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Clan ambushes Circus in American Oaks

At the top of the stretch in Saturday's $750,000 American Oaks Invitational S. (G1), PURE CLAN (Pure Prize) was full of run with nowhere to go, and a hard luck story was on the verge of unfolding for the 5-2 favorite. Then, when a tiny seam opened up late, the Bob Holthus filly barreled through to collar Satan's Circus (Gone West) and win going away by three-quarters of a length. With Julien Leparoux in the saddle, Pure Clan finished 1 1/4 miles on Hollywood Park's firm turf in 2:00 2/5 to remain a perfect four-for-four on the grass, advance her lifetime record to 9-6-1-2, and surpass the six-figure mark with $1,002,416 in earnings.

Pure Clan enjoyed a ground-saving trip from her rail post while rating well off the early pace. As expected, Raw Silk (Malibu Moon) set up shop on the front end through splits of :24, :47 and 1:10 4/5. Missit (Ire) (Orpen) tracked in second, while Backseat Rhythm (El Corredor), Satan's Circus and My Baby Baby (Bernstein) also raced within shouting distance of the leader. Rounding the far turn, Missit accosted Raw Silk, and Pure Clan cruised up into a contending position on the inside, just awaiting room to angle out in the stretch.

By this point, Satan's Circus commenced her advance on the outside, hemming in Pure Clan behind the toiling pair of Raw Silk and Missit. As Satan's Circus unleashed a potent move and surged to the front in midstretch, Pure Clan finally sensed a whiff of daylight between rivals, and she drove through to establish her superiority. The game winner, who is campaigned by Lewis Lakin, IEAH Stables and Pegasus Holding Group Stables, returned $7, $4 and $3.40.

"I tell you, it took me 56 years to find a race I could win," Holthus said of his California foray. "I was a little worried turning for home if she was going to be able to get through, but she made it. She always runs the last sixteenth of a mile as hard as she can."

French shipper Satan's Circus outran her 14-1 odds in her American debut, giving back $12.60 and $10 for her excellent runner-up effort. The 18-1 Clearly Foxy (Volponi) rallied from far back to finish third, just a half-length astern of Satan's Circus, and paid $9.80. The $1 exacta was worth $45, the $1 trifecta totaled $478.10, and with the 3-1 second choice Carribean Sunset (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) in fourth, the 1-3-5-9 superfecta ($1) was good for $2,378. Missit came in fifth, followed by Magical Fantasy (Diesis [GB]), Backseat Rhythm, Raw Silk, Bel Air Sizzle (Unusual Heat), Zaskar (GB) (Anabaa), Annie Skates (Mr. Greeley) and a tailed-off My Baby Baby.

Pure Clan was undefeated in four starts as a juvenile. The chestnut won her first two starts on turf before switching to dirt and taking the Pocahontas S. (G3) and Golden Rod S. (G2). Pure Clan was second to the ill-fated Eight Belles in the Honeybee S. (G3) in her seasonal debut, and was third to that rival in the Fantasy S. (G2) before finishing third to Proud Spell (Proud Citizen) in the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Reverting to the grass in the Regret S. (G3) last time out, she rolled to an impressive 2 3/4-length victory.

Bred in Kentucky by A. Lakin & Sons Inc., Pure Clan is out of Grade 3 heroine Gather the Clan (Ire) (General Assembly), who has also produced Grade 2 winner Greater Good (Intidab). Pure Clan has an unraced two-year-old half-sister named Running Clan (Cherokee Run) and a 2008 half-brother by Gone West. Pure Clan's second dam is What a Summer (What Luck), champion sprinter of 1977.

Holthus mentioned the August 16 Del Mar Oaks (G1) and the October 11 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) at Keeneland as possible future targets.

Presious Passion never wavers in United Nations

Patricia Generazio's PRESIOUS PASSION (Royal Anthem) took the early lead as expected in the $750,000 United Nations H. (G1) at Monmouth Park on Saturday, but the five-year-old forgot to stop in posting a neck upset at nearly 14-1. The winner set splits of :24 2/5, :49, 1:14 1/5 and 1:38 3/5 over the yielding turf prior to completing the 1 3/8-mile test in 2:13 4/5 under Eddie Castro. The Mary Hartman charge paid $29.60, $8.80 and $5.40 while keying the $109.20 exacta, $661 trifecta and $2,435.20 superfecta (3-8-2-5).

Strike a Deal (Smart Strike), the 2-1 second choice, rated in midpack while wide and closed with excellent energy to fall just short at the wire, paying $4 and $3 for runner-up honors. Equitable (A.P. Indy) was well positioned throughout on the rail and stayed on to garner third honors another 1 1/4 lengths back. The 5-1 third choice was worth $4.20, finishing a half-length clear of fourth-place finisher Independent George (Cozzene), who capped the super at 13-1. Buddy's Humor (Distorted Humor) was a nose back in fifth and trailed by Champs Elysees (GB) (Danehill), Ra Der Dean (Rahy) and Crown Point (Honor Grades), while Sudan (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) was withdrawn. 

The Florida-bred winner notched his fifth stakes win with this event, having previously captured the W. L. McKnight H. (G2), Pan American H. (G3), Cliff Hanger S. (G3) and Jersey Derby. The gelding nearly doubled his bankroll to $935,028 with the $450,000 winner's check, from a 29-8-4-2 lifetime mark.

Presious Passion was bred by Joseph and Helen Barbazon and produced from the unraced Princesa's Passion (Marquetry), making him a half-brother to the unraced juvenile filly Just Livin A Dream (Trippi) and an unnamed yearling filly by Exchange Rate. This is the same family as 1977 United Nations winner Bemo (Maribeau).

