August 19, 2008
Wait a While taking shot at repeat
Though Wait a While finished a less-than-inspiring seventh in the Grade 1 Diana Stakes last month, trainer Todd Pletcher cautions on giving up on the former Eclipse Award winner too soon.
August 19, 2008
Price a little steep for a Wasserman BC run
AUBURN, Wash. - Breeder, trainer, and owner Howard Belvoir was elated after Wasserman won Sunday's Grade 3 Longacres Mile, as well he should have been. It was the realization of a dream of more than 40 years' duration. It was also worth $137,500, plus Washington-bred breeder's and owner's bonuses. And, because the Mile carried Win and You're In status for the first time this year, Wasserman's desperate neck victory over True Metropolitan guaranteed him a spot in the gate for this year's $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita on Oct. 25.
August 19, 2008
Warning Zone out of Del Mar Cap
Warning Zone, who won the Sunset Handicap at Hollywood Park on July 13, was scheduled to return in the Grade 2, $250,000 Del Mar Handicap on Saturday, but trainer John Sadler said Warning Zone popped a quarter crack and will not compete in the 1 3/8-mile grass race.
August 19, 2008
Mile better option for Monzante
Trainer Mike Mitchell said he toyed with the idea of running Monzante in the Pacific Classic, but eventually decided to leave Monzante on turf and race him in the Grade 2, $400,000 Del Mar Mile on Sunday. The winner of that race automatically gets into the BC Mile.
August 19, 2008
Midnight Lute a go for Pat O'Brien
Midnight Lute, the 2007 Eclipse Award-winning sprinter, will remain in California and make his first start of the year on Sunday in the seven-furlong Pat O'Brien, in which his rivals will include Arson Squad.
August 19, 2008
Out of Control out of Pacific Classic
The prospective Pacific Classic field shrank by one on Tuesday when trainer Bobby Frankel said Out of Control would not ship from New York.
August 19, 2008
Headley's Cup hopefuls get tested
DEL MAR, Calif. - The Breeders' Cup is two months away, but how much participation trainer Bruce Headley has in the event largely will be determined on Sunday, when he sends out Arson Squad, Magnificience, and Surf Cat in three stakes at Del Mar that all are part of the Breeders' Cup's Win and You're In program.
August 19, 2008
Mambo in Seattle has refuse-to-lose attitude
On a dreary Tuesday morning in which raindrops eventually gave way to fall-like temperatures, a bleary-eyed Robby Albarado dragged himself out of bed and made his way to trainer Neil Howard's Saratoga barn.
August 19, 2008
Rain sinks first two days at York
The weird weather that has been plaguing England and Ireland this summer has struck at York, as heavy rains forced the track to cancel the first two days of its prestigious four-day Ebor Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday due to a waterlogged course. As a result, the Juddmonte International Stakes, which was to have featured a much-anticipated clash between Duke of Marmalade and New Approach, has been postponed until Friday, weather permitting.
August 19, 2008
Tres Borrachos seeks dirt success
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Throughout the spring, Colonel John was considered the leader of Southern California's 3-year-old division. But Tres Borrachos may have taken over that role by beating Colonel John in last month's Grade 2 Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park.
