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Year 21 • No. 7 Wednesday, August 4, 2021
The aratoga
Saratoga’s Racing Newspaper since 2001
Essential Quality states case for Travers
Tod Marks
2 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Saratoga Splendor.
Tod Marks
We all wish we looked this good in the morning.
Here&There...in Saratoga NAMES OF THE DAY
Withoutdestination, first race Wednes-
day. The 5-year-old English-bred steeple-
ARGUMENT OF THE DAY Guy 1: “You never heard of Northern Dancer?”
Guy 2: “What year was this?”
chaser is out of Where I Be.
During Sunday’s rain delay before the Amsterdam Guy 3: “1964.” Mach One, second race Wednesday.
Stakes, horses walked, horsemen fretted, thunder rolled, Guy 4: “I wasn’t even born in 1964.” The 3-year-old gelding is by Air Force Blue
lightning flashed, rain fell, and fans debated everything Thus ended the argument. out of Boom Boom Vroom. Must be fast.
from going home early, going back to the picnic table for And just in case you needed reminding, Northern Danc-
the portable charger and even the great Northern Dancer. er’s 3-year-old campaign is the stuff of legends – Feb. 10, Exact Change, fifth race Wednesday. Seidman Stable’s 3-year-old
The world’s leading sire died in 1990, but that didn’t third at Hialeah; Feb. 24, win at Hialeah; March 3, Flamingo filly is by Central Banker out of Precise Lady.
stop some strong opinions from flying around the club- Stakes win at Hialeah; March 28, win at Gulfstream; April
house. One guy asked another guy if he’d heard of North- 4, Florida Derby win at Gulfstream; April 23, Blue Grass Ocean Air, 10th race Wednesday. Cheyenne Stable’s 4-year-old
ern Dancer. The other guy seemed perplexed. The first win at Keeneland; May 2, Kentucky Derby win at Churchill filly is by English Channel out of Refreshing.
guy mentioned the Kentucky Derby . . . the Preakness . . . Downs; May 16, Preakness win at Pimlico; June 6; Belmont
maybe even the Queen’s Plate. Nothing. And then it came Stakes third at Belmont Park; June 20, Queen’s Plate win
to a head. at Woodbine.
The Saratoga Editors/Publishers/Owners:
Sean Clancy: (302) 545-7713. sean@thisishorseracing.com Joe Clancy: (302) 545-4424. joe@thisishorseracing.com
Managing Editor: Tom Law: (859) 396-9407. tom@thisishorseracing.com
thisishorseracing.com Writers: Mary Eddy, Paul Halloran, IV Hendrix, Terry Hill. Marketing/Distribution: Samantha Loud, Olivia Johnson.
Photographers: Tod Marks, Dave Harmon, Connie Bush, Handicappers: Charles Bedard, Jessica Paquette,
259 East Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Susie Raisher, Michael Trombetta Jr. John Shapazian, Rob Whitlock.
ST Publishing. 364 Fair Hill Drive, Ste. F, Elkton, MD 21921. (410) 392-5867.
The Saratoga Special, thisishorseracing.com, Thoroughbred Racing Calendar, The Best of The Saratoga Special,
2021 publication dates: Wednesdays and Saturdays July 15-Sept 4. New York Thoroughbred Breeders work, Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred and a whole lot more.
Plus Opening Day & Sales Week Daily Aug. 6-11.
Call us about your editorial needs.
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 3
Here&There...in Saratoga
HANDICAPPER HANDICAPPING
The Special’s English correspondent Richard Hutchinson checked in with his thoughts on The
Special’s Power Grid handicapping race. They say the Brits will bet on anything.
Handicapper...............Comment........................ Wins......... Odds
Tom Law..........................I have inside knowledge.............. 51...............6-5
John Shapazian................I am the champion...................... 42...............5-2
Charles Bedard.................My turn this year......................... 44...............4-1
Rob Whitlock...................What’s with the glasses?............. 43...............5-1
Jessica Paquette..............I love jumpers............................. 31.............10-1
WORDPLAY
Congratulations to Nancy Yaeger, who found the word peak in the “20 for 21” word chal-
lenge. The word appeared in a quote from Brad Cox in Tom Law’s Jim Dandy Stakes preview
story on page 10 in the July 31 edition. Congrats as well to John Bory, who found penultimate in
Sean Clancy’s recap of the Honorable Miss on page 34 of the July 31 edition.