Zenyatta holds on in Vanity

Zenyatta (inside) just held Tough Tiz's Sis (Benoit Photo) Mr. and Mrs. Jerry S. Moss' ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) moved her record to a perfect six-for-six on Saturday when holding off Tough Tiz's Sis (Tiznow) by a half-length in the $300,000 Vanity H. (G1) at Hollywood Park. Sent off the near 2-5 prohibitive favorite, the John Shirreffs-trained lass gave back $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10 while keying $1 exotics worth $3.30 (exacta) and $19.70 (3-1-4 trifecta). Zenyatta broke in her customary rear position as Silver Z (Cee's Tizzy) drew off by as much as 10 lengths while setting splits of :23 2/5, :46 and 1:09 4/5. However, the dark bay filly didn't stay in the back of the field, moving up to fifth on the backstretch while racing wide. Jockey Mike Smith gave Zenyatta her signal to run nearing the turn and she ranged up beside Tough Tiz's Sis, pulled away from that one and went after the longtime pacesetter. Zenyatta grabbed the lead in the stretch then held off a rallying Tough Tiz's Sis to finish 1 1/8 miles on the Cushion Track in 1:49 2/5. "I did, she didn't. She didn't work at all," Smith replied when asked if Zenyatta had to work harder than usual. "I wish she would have. She wasn't tested at all. I was tested. She was just pulling up the whole time. Down around the turn she was pricking her ears and pulling up, she wasn't even running. She was basically galloping through the lane. She made me work hard. She was just loafing. I think I've let her do things too easily." Tough Tiz's Sis, the 7-1 third choice, paid $3.40 and $2.80, while Silver Swallow (Alphabet Soup) rushed up to take third by 2 1/4 lengths over Silver Z, returning $4 at nearly 24-1. Reigning Canadian Horse of the Year Sealy Hill (Point Given), the second pick at 5-1, came next and was followed under the line by Fleetheart (Northern Afleet) and Andmoreagain (Distorted Humor).

Zenyatta began her career last November, breaking her maiden by three lengths before adding an allowance to her line by 3 1/2 lengths. She captured her 2008 and stakes debut in the El Encino S. (G2), scoring by 1 3/4 lengths, then successfully made the transition to a conventional dirt surface with a 4 1/2-length victory in the Apple Blossom H. (G1) at Oaklawn Park. Zenyatta returned to Hollywood Park last out to take the Milady H. (G2), and now boasts $734,580 in lifetime earnings.

Bred by Maverick Production Limited in Kentucky, Zenyatta is out of the winning Vertigineux (Kris S.), making her a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 queen Balance (Thunder Gulch), an unraced juvenile filly named Treasure Trail (Pulpit) and an unnamed yearling colt by Giant's Causeway. The four-year-old miss, who is from the same family as 2001 Canadian champion turf mare Sweetest Thing (Candy Stripes), was a bargain at only $60,000 for her owners at the 2005 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

Shirreffs said that Zenyatta will head to Del Mar, though he didn't mention where she might run or even if she would.

"It depends upon the track at Del Mar and what they've done with their track," he explained.

Indian Blessing returns to winner's circle in Prioress

Hal and Patti Earnhardt's homebred INDIAN BLESSING (Indian Charlie) returned to her winning ways on Saturday when pulling off a 5 1/4-length victory in Belmont Park's $245,000 Prioress S. (G1). The Bob Baffert-trained dark bay dropped her two starts prior to this one after taking her initial five races, but reasserted her dominance while shortening up to six furlongs here as the 3-5 favorite.

It was a bittersweet victory for Baffert, who was at Hollywood Park in California saddling Tough Tiz's Sis (Tiznow) to a half-length second to Zenyatta (Street Cry [Ire]) in the Vanity H. (G1).

"This was good because I was mad about losing the Vanity," he admitted via phone from Hollywood. "Man, we should have won that race. I could have had two Grade 1 wins today. Instead of winning a Grade 1 with a 7-1 shot, I get a Grade 1 with a 1-9 (shot)."

Baffert added that Indian Blessing will now head to Saratoga for the August 2 Test S. (G1).

Secret Gypsy (Sea of Secrets) set a quick early pace of :22 1/5 and 44 3/5 after the gates opened, with Indian Blessing and jockey John Velazquez running widest down the backstretch in fourth. As the field entered the turn, Indian Blessing drew even with Secret Gypsy while By the Light (Malibu Moon) moved up on her inside. Those two passed the longtime leader, but Indian Blessing was going best, easily drawing off to stop the clock in a swift 1:09 1/5.

"She broke flat-footed, but I knew they were going to chase me anyway, so it was a blessing in disguise," Velazquez said. "I was able to take her to the outside. I rode her like she was the best horse and that was the way she ran. It was really easy."

Indian Blessing, recipient of the Eclipse Award as champion two-year-old filly, paid $3.30, $2.60 and $2.10 to her faithful backers while starting the $8.80 exacta. By the Light easily held second by 3 1/2 lengths, giving back $3.40 and $2.40 as the 7-2 second pick, and Indian Way (Indian Charlie) filled out the $21.60 trifecta (3-4-1) while returning $3 as the 5-1 third choice. Secret Gypsy just missed holding third by a neck and was followed under the wire by Tale of the West (Tale of the Cat). Honest to Betsy (Yonaguska) and Palanka City (Carson City) were withdrawn.

Indian Blessing immediately stepped up from a 5 1/4-length maiden win last year to capture the Frizette S. (G1) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) during last year's championship season. She opened 2008 with victories in the Santa Ynez S. (G2) and Silverbulletday S. (G3), then suffered her first loss when second in the 8 1/2-furlong Fair Grounds Oaks (G2). The dark bay lass received a three-month freshening and returned to fill the runner-up spot in the Acorn S. (G1) prior to this one, and has now accumulated $1,847,200 in lifetime earnings.

