sixth, beaten just four lengths, in the Metropolitan last out for Paulo Lobo, and the colt looks like a big threat in here. The lightly raced four-year-old has run considerably well versus top company since arriving in the United States, and it's safe to say that his preferred ground is dirt. Richard Migliore will be in the irons atop the win candidate.

Godolphin Mile S. (UAE-G2) star TWO STEP SALSA (Petionville) is among the best milers around when he's right, and the Godolphin colt could be primed for a huge showing in his second start since arriving from Dubai. The Saeed Bin Suroor trainee has landed in a spot with a plethora of early speed, which could be to his detriment, but Garrett Gomez stays aboard and the colt's natural ability should find him with a huge chance late.

The hard-trying KISS THE KID (Lemon Drop Kid) was a solid third in the Philip Iselin H. (G3) over this oval in 2008 and is a dual winner at Monmouth Park for trainer Amy Tarrant. The consistent six-year-old has a bit of class to him, and while he's raced exclusively on the sod in his last seven races, his form is good and he's very versatile. Channing Hill will guide the top-three threat.

We have come to like THE ROUNDHOUSE (Fusaichi Pegasus) and his late-running style for Todd Pletcher. We won't be backing him to win, but we'll surely toss him in some of our vertical gimmicks. The chestnut has faced graded foes on five occasions, placing in three of them. If the early tempo is brutal, this one should be rolling late. SOLAR FLARE (Arg) (Salt Lake) "freaked" when rolling home in the Frisk Me Now S. last out over this strip, registering a whopping 109 BRIS Speed figure in the process. The Larry Jones-trained five-year-old is Grade 1-placed in the United States, but he's been a work in progress who has put in more subpar efforts than top ones. We will reluctantly leave him off our of tickets in this spot due to his lack of consistency.

COAL PLAY (Mineshaft) has enjoyed his greatest successes at this locale and enters off of a big allowance prep win for the ever-dangerous Nick Zito. Second in the Haskell Invitational H. (G1) last year, the speedy bay is a cut below the best in here but is capable on his best day to run a big one. KEEP LAUGHING (Distorted Humor) has ability, but his connections were probably not excited when they saw how deep this race came up. The dark bay would need major improvement to factor in this one.

Northern Dancer S. (G3) runner-up WARRIOR'S REWARD (Medaglia d'Oro) drew the rail for the $200,000 Dwyer S. (G2) at Belmont Park on Saturday, and we feel that the colt is a standout against these for conditioner Ian Wilkes. A smart winner in his debut at Gulfstream in late January, the colt finished second in his first try versus winners behind the talented Dunkirk (Unbridled's Song). Following a subpar showing in his graded debut at Tampa, the Kentucky-bred has reeled off a pair of solid efforts, including a sharp allowance score over next-out Woody Stephens S. (G2) winner Munnings (Speightstown) two back. Warrior's Reward should love this distance, and as long as he doesn't get buried on the inside, he should run by this group late beneath Calvin Borel.

CONVOCATION (Pulpit) earned a strong BRIS Speed number for his 6 3/4-length maiden romp last out and will make the jump straight to graded foes for Jimmy Jerkens. The bay colt is a bit of a mystery against this type, but we love the aggressive move by his conservative conditioner and will use him underneath in all of our gimmicks at a square price.

MASALA (Lion Heart) earned a stout 101 BRIS Speed figure in his first try for Allen Jerkens, defeating a workmanlike field of elders over this oval to prepare for this event. The Florida-bred has never run poorly on dirt and is seemingly improving, so he might be worth a flier if the top one falters. We consider this one, like many, a logical gimmicks threat.

AMERICAN DANCE (A.P. Indy) crushed an allowance field in advance of this for Todd Pletcher, toppling some nice older foes in his win. We've never been all that high on the colt and feel that his optimal distances will be much longer than this, but his last was impressive and a repeat of that makes him a factor throughout. John Velazquez has the call. JUST BEN (Speightstown) exploded to a huge win on the Belmont S. (G1) undercard and is sure to take a bunch of money while making his stakes debut for Nick Zito. The talented Virginia-bred has a world of potential and seems to be getting good at the right time. With that said, this field is solid and we are not ready to back this horse at a short price.