Be the first reader to find any of the 15 remaining words, and send an email to Tom Law at
tom@thisishorseracing.com to win a prize. Remaining Words: admirable, encroach, incremen-
tal, integrity, languish, lollygagging, mellifluous, mirth, nadir, nonsensical, peek, pique, plethora,
pragmatic and sashay. Hope, loom, peak, penultimate and substantial are off the table.
LICENSE PLATES OF THE DAY
Connie Bush RIBOT-1, Florida. 2 CHNCE, Pennsylvania.
Kid Power. Jockeys are the stars of Saratoga, at least according to these guys and
their cartoon posters.
BY THE NUMBERS
1: Ursuline Raiders jacket at the races Saturday.
The Chief
1: Zach Ertz jersey at the races Sunday.
Tod Marks
Trainer H. Allen Jerkens,
1929-2015
WORTH REPEATING
“I’m going to Law school.”
“Years ago, all of them used to say The Special’s IV Hendrix when Tom Law said class would be in session nightly
they either like the turf or they don’t. “There’s nothing more useless than a golf cart with no juice.”
I never breezed horses on the turf. Steve Young, after needing a push from The Special crew Friday morning
But, now, I don’t know. You look “I guess that won’t go in the paper.”
at the guys who win the turf races, Paula Gilman, after hearing Young utter a few choice words about the golf cart situation
they breeze a lot over it.” New York Thoroughbred “I miss the practices and I miss the games. I don’t miss anything else.”
Horsemen’s Association Owner – and retired NFL coach – Bill Parcells
nytha.com | 516.488.2337
“Lookit me getting ahead of the next deadline! A miracle.”
Photographer Susie Raisher, sending some shots to The Special
������� ������� ����� ����� ����� �������
“It’s a Sunday which means it’s a Friday.”
������ �� ������ ���� Photographer Erica Miller looking forward to two dark days Sunday morning
Chair, Equine & Racing Law “What are you, a tourist?”
516-741-6565 | aturro@msek.com Brook-Ledge’s John Dickson to The Special’s Sean Clancy,
walking and wearing shorts, Sunday morning
“I thought I was going to win the Derby and the Breeders’ Cup, you have to dream big, if you
didn’t have high hopes…”
Trainer Neil Pessin on his desires when he began his training career
�e�resen�n� o�ners, trainers, breeders, jockeys,
dri�ers and horse�en associa�ons in business transac�ons and “It’s right behind the Runhappy sign.”
�a�ers before the �e� �ork �tate �a�in� �o��ission Owner Kirk Wycoff, trying to help a friend find the Carmen Barrera champagne room after
and in the federal and state courts. Cross Border won the Bowling Green (not exactly the most detailed navigation system…)
�����, ������, ������� � �����, �.�. I ��� ������� ������, ������ ����, �� 115�� I ���.����.���
4 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Here&There...in Saratoga
WORTH REPEATING QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The race unfolded like we were hoping it would, it looked like
there was an honest pace on paper where you didn’t have to “I’m going to pet Jackie’s Warrior all day.
take him out of his natural style, just let him do his thing.”
Trainer Todd Pletcher after winning That’s what I’m going to do.”
the Curlin with Dynamic One Trainer Steve Asmussen, who needs four wins to
become racing’s all-time leading trainer, on whether
“He had the chutzpah.” he was going out of town to watch runners Monday
Owner Debra Wycoff, about Cross Border’s
effort in Saturday’s Bowling Green
“Oh yeah, I get nervous. It’s Saratoga, it’s a Grade 1. The only
thing I’m not is sweating. I’m not in a lather.”
Owner Chuck Zacney, before
Mischevious Alex ran in Saturday’s Vanderbilt
“One and one.” 800-523-8143
Jockey Joel Rosario, handing two sets of goggles to a young
fan with a friend (and settling an argument before it started)
“It’s only 4:40. That’s a little early for trash talk.”
“It was worn by a guy who worked in security – in 1930.” Nolan Clancy after Sean Clancy talked
NYRA valet Rodney Paine, a little to Tom Law before the first
about his stylish (and antique) yellow rain slicker Stryders Camp Saratoga Trail Series 5k Monday night
“You know, that’s actually worked a few times.” “That was awesome.” Susie Raisher
Paine, after telling someone his
very Australian accent comes from South Boston
Aaron Davis after galloping his first Dress Code. Gentlemen: Suit or sports jacket
circuit of the Saratoga main track Tuesday morning encouraged weekdays, required weekends. No shorts or
jeans. Ladies: No shorts (including rompers), jeans or ab-
breviated wear. Dogs: Your best orange collared shirt.