The Kentucky-bred Indian Blessing is out of stakes winner and multiple Grade 3-placed Shameful (Flying Chevron), who has also produced a juvenile colt named Spaniard (Candy Ride [Arg]) as well as unnamed yearling and 2008 colts by Roman Ruler. She comes from the same family as Japanese Horse of the Year Zenno Rob Roy (Sunday Silence), Grade 1 heroines Cat's Cradle (Flying Paster) and Roamin Rachel (Mining), and Grade 3 victress Another (Seattle Slew).

Street is clearly Boss in Triple Bend

Bluegate Corp., Naify and trainer Bruce Headley's STREET BOSS (Street Cry [Ire]) made a bold move while widest of all turning for home and posted a half-length score in the $300,000 Triple Bend Invitational H. (G1) at Hollywood Park on Saturday. Trained by Bruce Headley and piloted by David Flores, the chestnut colt was last after the opening half-mile but moved swiftly approaching the final turn, opening up a sizeable lead in midstretch before drifting in late and gamely holding on at the wire, getting seven panels on the Cushion Track in 1:22 2/5. Sent off as the prohibitive 3-5 choice, the winner paid $3.40, $2.40 and $2.10.

Elite Squadron showed speed along the inside and held an edge while reaching four furlongs in :44 4/5, was outmoved by the winner on the final turn but persevered to the line while threatening Street Boss late. The 4-1 runner-up was 2 1/4 lengths clear of third and returned $3.20 and $2.20, while finishing off the $6.30 exacta ($1). Tropic Storm (Stormy Atlantic) made a brief move at the top of the lane to reach contention, but flattened out late while finishing third as the 7-2 second choice. Show paid $2.40 and the $1 trifecta returned $12.90. Global Hunter (Arg) (Jade Hunter) was 1 3/4 lengths back in fourth and followed by Desert Code (E Dubai) and High Standards (High Brite). 

Street Boss ran his win streak to four in this one, garnering his second graded score followed by a win in the Los Angeles H. (G3) in his latest effort. The improving four-year-old sports a 10-6-2-0 lifetime mark with $401,800 in earnings. He was bred in the Bluegrass State by Brilliant Stable and brought the gavel down at $300,000 at the 2005 Keeneland September Yearling sale.

The winner is out of the stakes-placed Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) and counts himself as a half-brother to dual Grade 2-placed Habiboo (Unbridled's Song), as well as an unnamed two-year-old by Unbridled's Song and an unnamed yearling filly by Speightstown. His third dam, the Group 1-placed Fruhlingstag (Fr) (*Orsini II), is responsible for multiple Grade 2 winner and millionaire Running Stag (Cozzene).

Diamond Diva gets the money in CashCall thriller

Turning seeming victory into inexplicable defeat, Ventura (Chester House) surrendered a head advantage in the final strides of Saturday's $750,000 CashCall Mile Invitational S. (G2), thus allowing Three Chimneys Racing's DIAMOND DIVA (GB) (Dansili [GB]) to re-rally up the inside to nab her by a nose on Hollywood Park's line. Under David Flores, Diamond Diva completed one mile over the firm turf in 1:34 and returned $6.60, $3.80 and $2.40 as the 2-1 third choice. Ventura, the second choice who was also 2-1, gave back $3.40 and $2.20, while 3-2 favorite Lady of Venice (Fr) (Loup Solitaire) fell short in her attempt to defend her CashCall title when finishing 2 1/4 lengths behind in third, returning $2.10.

The $1 exacta paid $9.40 and the $1 trifecta was worth $18.30 for the 5-2-1 combination.

A moderate tempo was established by 22-1 outsider La Tee (Broken Vow), who set splits of :24 1/5, :47 3/5 and 1:10 3/5, but she began to give way turning for home when the pacepressing Passified (GB) (Compton Place) challenged her, and that one was soon overtaken by Diamond Diva, who had tracked in fourth through the opening six furlongs. Slow to commence her rally after rating in fifth most of the way, Ventura hit high gear when set down by Garrett Gomez and took a lead that seemed insurmountable. Ventura seemed to pull herself up in the final strides, however, and with her ears noticeably pinned back, allowed Diamond Diva to gain the narrow edge at the wire.

Following Lady of Venice, who was never in contention for the win, were Passified, Super Freaky (Smart Strike), Wake Up Maggie (Ire) (Xaar) and La Tee.

The CashCall was the third victory in four starts in the United States for Diamond Diva, who began her career in her native England where she posted a 12-3-4-2 mark and was stakes-placed three times. Her American debut occurred on March 30 at Santa Anita with a 1 3/4-length victory in the American Beauty H., and she followed up with a three-quarters of a length score in the Wilshire H. (G3) at Hollywood. More recently, Diamond Diva set the pace but was overtaken when 2 1/4-lengths second to Precious Kitten (Catienus) in the May 26 Gamely S. (G1). Her record now reads 16-6-5-2 with earnings of $721,285.

"My plan from here would be the (August 3) John C. Mabee (H. [G1] at Del Mar), either that or give her a shot at maybe running in Chicago, Canada or Kentucky and then the Breeders' Cup," said winning trainer James Cassidy.

Bred by Glebe Stud and Mrs. F. Woodd, Diamond Diva sold for $496,813 at the 2007 Tattersalls December sale. The dark bay lass is out of the winning Vivianna (Indian Ridge), who is herself a daughter of South African champion three-year-old filly Kundalini (El Gran Senor), and comes from the same family as multiple Irish champion Kooyonga (Persian Bold).

Notional regains his form in Salvator Mile

J. Paul Reddam's NOTIONAL (In Excess [Ire]) rallied boldly into contention on the far turn, collared pacesetter Gottcha Gold (Coronado's Quest) at the top of the stretch, and went on to a 2 1/4-length victory in Saturday's $300,000 Salvator Mile H. (G3) at Monmouth Park. Unplaced in his last three outings, the colt was making his debut for new trainer Mark Hennig and snapped a five-race losing skein while garnering his third career graded tally. The four-year-old finished a mile in 1:35 4/5 with Joe Bravo.