KENSEI (Mr. Greeley) has put in a trio of solid works in 2009 for Steve Asmussen, including a solid third in the Woody Stephens. The colt has good tactical speed and is quite consistent, so he must be considered as an exotics threat beneath Edgar Prado. SUNDAY SUNRISE (Lemon Drop Kid) finally broke through at the first-level allowance condition after four tries this campaign for Asmussen, but he'll need a major step up to challenge these late.

An excellent field of eight will go postward in the aptly named $150,000 Firecracker H. (G2) over the Churchill Downs turf on Saturday.

The ultra-talented SEASPEAK (Mizzen Mast) went postward at 1-5 odds at Lone Star Park last out and did not disappoint, rolling home to a facile 4 3/4-length win in the Dallas Turf Cup H. (G3) for conditioner Ralph Nicks. The classy four-year-old has never been thoroughly beaten in his fine career and couldn't be any sharper presently, so the Kentucky-bred rates a huge chance in here if he can step up just a touch. Robby Albarado has the assignment.

PASSAGER (Fr) (Anabaa) can stand up to anything in this field for conditioner Roger Attfield. The smart gelding has been in the mix in all four of his starts since arriving in the United States, but he's failed to close the door on each occasion and is still looking for his first elusive win stateside. He's going to break through eventually, but we'll look for the six-year-old to settle for the place spot beneath Jono Jones.

WISE RIVER (Belong to Me) has won or placed in seven of nine tries over this course for Clark Hanna and comes into this event in razor-sharp form. The six-year-old shows a pair of excellent recent preps in advance of this day, and his superb tactical speed gives him a big shot against these. Jamie Theriot will guide the gelding, who should be prominent from the outset.

Maker's Mark Mile S. (G1) star MR. SIDNEY (Storm Cat) didn't show much late in his dirt try in the Metropolitan H. (G1) last out and returns to his preferred surface in this difficult test for Bill Mott. The late-developing five-year-old has a nice turn of foot and is proven over firm and soft turf, so he's an obvious threat even if he will be overbet. Kent Desormeaux will be in the irons.

Dual Grade 1 victor THORN SONG (Unbridled's Song) took on the best in the west last out and never wavered, wiring the Shoemaker Mile S. (G1) for Dale Romans. The Churchill-loving gray has four local wins, including a tally in this contest a year ago, but we're concerned about the inconsistent nature of the Kentucky-bred and the fact that he's done a lot of shipping as of late. He could easily prove us wrong, but we're going to omit Thorn Song and look elsewhere.

TIZDEJAVU (Tiznow) has won each of his three starts over this lawn for Gregory Fox, including a four-length romp in the Jefferson Cup S. (G2) in the fall. The talented front runner would surely like to see a little give in the lawn, but even with that, it's hard to envision him taking this field all the way beneath Jon Court. We'll only dabble with this one in the lower rungs of the exotics.

INCA KING (Sir Cat) is a dual stakes winner over this course and is often a threat on or near the lead for Steve Asmussen. The gelded five-year-old has not impressed thus far in 2009 and is facing a severe test in here, so we'll have to look elsewhere on this occasion. Appleton H. (G3) runner-up ARCTIC CRY (Rahy) is drawn widest of all in here and is a question mark against this caliber of horse, so we'll take a pass on the Eddie Kenneally charge.

Saturday's $150,000 American H. (G2) attracted only six entrants, and MONTEREY JAZZ (Thunderello) could be withdrawn in favor of Sunday's Triple Bend H. (G1) on the Cushion Track. WHATSTHESCRIPT (Ire) (Royal Applause [GB]) exits a solid fourth in his 2009 debut, the May 25 Shoemaker Mile (G1) in which the multiple Grade 2 winner missed by only a half-length, and we expect to see him move forward here for John Sadler. The five-year-old horse relished the nine-furlong distance when posting a 1 1/4-length score in last year's American, and he's a two-time winner over the course. Whatsthescript owns some tactical speed and probably won't be far back before launching his rally under Joel Rosario.

STORM MILITARY (Arg) (Bernstein) almost garnered his first Grade 1 victory when third in the Shoemaker Mile last time, and we expect him to be the lone speed in the spot, with Monterey Jazz opting for a Grade 1 bid on Sunday. The Bobby Frankel-trained seven-year-old has always run well over this course, posting a 4-1-2-1 mark in Inglewood, California, and Brice Blanc has been a good fit in his last two efforts. The dark bay could prove difficult to run down on soft fractions.