Mischievous!
Only one stallion can match Into Mischief’s total of Graded
Stakes-winning juvenile colts on dirt since 2017: Street Sense,
whose latest TDN Rising Star is exciting Del Mar MSW winner Murray.
Go faster...
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 5
STABLE TOUR
Meet the people & horses who make Saratoga special! 859.255.1555 | fasigtipton.com
AUGUST 9-10 6:30 PM
With
Rick Schosberg
“It doesn’t take long,” Rick Schosberg joked, as
he measured out feed for his nine-horse string.
Just across the horse path from Barn 12, three
mid-morning joggers ambled around Clare Court
as exercise riders chatted. Stable pony Joey nick-
ered. Mid-morning on a Monday, all else was quiet.
The Westchester County, N.Y., native trained
$2.2 million earner Affirmed Success, Grade 1
winner As Indicated, and 1995 champion 2-year-
old colt Maria’s Mon. But these days, Schosberg
splits his time between training and chairing the
New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association’s
Take the Lead Program, a Thoroughbred aftercare
initiative.
The program’s goal, Schosberg said, is to ensure
that every horse who finishes his or her racing ca-
reer at a NYRA track has a place to go and ade-
quate funds to cover rehabilitation. Sean Clancy
“If these horses weren’t here, we wouldn’t be Trainer Rick Schosberg’s barn includes recent Finger Lakes stakes winner A Bit O’Irish Sass.
here. I’d probably be chopping up shrimp in the
the meet. Bought for $70,000 from the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic
back of some restaurant,” the Cornell University
2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, the filly has been posting weekly
Swinton: Windylea Farm-NY homebred Maclean’s Music colt
graduate said. “It’s a fantastic initiative that’s inar- workouts. “She’s getting close – she’s done everything we’ve
is just starting back after an injury. Schosberg hopes the New
guable – how can anybody argue with it?” York-bred 3-year-old will make his first start later this year.
asked her to do.”
Take the Lead moves two to five horses per week
from the racetrack to rehabilitation and retraining Ruvies in Time: Owned by Schosberg and Clear Stars Sta- Simply: Windylea Farm-NY 4-year-old Lemon Drop Kid
facilities around New York, each of which are in- ble, the 5-year-old New York-bred daughter of The Factor won gelding won races in Texas and Louisiana for trainer Steve As-
the Videogenic Stakes March 27 at Aqueduct and was third in mussen before getting claimed by Windylea in December and
spected and accredited by Schosberg or a member
the Dancin Renee at Belmont June 12. A veteran of 24 starts, sent to Schosberg in New York. The gray finished second at
of his team. Belmont in May and was eighth here July 17. Schosberg said
“With funding mechanisms throughout the in- she’s been a stalwart in Schosberg’s stable since she broke her
maiden in 2018 – adding up six wins and $247,431. Schosberg the gelding was, “a little bit overmatched in that race, but we’ll
dustry to support a pension plan for horses, we can find a spot for him.”
doesn’t have a Saratoga a race picked out yet, but says she’ll
do it right,” he said. “Horses race for about 25 per- run toward the end of the meet. “A real nice, classy filly. We’ve
cent of their life, the other 75 percent is up to us.” had her her entire career.” Unique Union: Schosberg bought the 2-year-old Union
Schosberg parked the feed cart and showed The Jackson colt for Clear Stars Stable and Mitre Box Stable from
Special’s IV Hendrix the Saratoga string. the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training sale in May
for $60,000. “I’m really excited about this one. We gave him
A Bit O’Irish Sass: The big horse. In her fifth try, the a little time to recover after the sale. He’s in the process of
3-year-old daughter of Laoban broke her maiden July 2 at getting his gate card, but he should get it in the next two or
Belmont Park. Less than four weeks later, she stepped up in three workouts.”
company to win the New York Oaks at Finger Lakes July 26.