Sent off the near 8-1 fourth choice among six rivals, Notional gave back $17.80, $5.40 and $2.80 to his supporters. Gottcha Gold, who was seeking his second consecutive victory in the Salvator Mile after upsetting eventual champion Lawyer Ron last year, had no excuses as the 4-5 favorite, setting uncontested splits in :23 and :46 over the fast track. His clear lead was quickly erased on the final bend, and he hit the six-furlong mark in 1:10 with a diminishing head advantage over the rapidly gaining Notional.

Gottcha Gold paid $2.60 and $2.10 for runner-up honors, and it was 2 1/4 lengths back to the 4-1 Honest Man (Unbridled's Song), who yielded $2.60. The exotics payoffs were $48.40 (exacta), $178.80 (trifecta) and $425 (1-5-6-4 superfecta). Indy Wind (A.P. Indy) took fourth at 3-1 and was followed under the wire by Better Than Bonds (Sweetsouthernsaint) and Rathor (Ire) (Machiavellian).

Bred in California by Vessels Stallion Farm, Notional commanded a $235,000 winning bid at the 2006 Barretts March two-year-old sale after selling for $77,000 at the 2005 Keeneland September yearling sale. He's out of the winning French Deputy mare Truly Blessed, who is also the dam of a yearling colt by Jackpot. Notional was on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail last year, winning the San Rafael S. (G2) and Risen Star S. (G3) and finishing a close second in the Florida Derby (G1), but he was sidelined by an injury and didn't return to the races until February of this year. He's now earned $695,740 from an 11-4-1-2 mark.

Friend makes himself at home in Bashford Manor

Calvin Borel celebrated his 4,500th career win on Screen Your Friend (Ed Van Meter/Horsephotos.com) William A. Carl's homebred SCREEN YOUR FRIEND (Friends Lake) did not make the cut with the bettors, going off at 18-1 in Saturday's $164,550 Bashford Manor S. (G3) at Churchill Downs, but the chestnut juvenile quickly proved himself worthy of attention. Sprinting straight to the lead beneath Calvin Borel, the Bernard Flint pupil proceeded to complete six furlongs on the fast track in 1:10 4/5, and in the process, recorded two significant milestones. Not only did he become the first stakes winner for his freshman sire, but Screen Your Friend also handed Borel his 4,500th career win. Screen Your Friend sped an opening quarter in :21 3/5, hurled back a challenge from 50-1 shot General Quarters (Sky Mesa) through a half-mile in :45 1/5, and spurted three lengths clear in midstretch. The only late danger arrived in the form of Lyin' Heart (Lion Heart), but Screen Your Friend maintained his momentum and had 1 1/4 lengths to spare at the wire. The winner rewarded his supporters with mutuels of $38, $13 and $4.80 while spearheading the $196.40 exacta, $652.20 trifecta and $856 superfecta (1-7-5-3). Lyin' Heart broke slowly but rallied strongly to finish a clear second, paying $4.20 and $2.60 at 3-1. Another 4 1/4 lengths adrift came 2-1 second choice Segal (Harlan's Holiday), who had broken his maiden here at the expense of Screen Your Friend two back. The third-placer gave back $3. Theregoesjojo (Brahms), the 7-5 favorite, was briefly caught in traffic in the stretch and wound up fourth. Medaglia d'Onore (Medaglia d'Oro), General Quarters and Silver Bayer (Smoke Glacken) rounded out the order of finish. My Dominick James (Dance Master) was scratched.

Screen Your Friend has now earned $138,306 from his 4-2-1-0 record. Fourth in his debut at Keeneland, he was runner-up to Segal before breaking through with a neck score at Churchill on June 4.

The Kentucky-bred was produced by multiple Grade 3 heroine Screen Prospect (Rare Performer), a two-time winner of the Falls City (G3) at Churchill and runner-up in the Spinster S. (G1) and Test S. (G1). Screen Your Friend has an unnamed yearling half-sister by Harlan's Holiday.

Azul Leon king of Juvenile Championship jungle

Nearly 11 years after his champion colt Favorite Trick dominated the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), owner Joseph Lacombe reached the Hollywood Park winner's circle again with another undefeated two-year-old. It's still early in the season to make comparisons, but Lacombe's homebred AZUL LEON (Lion Heart) looked quite strong making a wide rally turning for home, and then sustaining that run through the stretch to post an emphatic four-length triumph in the $106,000 Hollywood Juvenile Championship (G3). Under Rafael Bejarano, Azul Leon completed six furlongs over Cushion Track in 1:10 4/5. The even-money favorite in a field of eight, Azul Leon returned $4.20, $3 and $2.40 while keying $1 exotics of $47.40 (exacta), $293.60 (trifecta) and $1,187.80 (4-8-5-6 superfecta).

Azul Leon bobbled leaving the gate and was content to trail early as Making Dreams (Rio Verde) cut out moderate fractions of :22 2/5 and :46 2/5. Azul Leon moved up to sixth after the second quarter-mile, and then commenced his five-wide bid. Making Dreams, who held a narrow advantage turning into the stretch, continued to hold on determinedly as the winner drew off, eventually holding second by a head at nearly 31-1. Making Dreams returned $19 and $9, while the 6-1 Fassnacht (Johannesburg) rallied late for third and returned $3.40. Seismometer (Richter Scale) completed the superfecta 2 1/2 lengths back and was followed under the line by Turbo Call (Nineeleven), Jack Flash (Swiss Yodeler), Let'spickupthepace (Pure Precision) and Swiss Alpine (Swiss Yodeler). Conclusive (Nineeleven) and Nochangenweather (Lightnin N Thunder) were withdrawn.

"What a beautiful horse. He's kind of like a Stevie Wonderboyish kind of horse," winning trainer Doug O'Neill said, referring to the 2005 two-year-old champion he conditioned. "He's just very professional, he's the type of horse you can work by himself and he gets enough out of it.