ARTISTE ROYAL (Ire) (Danehill) is as classy as they come for Richard Mandella, but we like the eight-year-old over a bit more ground. He's dropped three straight starts since capturing the 10-furlong San Marcos S. (G2) in January, but his BRIS numbers have been excellent in those efforts. We'll look for another top three placing from him.

We'll try to beat Monterey Jazz if he starts here. The Craig Dollase pupil appears to prefer a flat mile, and he won't get away with soft, uncontested fractions like he did last time when recording a sharp allowance score over the course. The Grade 2 winner is dangerous on his best day, so we can't completely dismiss his chances if he runs.

GIANT GEM (Giant's Causeway) will make his stakes debut off of a pair of victories over Hollywood's turf, but he doesn't own the BRIS numbers or seasoning of out top selections. We still respect the improving four-year-old colt and won't be surprised to see him develop into a fine stakes performer for Neil Drysdale, but we'll take a wait-and-see approach with him. BUENOS DIAS (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) offered a decent rally for runner-up honors when making his U.S. bow versus allowance/optional claiming rivals last time, but we'll give the French stakes winner at least one start against graded competition before recommending his chances.

The superb INFORMED DECISION (Monarchos), a winner of four straight including two Grade 1 races in succession, headlines the field for the $150,000 Chicago H. (G3) at Arlington on Saturday. The Jonathan Sheppard charge has been a model of top-notch consistency, winning seven of nine in her lifetime while rolling to three fine wins in three tries on synthetic ovals. We see no reason why the gray standout won't win again beneath Julien Leparoux.

AUTHENICAT (D'wildcat) ships in for top conditioner Josie Carroll and rates a long look in this paceless affair. The chestnut filly has finished first or second in 12 of 17 lifetime tries and has the look of the lone horse with any early sped in the field, so we'll tab the chestnut for second under Robert Landry.

CHORAGUS (Harlan’s Holiday) endured a subpar prep for this event but still makes sense against this field for trainer Chris Block. The bay Kentucky-bred has good early footing and should be second early in the clear, so if the filly is ever to run a big race, this seems like the appropriate time. Eddie Perez will guide the four-year-old.

UNFORGOTTEN (Northern Afleet) is a consistent late runner for trainer Dallas Stewart and her best gives her a big chance at a top-three placing from well off the pace. The Florida-bred earned a lot of money last campaign while winning just once, and we give her a good chance of rallying late for part under Fernando Jara.

TIZ TO DREAM (Tiznow) loves the Polytrack at Keeneland, and while she faltered in her lone try at Arlington, the miss has never been much at two turns and should show her best in this elongated sprint. Conditioned by Ian Wilkes, the bay four-year-old is essentially a one-run closer, but the lack of any early pace hurts her chances at a win and she can only been used as an exotics filler. CROWN OF DIAMONDS (Distorted Humor) won her local prep for this for conditioner Eoin Harty but still looks like she's in a bit deep in this affair.

LADIES' CLASSIC DIARY

JULY 3, 2009

by Jennifer Caldwell

Rachel turned the Mother Goose into a laugher (Ross Woodson/Horsephotos.com) This year's Triple Crown produced some great stories, but none more so than that of RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro). The massive filly towers over her rivals, male and female, in stature, talent and maturity. But her biggest challenge may come, not on the racetrack, but in the ballot box. I don't see how anyone can say she's not wrapped up champion three-year-old filly honors. The only thing left is to decide if she might not also receive Horse of the Year. The vote could go either way, as the year-end championships will have to do without her presence. Division leaders: Owner Jess Jackson stated quite plainly during a recent teleconference that he did not want to run Rachel Alexandra in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (G1) due to the fact it was being contested on a synthetic track. Jackson didn't mince his words, saying, "I'm not going to run on plastic. We don't need to risk her that way." He has reason to be cautious considering Curlin's dull fourth-place showing on the Pro-Ride in last year's Classic (G1).

That brings up a very important question, though: Will super filly Rachel Alexandra get a chance to face undefeated super mare ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire])?

The answer, according to both Jackson and Zenyatta owner Jerry Moss, is that they would love to have a match-up between the two.

That's an answer?