She shipped back to Saratoga last week for a short break be- Bossmakinbossmoves: The 2-year-old Laoban colt was a
fore she gears up for the Fleet Indian Stakes, part of the New $75,000 purchase from the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds
York-bred Showcase Aug. 27. Bought for $110,000 from the in Training Sale by Clear Stars and Mitre Box Stable. Bred by
Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale in 2020, the McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbred and Spruce Lane Farm,
filly is owned in partnership with Clear Stars Stable and Mitre the colt is out of the Bernardini mare Marshtini. “He should
Box Stable. “She’s the star of our small stable, hopefully she’ll get his gate card in his next workout – he’s really fit – I’m
be the one to beat in the Fleet Indian.” excited about him. Like the other Laobans, he’s probably going
to want to stretch out a little bit, so as a 2-year-old I wouldn’t
Classic Vinman: Owned by Clear Stars Stable, Mitre Box Finger Lakes
mind running him 6 1/2 (furlongs) the first time out. And as a
Stable, and Edition Stable, the 2-year-old New York-bred Continued On Page 7
A Bit O’Irish Sass wins the New York Oaks.
daughter of Classic Empire may make her debut by the end of
6 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Stable Tour – Shinfull: Edition Farm’s homebred is a
daughter of Japanese Group 1 winner A Shin
Forward. Also bred by Vivien Malloy’s Edition
Continued from page 6 Farm, A Shin Forward earned more than $3.4
million on the racetrack and returned to the
3-year-old, he’s going to be a two-turn horse. United States to stand at Rockridge Stud near
Big, long, lean, leggy type. He’ll run by the end Hudson, N.Y. in 2018. Out of the Holy Bull
of the meet.” mare Awesome Bull, Shinfull is a half-sister to
the Schosberg-trained allowance winner Awe-
Freedom Machine: Bruce Lunsford’s New some News. “She came in about a month ago,
York-bred 4-year-old English Channel mare she’s a little ways away, but she shows a lot of
entered Schosberg’s stable in the spring. She ability. If she’s half as good as her sister and
broke her maiden June 12 at Belmont in her half as good as her dad, she’ll be fine.”
second start with Schosberg, her 12th overall.
Freedom Machine finished third – at 49-1 – Joey: Seven-year-old palomino Quarter
in a 1 1/16-mile turf allowance July 24. “She Horse plays the important role of stable pony
came to me through my friend Barbara Min- and Schosberg’s daily mount on the track.
shall. The filly had been knocking on the door “If I can ride him, anybody can. He helps out
in the maiden ranks at Tampa and up at Wood- with some of the fillies that are a little nervous
bine, and she had a shot to break her maiden and the horses that are going out to jog on
in New York, so she suggested to Bruce that this track for the first time, there’s a lot going
he send her to me. She’s strictly grass, as far on – umbrellas, picnic tables, people eating
as we know, but we could always give it a shot breakfast. This is his second season in Sara-
if it comes off – it happens around here a lot. toga. I took 10 years off from riding, and I just
But we’re really excited about her. The way she started again when I got Joey. It’s a lot of fun
ran here was tremendous.” being back out on the racetrack on a nice big
fat round Quarter Horse.”
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Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 7
He’s struck
here before.
Now, his first yearlings
are ready to electrify Saratoga.
Tod Marks
Essential Quality (left) fights off Keepmeinmind (right) and Masqueparade.
The Champ
Essential Quality digs in again
to win prep for Travers Stakes
BY TOM LAW JIM DANDY STAKES RECAP
Brad Cox barely moved a muscle
while the field for Saturday’s Grade 2 Luis Saez won for the seventh time in
Jim Dandy made its way around the eight starts. After the wide trip of the
far turn. Watching from the Race Re- 9-furlong Travers prep, Cox breathed
call area of the clubhouse’s first floor easy at the prospect of returning to a
and flanked by members of his team, classic distance.
wife Livia and 5-year-old son Brodie, “He probably ran a mile-and-a-
friends and other random racetrack- quarter today,” Cox said, making his
ers, Cox still didn’t budge while Es- way to the winner’s circle. He exag-
sential Quality looped past Masquep- gerated, but Trakus statistics showed
arade and Weyburn turning for home. the Tapit colt indeed ran about 120
The trainer finally made a move feet more than a rail-skimming trip
when Essential Quality, stacked out- for the Jim Dandy and longer than
side four rivals and six paths off the any of his opponents.
fence, turned for home. Tucking his “He’s a very good horse, he stays
program in his left pants pocket while on,” Cox said. “It’s always easy to just
everyone around him implored the gallop around there in a fast time but
gray colt for one more run to hold off there was a lot of ground lost today.