"The Lacombes have been very patient about having an ideal game plan towards hopefully the big race at Santa Anita (Breeders' Cup Juvenile on October 25). He might be in the (August 10) Best Pal (S. [G2]) next and the (September 3) Del Mar Futurity (G1) is a possibility."

Azul Leon debuted at Hollywood on May 8, rallying from midpack to win by a head going 4 1/2 furlongs. With his initial stakes victory in the bag, Azul Leon has now bankrolled $92,400.

A Kentucky-bred by a first-crop sire who captured the Hollywood Futurity (G1) over the old dirt track, Azul Leon is out of the Canadian Grade 3 winner Quick Blue (Cure the Blues), who has also produced an unnamed yearling colt by Malibu Moon.

Ellis Park to open Friday

An agreement was reached on Saturday between horsemen and Ellis Park management to open the Henderson, Kentucky, track on Friday. The groups have been working on a resolution, which came Saturday at a 10:30 a.m. (EDT) meeting with the horsemen who arrived at Ellis to race their horses.

"This is a win/win for the horsemen and Ellis Park," track owner Ron Geary said. "You can't imagine my relief to have the track opening."

The approved agreement includes the following terms:

"We will make this an awesome live meet for Ellis Park with great purses available to the horsemen," Geary explained. "It's those purses that will attract and keep the horsemen here this summer."

Geary announced the track would remain closed prior to its scheduled July 4 opening day due to the current ADW controversy whereby the Kentucky HBPA and affiliate HBPA organizations nationwide have blocked signals to 10 tracks so far.

"Hopefully a solution can be reached nationally by January 1, 2009, that will dictate future splits of ADW revenue that all parties can live with," he added about the national ADW situation.

Ellis Park is responsible for more than 500 jobs in the area and has an estimated economic impact of $60 million.

In brief

Silly Goose Racing Stable's MADDY'S LION (Lion Hearted) closed from last to first in Saturday's $79,500 Mr. Prospector S. at Monmouth Park, notching his first stakes victory since 2005 with a neck decision. Trained by Greg Sacco and ridden by Carlos Marquez Jr., the six-year-old horse caught heavy favorite Joey P. (Close Up) in the final strides and finished six furlongs in 1:09 1/5 over the fast track. An earner of $368,402, the Maryland-bred now shows a 36-7-4-9 line...

A close second in the Eatontown H. (G3) in her previous start, E El R Stable's CHESTORIA (Chester House) got the jump on her rivals in Saturday's $78,150 Mariensky S. at Belmont Park and held off a late charge by favorite Paris Winds (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]) to win by three-quarters of a length. Under Eibar Coa, Chestoria completed 1 1/16 miles on a yielding inner turf in 1:44 2/5. Trained by Billy Badgett, the four-year-old New York-bred was scoring her first stakes victory since the 2006 Miss Grillo S., which occurred over the same course. Chestoria's record now stands at 9-4-2-1 with earnings of $213,120...

Marshall Dowell's MINT SLEWLEP (Slew City Slew) showed he liked turf after all by registering a 7-1 upset of the $60,000 Da Hoss S. at Colonial Downs on Saturday. Under Malcolm Franklin, the Robert Bailes trainee prevailed by three parts of a length in a time of 1:37 for one mile over firm ground. Mint Slewlep had raced over grass only once previously, finishing 10 lengths back when eighth of nine in the 2007 Colonial Turf Cup (G3). The Kentucky-bred finished last of six when 21 lengths adrift in the Brandywine S. in his most recent start, but was a close third in the Jim McKay S. at Pimlico two back. His record improved to 19-5-1-4 with a bankroll of $163,094...

The transfer of Saturday's $53,300 Sweetest Chant S. at Arlington Park from turf to Polytrack helped out Frank Calabrese's DREAMING OF LIZ (El Prado [Ire]), a Grade 3 winner on the surface but only sixth in her turf debut last out. The three-year-old led gate-to-wire to win by a neck under Earlie Fires, getting 1 1/16 miles in 1:46 2/5. It was the third career stakes win for the Wayne Catalano trainee, who won the Arlington-Washington Lassie (G3) last fall and, more recently, the Double Delta S., a race that was also moved from turf to Arlington's main track. Her record now stands at 10-4-0-0, $173,950...

Einar Paul Robsham Stables' homebred DISCREET TREASURE (El Prado [Ire]) assumed command in early stretch and cruised home an effortless, 12 1/4-length winner of the 5TH race at Belmont Park on Saturday. The debuting sophomore colt completed seven panels over the muddy main oval in 1:25 1/5 for trainer Stanley Hough and jockey Edgar Prado in a race that was originally scheduled for the lawn. The three-year-old was produced from 1995 Alabama S. (G1) heroine Pretty Discreet (Private Account), making him a half-brother to dual stakes victor Pretty Wild (Wild Again), who was second in the 2002 Hopeful S. (G1) and Futurity S. (G1), as well as 2006 Cigar Mile H. (G1) romper Discreet Cat (Forestry), who won the first six races of his career...

Multiple Grade 3 hero SILVERFOOT (With Approval), winner of Friday's Stars and Stripes Turf H. (G3) at Arlington Park, exited that event in good order, according to trainer Leigh Bentley, who saddled the gray eight-year-old for conditioner Dallas Stewart. "He's doing absolutely super this morning," Bentley said Saturday. "He's a very happy horse as usual." Silverfoot is now in position to to become the first horse to complete a sweep of the Stars and Stripes and Arlington Million (G1), which will be run on August 9...

Jockey Francisco Torres earned the 2,000th win of his career in the J. Archie Sebastien Memorial S., the 11TH race at Evangeline Downs Friday evening. Torres guided Sammie Sam (Autocracy) to a 4 1/4-length victory in the mile and 70 yard test for trainer Sturges Ducoing.

On the New York worktab

Trainer Nick Zito sent out his top three-year-olds for a spin over a fast Oklahoma training track at Saratoga on Saturday.