Moss did go on to say that he was willing to come east to face Rachel Alexandra, but neither party will commit to a race. Jackson has mentioned the July 19 Delaware H. (G2), July 25 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), August 2 Haskell Invitational (G1), August 22 Alabama S. (G1) and August 29 Travers S. (G1) as all possible starts for Rachel Alexandra following her dominating, record-setting performance in the Mother Goose S. (G1) on June 27 at Belmont (I won't even go into that race other than to say that she faced only two fillies and turned it into a public workout). Of those five races, the only option for Zenyatta would be the July 19 Del 'Cap as the other four are restricted to three-year-olds.

With that in mind, and taking into consideration that Zenyatta is slated to go for a title defense in the August 9 Clement L. Hirsch S. (G1) at Del Mar, the likelihood of the two top horses (not just distaffers but horses period) in training facing each other is pretty slim. Horse of the Year is on the line, and it would have been fantastic -- not just for the fans but for the sport of horse racing itself -- if we had a chance to see those two go at it.

Zenyatta is now two-for-two this year, successfully defending her title in the Milady H. (G2) and, more recently, the Vanity H. (G1). The Vanity did prove to be somewhat of a test for the dark bay five-year-old, as she was assigned to carry a hefty 129 pounds beneath jockey Mike Smith. She even looked to struggle for a time in the stretch, but once kicking into gear quickly asserted her superiority over her overmatched rivals. I cringe to think how much she'll have to tote in the Hirsch.

Leaving Rachel Alexandra aside, Zenyatta has nothing left to prove in the distaff ranks. Her one foray out of California resulted in an easy score in the Apple Blossom H. (G1) last year, so her status on dirt should not suffer one iota. The mare needs to be sent against males and out of state if she's to have a shot at taking Horse of the Year for 2009. If she doesn't get the opportunity to face Rachel Alexandra she should, at the very least, be entered in the Classic and not the Ladies' Classic. If her connections are worried about her getting beat, then they should just go ahead and retire her, because at this point she is demonstrating nothing but her ability to dominate overmatched fillies and mares.

Let's not forget: UNBRIDLED BELLE (Broken Vow) showed some of her old spark on June 20 at Delaware Park, easily defending her title in the Obeah S. (G3) by 11 lengths leading wire-to-wire. The Todd Pletcher charge pulled her way to the front and was never truly challenged after leaving the first turn. She loped along the entire way under a snug hold by Richard Migliore, extending her stride and margin throughout the stretch.

I had all but given up on Unbridled Belle following dismal performances in the Spinster S. (G1) at Keeneland in October and the Louisville Distaff (G2) in her 2009 bow. She returned in a big way, though, earning a 110 BRIS Speed rating, which is surpassed in her career only by the 113 she garnered for taking the 2007 Delaware Handicap. The six-year-old mare began the year a bit differently, opening her campaign in the Louisville Distaff instead of the Obeah as she had for the past two seasons. The change may have done her some good, and it's on to the Del 'Cap for another shot at that race. Unbridled Belle finished third in last year's running before filling that same spot in the Personal Ensign S. (G1).

Unfortunately, the mare's time on the racetrack may be coming to an end right when it's heating up again. Team Valor, who owns the Grade 1 winner, sent her to A.P. Indy in the spring but said she would continue to race through the summer even if she came up in foal. The Breeders' Cup, however, does not occur in the summer. Unbridled Belle skipped last year's Breeders' Cup after running fifth in 2007, and her shot at glory may once again be cut short.

Two to watch: MISS ISELLA (Silver Charm) has claimed Churchill Downs as her turf (or dirt, however you want to say it), which, unfortunately, won't benefit her much this season as the Breeders' Cup is held at Santa Anita. If the four-year-old gray stays in training through 2010 -- when Churchill has been slated to host the races -- she'll be tough to deny, especially if she gets yet another Calvin Borel rail trip.

It's a case of size belying guts, as the filly is actually quite small when compared to her rivals. That hasn't stopped her from pushing her way through on the inside against runners who tower over her. Case in point, the June 13 Fleur de Lis H. (G2) at Churchill. Borel kept her down on the inside throughout the race and began making for a hole as they exited the turn. Just as they were going through, the tiring pacesetter Distinctive Dixie (Fusaichi Pegasus) veered in and gave her a resounding bump that sent Miss Isella bouncing into the rail. The miss merely pinned her ears, regained her stride and proceeded to hold off the closing Swift Temper (Giant's Causeway) to earn the three-quarters-of-a-length score.