Keepmeinmind to the inside, Cox got He had to work to win . . . Overall it
in on the act with a little rooting in looked like he galloped out well, Luis
deep stretch just before the Jim Dan- was happy with him. He got some-
dy was settled by a half-length. Es-
sential Quality and a far-more-busy Continued On Page 10
8 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 9
Jim Dandy –
Continued from page 8
thing out of it, I do think that. He
is carrying a little more weight now
than he was leading up to the (Ken-
tucky) Derby, or the Belmont, and I
think this is a good tightener for him
four weeks out (from the Travers).”
Essential Quality improved on his
near-perfect record in his first start
since a gritty 1 1/4-length score over
Hot Rod Charlie in the Belmont
Stakes June 4. The gray colt won
that off a five-week break following
his lone defeat, a fourth behind Me-
dina Spirit, Mandaloun and Hot Rod
Charlie, five weeks prior in the Ken- Tod Marks
tucky Derby. Essential Quality (left) and his Jim Dandy rivals leave the starting gate Saturday.
Bred and owned by Sheikh Mo-
hammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s overcame whatever he needed to to the job done.” the Travers, along with his stablemate
Godolphin operation, Essential Qual- get the job done. That’s the mark of a Essential Quality certainly went Mandaloun, the Curlin Stakes 1-2 fin-
ity banked another $330,000 to bring really good horse, when things aren’t into the Jim Dandy the best horse, ishers in Dynamic One and Miles D,
his earnings to $3,545,144. always your way that they find a way. with a classic win this year and an Jim Dandy third Masqueparade, King
“He shows that determination, “We all know how these small Eclipse Award for champion 2-year- Fury and possibly Midnight Bourbon.
that class, that grit,” said Jimmy Bell, fields can be at times, too. It doesn’t old male and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile “I’d say he’s the most accomplished
president of Godolphin USA. “Luis always play out the way you think it victory last year. He solidified his sta- 3-year-old in the country,” Cox said
rides him with such confidence. This does and Luis just rode the race the tus as the top 3-year-old male in train- when asked if Essential Quality was
was a hard-fought race. Obviously way he found it. He rode the horse ing in 2021, with a potential show- the best 3-year-old this year. “I’m not
he was wide but he found a way and like he was on the best horse and got down with Keepmeinmind again in Continued On Page 12
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Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 11Jim Dandy – over the main track since arriving
from Cox’s Churchill Downs base in
early July.
Continued from page 10 Keepmeinmind, beaten three times
in Essential Quality’s victories the last
one to brag on my own horse but he’s two seasons and seventh in the Ken-
a very good colt. He ran a winning tucky Derby, also put in sharp works
race in the Kentucky Derby, the only between his close third in the Grade 3
defeat in his career. He’s a damn good Ohio Derby and Jim Dandy. He went
colt. We’ll see how things shake out. to the post the 9-1 fourth choice be-
“He’s really blown up. He’s put on hind the 2-5 Essential Quality and the
weight, muscle, he’s happy. Hopefully 5-1 duo of Masqueparade and Wey-
we can see more of the same over the burn.
next four weeks, he gets some foun- Dr Jack, the 11-1 outsider in the
dation out of this race with regards field of five, took the lead early un-
to fitness. This was a demanding race, der Jose Ortiz and set an honest pace
hopefully he gets something out of from his rail post into the first turn.
it.” Masqueparade, winner of the Ohio
Essential Quality got a test in the Derby last time out for Al Stall Jr.,
Jim Dandy and that seemed predict- chased under Miguel Mena and just
ed the moment he drew post five in ahead of Weyburn and Irad Ortiz
the original six-horse field. Risk Tak- Jr. around the first bend. Keepmein-
ing, off since finishing eighth in the mind and Joel Rosario followed those
Preakness, scratched the morning of three, just to the inside of a five-wide
the race and left Essential Quality and Essential Quality.
Saez on the outside at the break. Essential Quality and Saez con-
Cox figured Essential Quality tinued in fourth through the half in
might be forwardly placed early in :47.41 and were just 1 ¾ lengths back
considering his fitness level. He’d through 6 furlongs in 1:11.13. Dr
worked three times at Saratoga, in- Jack threw in the towel early on the
cluding a sharp 5-furlong tightener far turn and Masqueparade and Wey-
the weekend before, and trained well burn moved in tandem to the front
while Essential Quality revved up on
the outside. Masqueparade came off
SANTOS INC. jockeys the far turn three paths off the fence,
are ready for a big summer. opening a hole for Keepmeinmind
Are you? and Rosario while Saez guided Essen-
tial Quality to the front outside the
three-sixteenths.