Belmont S. (G1) winner DA 'TARA (Tiznow) worked a half-mile in :49 2/5 in preparation for a possible start in the July 27 Jim Dandy S. (G2).

Grade 2 winner ANAK NAKAL (Victory Gallop), who finished in a dead heat for third in the Belmont, was timed in :51 2/5.

Fountain of Youth S. (G2) winner COOL COAL MAN (Mineshaft), last seen taking the Spend a Buck S. at Monmouth Park, traveled in :51.

Meanwhile, Grade 2 winner WANDERIN BOY (Seeking the Gold), third in the Alysheba S. (G3) in his only start this year, breezed in :50 1/5 for Zito.

Multiple stakes winner AUDACIOUS CHLOE (More Than Ready), fifth in the Tuzla H. (G3) at Santa Anita when last seen in January, covered three furlongs in :37 3/5.

Stakes winner SALUTE THE COUNT (Count the Time), runner-up in the Jaipur S. (G3) last out, was clocked in :49 1/5. for a half-mile.

On the California worktab

Champion THOR'S ECHO (Swiss Yodeler), winner of the 2006 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1), breezed five panels in 1:01 2/5 over the Cushion Track at Hollywood Park. The Doug O'Neill trainee was a close fourth in the True North H. (G2) in his first start in more than a year last out.

Multiple Grade 2-placed SOUL CITY SLEW (Slew City Slew) drilled a half-mile in :47 3/5.

Alydar S. runner-up MADEO (Mizzen Mast) sped three-quarters in 1:13 4/5 for John Shirreffs.

Three-time stakes winner SOUTHERN AFRICA (Cape Town) got five-eighths in 1:00 4/5.

Miss Woodford S. queen COCO BELLE (Storm Boot), who exits a third-place finish in the Great Lady M. S. S., negotiated six panels in 1:15 2/5.

Dual stakes hero SKY CAPE (Najran) earned a bullet six furlongs in 1:13 for Kristin Mulhall.

Four-time stakes victor STORMIN AWAY (Skip Away), last seen taking the War Chant S. in October, worked a half-mile in :49 3/5 in preparation of his 2008 debut over Santa Anita's Cushion oval .

Sunshine Millions Dash runner-up WINSOME CHARM (Silver Charm) traveled four panels in :48 2/5.

Sun City H. queen FLEET CAROLINE (Tejano Run), a close third in the Redondo Beach S. in her latest venture, got five-eighths in 1:01 2/5.

Impressive first-out winner MISS DIXIE DANCER (Olmodavor) stopped the timer in 1:02 for five furlongs.

Grade 3 winner MAGNUM (Arg) (El Compinche), who finished fourth in the Berkeley S. (G3) in his last try, sped a bullet six panels in 1:13 4/5 for Darrell Vienna.

Unbeaten sprint star HIGH RESOLVE (Put it Back) went five furlongs over the Tapeta and Golden Gate in 1:00 3/5.

On  the Maryland worktab

Multiple Grade 1 turf winner BETTER TALK NOW (Talkin Man), a troubled fifth in the Manhattan H. (G1) last out, worked six furlongs in 1:14 3/5 over the Tapeta surface at Fair Hill on Saturday. He is likely for the July 12 Man o' War S. (G1) at Belmont Park.

Grade 2 winner REBELLION (GB) (Mozart [Ire]), last seen taking the Ack Ack H. (G3) at Hollywood Park, covered the same ground in 1:13 3/5.

Grade 3 winner ROSINKA (Ire) (Soviet Star), who captured the John W. Rooney Memorial S. at Delaware Park in her seasonal debut, went the same distance in 1:13 4/5. She might next defend her title in the July 12 Robert G. Dick Memorial S. (G3) at Delaware.

BALLAST (Ire) (Desert Prince [Ire]), last seen in December winning the Tropical Turf H. (G3) at Calder for the second consecutive year, went in 1:14 3/5.

CHEROKEE ARTIST (Cherokee Run), runner-up in the Ohio Derby (G2) last out in only his third lifetime start, was clocked in 1:14 3/5.

Federico Tesio S. winner and Preakness S. (G1) third ICABAD CRANE (Jump Start), eighth in the Belmont S. (G1) most recently, went five furlongs in 1:03.

Multiple Grade 3 winner LANTANA MOB (Posse), most recently the winner of the Hirsch Jacobs. S. (G3), sped four furlongs in :48 over a fast track at Laurel. It was the swiftest of 20 works at the distance.

RAVALO (Mutakddim), a four-time stakes winner this year including the Karl Boyes Memorial Northwestern Pennsylvania S. at Presque Isle Downs last out, drilled a bullet five furlongs in 1:00 4/5.

HARTIGAN (Include), winner of the Pearl Necklace S. and Hilltop S. in her last two starts, worked four furlongs in :51 3/5 over a fast Pimlico strip.

On the Illinois worktab

Over Arlington Park's Polytrack on Saturday, champion and last out Mint Julep H. (G3) victress DREAMING OF ANNA (Rahy) breezed five furlongs in :59 3/5. The Wayne Catalano-trained four-year-old is preparing for a possible start in the July 12 Modesty H. (G3).

Multiple Grade 3 veteran FORT PRADO (El Prado [Ire]), runner-up in the Black Tie Affair H. most recently, breezed four furlongs in :48 2/5.

Three-time stakes winner AMAZING RESULTS (Grand Slam), hero of the Springfield S. in his last one, covered a half-mile in :49 1/5.

On the Kentucky worktab

Promising turf sophomore NISTLE'S CRUNCH (Van Nistelrooy), a last-out second in the Colonial Turf Cup S. (G3) and a close third in the Crown Royal American Turf S. (G3) two back, breezed six furlongs in 1:13 1/5 over the good track at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

OLD MAN BUCK (Hold That Tiger), a multiple stakes winner who finished third when making his three-year-old debut in the June 14 Jefferson Cup S. (G2), covered the same ground in the same time.