Miss Isella, winner of the Louisville Distaff (G2) and Falls City H. (G2) at Churchill, was handed a 100 BRIS Speed rating for the victory. Trainer Ian Wilkes mentioned after the Fleur de Lis he would like to take the feisty filly to Saratoga. The August 2 Go for Wand H. (G1) seems right up her alley.

One of those Miss Isella may end up facing at Saratoga is SEATTLE SMOOTH (Quiet American). The Tony Dutrow-trained four-year-old added a fifth straight stakes win to her record on June 13 when rallying for a 1 1/4-length score in the Ogden Phipps H. (G1). Jockey Ramon Dominguez took a quick look behind entering the stretch of the 1 1/16-mile, one-turn test and angled the bay miss out to begin her run. She overtook Apple Blossom H. (G1) queen Seventh Street (Street Cry [Ire]) and pulled clear late to earn her first Grade 1 victory.

Following the race, Dutrow said he believes Seattle Smooth can do just as well around two turns, as evidenced by her closing out 2008 with wins in the Go for Wand S. at Delaware Park and the Cotillion S. (G2) at Philadelphia Park. The bay will go for her first two-turn race of this year at Saratoga.

I was a bit disappointed by MUSIC NOTE's (A.P. Indy) effort in the Ogden Phipps. Winner of last year's Gazelle S. (G1) Mother Goose and CCA Oaks, as well as placed in the Alabama and Ladies' Classic, the bay lass was making her return off that latter event in the Phipps. She put in a sudden charge to challenge rounding the turn but just as quickly began backing up, eventually finishing fifth, beaten a total of 10 1/4 lengths. Music Note is going to have to show drastic improvement if she hopes to continue competing at the top level.

Hard knockers: EUPHONY (Forest Wildcat) earned her sixth straight victory in the Iowa Distaff on June 27 as part of the Iowa Festival of Racing at Prairie Meadows, but the game filly had to work for the win late as pacesetter BEAR NOW (Tiznow) came back briefly nearing the wire.

Bear Now, honored in 2008 as Canada's champion older mare, is known stateside more for her misses than she is for her wins, but one thing can't be denied -- the five-year-old throws it down every time she races. She led the way in the Iowa Distaff with Euphony and Mint Julep H. (G3) fourth Day of Victory (Victory Gallop) close on her heels. Jockey Robby Albarado appeared to have a strong hold on the dark bay all the way down the backstretch, which, in hindsight, might have been a mistake. It was only rounding the turn that he loosened his grip and began urging Bear Now on, but by that point Euphony had overtaken the pair on the outside.

Bear Now wouldn't give up so easily, though, re-rallying on the rail, but she was forced to settle for second by a length. It was still an encouraging performance from the veteran, who faded badly in the Humana Distaff (G1) on May 2. The return to 1 1/16 miles probably helped her immensely following two straight sprint tries, and Bear Now has retained her form going into this year. Her performance in last year's Ladies' Classic, where she was used early to set the pace before falling back to finish last of eight, was regrettable, but Bear Now could vindicate herself this time around. The dark bay is no stranger to synthetic tracks, with the Breeders' Cup coming as her only off-the-board placing from 14 tries, and she fits in well with the midrange runners who seem to be comprising much of the division this year. I only hope that Al Stall Jr., who took over training duties on the mare in 2009, will give her another shot in November.

Euphony is three-for-three this season, and though she's now competed, and won, on all three types of surfaces (turf, dirt, synthetic), trainer Donnie Von Hemel indicated she'll stick to the latter two in her upcoming races. The dark bay four-year-old is supposed to be nominated to the rich $1 million Del 'Cap, which conveniently enough, is also one of only four Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" races for the Ladies' Classic.

Up-and-comer: WITH FLYING COLORS (A.P. Indy) registered a first stakes win in the Heatherten S. at Belmont Park on June 21 and stamped herself as a filly to watch. As a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner My Flag (Easy Goer) and a granddaughter of the great Personal Ensign (Private Account), the Shug McGaughey trainee has the bloodlines to be something special.

Facing only three rivals in the Heatherten, the bay lass stalked the early pace in last while racing along the rail. Never far out of reach of the front runners, she commenced her bid under Edgar Prado rounding the turn, split rivals in midstretch and drew off for the 2 1/4-length victory. The track was sealed due to extremely sloppy conditions on that day, but the four-year-old didn't appear to have any trouble with the off going.