Grade 2 victor EATON'S GIFT (Johannesburg), a 1 1/2-length winner of the Matt Winn S. in his last outing, completed four furlongs in :49 1/5.

Grade 2-placed RACECAR RHAPSODY (Tale of the Cat), last seen finishing fourth in the Preakness S. (G1), recorded five-eighths in 1:03 over the good going.

Grade 3 winner SPOTSGONE (Bright Launch) traveled five panels in 1:01 3/5 over a muddy track.

At Keeneland, Grade 2 hero SONGSTER (Songandaprayer), who has recently returned to training after being sent to stud, logged a half-mile in :49 over the Polytrack. He's unraced since taking the Bold Ruler H. (G3) nearly 14 months ago.

On the New Jersey worktab

Grade 2 winner ICY ATLANTIC (Stormy Atlantic), third in the Elkwood S. last out, covered a half-mile in :50 over a fast main track at Monmouth Park on Saturday.

Appleton H. (G3) winner BUFFALO MAN (El Prado [Ire]), runner-up in the Frisk Me Now S. most recently, was clocked in :47 4/5, the fastest of 69 works at the distance.

Holy Bull S. (G3) winner HEY BYRN (Put it Back), last seen finishing seventh in the Preakness S. (G1), went a bullet five furlongs in 1:00.

MAN OF DANGER (Tiger Ridge), a four-time stakes runner-up this year including the True North H. (G2) last out, went in 1:02 3/5.

Stakes winner and Grade 1-placed KISS THE KID (Lemon Drop Kid), seventh in the Metropolitan H. (G1) last out, sped three furlongs in :36 1/5

On the Delaware worktab

Grade 2 winner MISTICAL PLAN (Game Plan), a distant third in the Ogden Phipps H. (G1) last out, worked three furlongs in :38 3/5 over a fast track at Delaware Park on Saturday. She is aiming for the July 12 Princess Rooney H. (G1) at Calder.

For Sunday or Next Raceday

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Sunday's Dwyer S. (G2) at Belmont Park has drawn a lackluster field of seven sophomores, with READY'S IMAGE (More Than Ready) the only graded winner in the bunch. That particular victory came when the Todd Pletcher runner was a juvenile, however, and we're going against the dark bay in this one based on his two starts so far in 2008.

MINT LANE (Maria's Mon) has done well for himself in New York and should come out on top in this 1 1/16-mile affair. The James Jerkens charge took an allowance/optional claimer at Aqueduct by a widening 8 1/2 lengths, just missed by a head in the Federico Tesio S. at Pimlico next out and ran into the classy star Casino Drive (Mineshaft) when making his graded debut two back. He was best of the rest on that day, finishing a half-length in front of eventual Belmont S. (G1) third Ready's Echo (More Than Ready), and returned to the winner's circle last out with a dominating 5 3/4-length score in the Postponed S. Neither the distance nor the track holds any surprises for Mint Lane, who will have Eibar Coa in the irons once again.

PASCAL (Menifee) has been alternating between the claiming ranks and allowances, and will be making his stakes bow in this spot. Despite all that, the bay colt could jump up to take second under Cornelio Velasquez. Making his first start for new trainer Gary Contessa last out, the three-year-old recorded a front-running, 2 1/2-length score despite bobbling at the break. He also earned a 105 BRIS Speed rating, and anything resembling that effort here could see him filling out the exacta.

WEB GEM (Fusaichi Pegasus) was behind Pascal two starts back and might take up that position here, too. The Nick Zito-conditioned chestnut is still looking for his first win since breaking his maiden last October, but has chosen a good spot to pick up some graded credit. Jorge Chavez has the call.

Ready's Image hasn't been able to reproduce his juvenile form in two starts this year, despite winning the Adjudicating S. in his three-year-old bow. He barely got up in time in that 6 1/2-furlong event, and was a well-beaten seventh when stretching out to seven furlongs in the Woody Stephens S. (G2) last out. The dark bay remains eligible to pick up a check here, but we don't see him factoring in the top three. FIDELIO (Awesome Again) is in a similar situation. The Bobby Frankel trainee may be forgiven for running a distant seventh in a Grade 1 over Polytrack while stretching out to 1 1/16 miles last year, but we think he prefers much less ground, as evidenced by his two easy wins in seven-furlong allowance/optional claimers so far this season.

HALO NAJIB (Halo's Image) may show more while returning to a conventional dirt track in this spot, but his prior efforts don't offer much encouragement. We'll take a pass on the chestnut. TIZBIG (Tiznow) appears out of his class, even against this group.

The $150,000 Locust Grove H. (G3) for fillies and mares brings the Churchill Downs spring meet to a close on Sunday, and a competitive field of 10 will line up to travel one mile over the turf. A number are coming into the race in sharp form, including SAY YOU WILL (Ire) (A.P. Indy), the Godolphin colorbearer who is our choice to score the mild upset.

First or second in her last six starts, Say You Will owns a solid record over both turf and synthetic surfaces. Runner-up in the La Canada S. (G2) and Doubledogdare S. (G3) over synthetic in her first two starts of the year, the four-year-old filly exits a half-length score in a second-level allowance/optional claimer going seven panels on the grass at Belmont. Say You Will, who was four lengths behind with a furlong to go, turned in a strong one-eighth time of around :11 3/5 to gain the narrow edge, and that turn of foot can be helpful on Sunday, especially with the pace likely to be fast if not contested.

Multiple Grade 3 winner BAYOU'S LASSIE (Outflanker), who upset champion Dreaming of Anna (Rahy) in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G3) earlier in the meet, was 1 3/4 lengths fourth in the Just a Game H. (G1) at Belmont last time after leading for much of that one-mile heat. She is easily one of the more accomplished runners in the field, but her front-running tactics might be compromised to some extent by the speedy GENUINE DEVOTION (Ire) (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]), who steps up from six furlongs after winning two minor stakes at Belmont at that trip.

The versatile BROWNIE POINTS (Forest Wildcat), runner-up in the Apple Blossom H. (G1) on dirt two back and winner of the Ouija Board Distaff H. (G3) on grass last out, has excellent credentials and would be no surprise. Though she was unplaced in her only prior start over the Matt Winn turf course, she encountered a slow pace in the 2006 Mrs. Revere S. (G2) and that just doesn't seem likely here unless one of the speed elements is withdrawn. There is little not to like except for the price, which should be low based on her current form.

TEARS I CRY (Chester House), runner up to Brownie Points in the Ouija Board, is an improving sort who should be forwardly placed in the early stages. Beaten a little more than three lengths in a tough renewal of the Sands Point S. (G3) in only her second career start last year, we have slight doubts whether she has the requisite class to run the career-best race she would need to upset.

MERIBEL (Peaks and Valleys) has struggled for quite awhile, last winning a restricted stakes at Belmont more than a year ago. She did, however, finish less than two lengths behind My Typhoon (Ire) in the Diana H. (G1) last summer and did the same against Dreaming of Anna in the Endeavour S. (G3) two starts ago. She can nibble at a minor award with her customary late rally.

YOU GO WEST GIRL (Mr. Greeley), runner-up in the 2007 Regret S. (G3) over this course, has finished worse than second only once in eight starts, but has raced sporadically over the past year. NEW EDITION (Stormy Atlantic), fifth in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile, has not been as productive of late as she was last summer. LEMONLIME (Lemon Drop Kid) has made a nice living knocking out minor listed stakes across the Midwest, but is in deep here. GRACE HAPPENS (Aptitude) is an allowance-class filly.

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday

HIGHLIGHTS

For Sunday

*all times Eastern

WEATHER

For Sunday

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.

The Wizard hits Pick 6 worth $34,717
on Hollywood Gold Cup card!

The Wizard's Pick 3/Pick 4/Pick 6/Trifecta sheet gave out three suggested Pick 6 plays for the Hollywood Gold Cup card and the larger two both hit! The 'Medium Play' called for a $216 investment and returned $34,717, including eight consolation Pick 5s.

His top pick rolled at odds of 10-1, paying $23.60 and keying a $471 trifecta over his other three selections!

Here was the Wizard's write-up on this prestigious race:

# 1 MAST TRACK 12/1 -- The early scratch of probable heavy favorite Heatseeker due to a tender ankle leaves this race wide open, and potentially ripe for an upset. This colt, who is owned, bred, and trained by Hall Of Famer Bobby Frankel, certainly looks 'live' at expected big odds. He led most of the way when racing over a synthetic track for the first time March 28, finishing a close 2nd, then returned to score April 20 after pressing the pace and putting away the leader. Mast Track must have been doing awfully well after that win, because Frankel ran him back in the G1 Shoemaker May 26, a huge rise in class. Frankel doesn't put his horses into graded stakes without good reason, and Mast Track was hardly embarrassed when beaten less than 4 lengths by one of the top turf horses in the country. Frankel keeps him in G1 company today and adds blinkers to sharpen his early speed, a wise move in a field with little other early pace. Drawing the rail post also helps, and jockey Tyler Baze should be a good fit in this situation, as he does most of his best work with horses on or near the lead.

This is why the Wizard should be on your side every day with his expert handicapping analysis. Find the Wizard product that best suits your style of wagering:

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Take advantage of Conditional Wagering at TwinSpires.com

Time is money... especially in horse racing. To help with that, TwinSpires.com has just introduced a new time-saving feature that helps you place value oriented bets -- without having to monitor the tote board.

TwinSpires' new conditional wagering feature allows you to set minimum odds that must be met (at a scheduled minutes-to-post timeframe) before your wager is sent to tote for processing. If the minimum odds you desire are met at the selected timeframe, the bet is sent to tote. If the minimum odds you desire are not met at the selected timeframe, the bet is not sent to tote. Of course, you will receive the post-time odds on your runner(s).

How do you use this new feature? To start making conditional wagers, simply mark the "Make this a Conditional Wager" checkbox when selecting your runners on the wagering interface. After marking the checkbox, you will be able to:

Conditional wagering is available for win, daily double, exacta and quinella wagers.

Please note you can only use one horse in making conditional win wagers and you can only use one horse in each position in making conditional exacta, daily double and quinella wagers.

TRACK STATS 2008
Buy three or more - Get Sire Stats FREE!

Now in its 14th year, the popular publication TRACK STATS is here to help you tackle the summer's best racing! You need the latest editions of the 'Handicapper's Answer Book,' TSN Track Stats 2008.

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Best of all, if you order three or more circuits of Track Stats, we will send you SIRE STATS 2008 absolutely FREE. A $40 value, Sire Stats offers turf, mud, debut and distance ratings on more than 5,000 stallions. Plus, the new Sire Stats edition is the only book of its kind with grades for synthetic/all-weather races! Now, there is an entire column devoted to all-weather starts. SIRE STATS 2008 is the only book of its kind, and you can get it free by ordering only three Track Stats books.

Only $24.95 per Track Stats edition plus $6 s/h per order*. These are 1995 prices! For more information and to take advantage of this special offer visit the Brisnet.com Bookstore, or call 1-800-354-9206, ext. 254 today!

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HRRN is the exclusive national radio network
of the Breeders' Cup

The Breeders' Cup and Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN) have reached an agreement for HRRN to become the exclusive national radio network for the 2008 Breeders' Cup World Championships.

HRRN will provide live coverage of the two-day event on October 24-25, with three hours of coverage on Friday, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. (ET), and six hours of live programming on Saturday, from 1-7 p.m.

Mike Penna and Pete Kules, founders of HRRN, will co-host the Breeders' Cup broadcasts with analyst Jude Feld.