With Flying Colors earned a career best 93 BRIS Speed rating for her first stakes score, and may have finally found her stride. The Kentucky-bred miss began her career in New York last year, racking up two seconds and a third on the dirt at Belmont and Saratoga, but returned in 2009 on the turf at Gulfstream still seeking her first win. It wasn't until she was switched to Keeneland's Polytrack that she finally broke through with a maiden score on April 8, but she was immediately put back on the green for her two starts prior to the Heatherten.

A compelling point in With Flying Colors' favor is that she beat Cocoa Beach (Chi) (Doneraile Court) in the Heatherten. Though that dual Grade 1-winning mare was making her first start of the year, it still bodes well for With Flying Colors that she managed to hold off the 2008 Ladies' Classic runner-up. Also, the fact that she broke her maiden on Polytrack could mean she might be up to handling the Pro-Ride at Santa Anita in November.

HANDICAPPING INSIGHTS

JULY 3, 2009

by Dick Powell

The mind is a funny thing. It wants to be objective and is convinced that it weighs all factors before coming to a decision. But the reality of how the mind works is quite different.

No matter how hard we try, we tend to believe what we want to believe. This tendency is an intellectual contamination that penetrates and disrupts our thought processes, and you need to recognize it and make sure that you are taking it into account when deciding which horse to bet.

For instance, I am bullish on oil. I have identified seven factors that will affect the price of oil and five of them lead me to conclude that the price of a barrel of oil will continue to go up.

Yet, each day, there is empirical evidence that the price is going to come down. Supply is up, demand is down and economic theory says that the price has to drop. Do I ignore this information and look for other factors that confirm my bias? Since there is no single factor that is driving the price of oil, it becomes whatever you want it to become. I am staying bullish on oil since I have not seen enough evidence to convince me that my original theory is wrong and that it is time to sell. But I might be guilty of confirmation bias where I am ignoring negative information on the price of oil and making decisions that reinforce my original thesis.

According to Science Daily, "confirmation bias is a phenomenon wherein decision makers have been shown to actively seek out and assign more weight to evidence that confirms their hypothesis, and ignore or underweigh evidence that could disconfirm their hypothesis. In psychology and cognitive science, confirmation bias (or confirmatory bias) is a tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions, leading to statistical errors."

For the handicapper, the question you have to constantly ask yourself is how objective are you being? Are you taking enough factors into account or are you sticking with your original hypothesis -- "He's the lone speed" -- while ignoring the fact that he tired badly the last time he raced at this level. You like a horse because you think that he has the most gate speed, but you might be ignoring other factors such as how the track is playing, post position, etc.

With confirmation bias, you have made a decision and now your mind becomes a gatekeeper that lets in information that confirms that decision and keeps out those that do not.

Let's say that you handicapped the night before and have all your work done for the next day's racing. You go to the track and the track is performing in an unexpected way. Will you even recognize the change in the track or will confirmation bias prevent you from swaying from your original decision? There might be a late scratch in a race that jumbled the expected pace scenario? Are you going to say, "This changes everything," and go back and re-handicap the race or will your mind get you to believe that it has a diminished significance?

Confirmation bias is happening constantly in our minds. One of the tenets of effective listening is to listen to people you don't like. You might be an employer, and an employee who is constantly late for work makes a suggestion about running the company. Can you really isolate the message from the messenger? We all like to think that we can, but chances are you are not really listening to what the employee is saying but focusing on his/her behavior at work. You have a negative bias toward someone, and it prevents information that you might desperately need from getting through to you.

In politics, on average, 40 percent of the voters like candidate "A," 40 percent like candidate "B," and the rest are undecided. The voters who like either candidate will ignore any and all information that might get them to re-think and change their minds to vote for the other candidate. They ignore negative information and welcome positive information.

My guess is that the best handicappers would come from the undecided voters. The dogmatic voter is usually guilty of confirmation bias and that can't be good for a handicapper. At least the undecided voter has some degree of balance and is waiting for more information before making up his/her mind.

I have all the respect in the world for bettors who use performance sheets as their primary handicapping tool. And the best sheet players are the ones that only go by the numbers and patterns. They have solved the issue of confirmation bias by ignoring all other factors except the numbers and the patterns; allowing nothing else to influence their decision.

It sounds good to me, but maybe I'm biased.

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HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services Inc. This newsletter may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Copyright 2007, Bloodstock Research Information Services Inc. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from results charts published in the Daily Racing Form and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Daily Racing Form Inc.

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