“I knew they were going to slow
the pace down, so my tactic was to
break and be right there,” Saez said.
“At the half-mile, I saw everyone was
very comfortable so it was time to
start moving. He gave me a kick. We
Riders UP!
came to the top of the stretch and he
just took off.”
Saez stayed busy inside the six-
teenth pole and Essential Quality
Miguel Mena 116
Saratoga, Churchill Downs, responded, edging away in the final
Kentucky Downs, Ellis Park 10 strides. Masqueparade held third,
2 ¼ lengths behind Keepmeinmind,
David Cabrera 118 with Weyburn fourth and Dr Jack
Churchill Downs, Arlington Park, last of five. Essential Quality won in
Ellis Park, Remington Park
1:49.92.
Reylu Gutierrez 116 “He sure gives you a lot of con-
Saratoga, Colonial Downs, Remington Park fidence if you look at his PPs,” Bell
Freddy Manrrique 118 said. “The consistency is amazing at
Remington Park this level. These are big-time races,
every one of them. You have the bulls-
We’ll ride anywhere you ship. eye on your back and he has to go out
(305) 979-7779 there a prove it and he’s done that. To
@josesantos_33 on Twitter his credit.”
12 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021A Taylor Made / WinStar
Venture, standing at
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 13Tod Marks
Cross Border leads Rockemperor home in Saturday’s Bowling Green.
Self Policing
Cross Border marches away
with sixth Spa win in Grade 2
BY JOE CLANCY BOWLING GREEN STAKES RECAP
When Mike Maker says Cross Bor-
der trains himself, the trainer doesn’t third after 2:16.36 for 1 3/8 miles.
mean literally. Not quite, anyway. “It was fun to be at the races last
“We back him up for his gal- year because we could come the days
lop and whenever he wants to turn our horses raced,” said owner Kirk
around we let him, because as you see Wycoff of Three Diamonds Farm.
him coming back he’s got a little an- “But there’s nothing like having the
tics to him,” Maker said after watch- crowd roar when the horses come
ing the outrider help jockey Luis Saez around the far turn and frankly in
deliver the 7-year-old to the winner’s turf racing the races are so tough and
circle after Saturday’s Bowling Green so close that we didn’t know we were
Stakes. “If we let him do his thing, be going to win even when he made the
happy, he’s easy to get along with.” lead. They’re coming, especially when
And there’s no sense changing it. you have Chad Brown and Todd
Cross Border won the Grade 2 Pletcher behind you.”
turf stakes for the second consecutive The victory halted an eight-race
year – this time without the drama of losing streak and extended a string
a disqualification and in front of an of dividends returned on a $100,000
appreciative crowd at Saratoga Race purchase at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky’s
Course – as Cross Border caught early 2018 horses of racing age sale. Wy-
leader Channel Cat in the stretch and coff’s son Jordan suggested that
powered off to win by 1 1/4 lengths
over Rockemperor with Shamrocket Continued On Page 15
14 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021Bowling Green –
Continued from page 14
Cross Border, then a three-time winner
at Woodbine (for claiming prices of Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center horses
$20,000 and $40,000), would be worth
purchasing based on speed figures and include 78 individual Grade 1 winners
the potential of some New York-bred
conditions. It wasn’t exactly an original
and the winners of 119 Grade 1 races.
idea.
“I thought we’d buy him for $40,000 Some of the races they’ve won.
and then we’re bidding and it’s 60, 80,
100,” said Kirk. “We knew if he could
win two New York-bred conditions he’d
be worth buying, so we bought him. But A . G . VA N D E R B I LT ( 2 ) FRIZETTE M E T R O P O L I TA N M I L E
he probably should have cost $50,000.”
ALCIBIADES GARDEN CITY N E A R C T I C S TA K E S
Purchased in July, Cross Border
didn’t run until the following June after ARLINGTON MILLION G R A N D N AT I O N A L H U R D L E PRIORESS
rehabilitation work for a back problem
at Bluewater Farm in Kentucky, and AW E S O M E A G A I N H A S K E L L I N V I TAT I O N A L QUEEN ELIZABETH II
won four of seven that year while earn- BELMONT DERBY H O L LY W O O D T U R F C U P SHADWELL TURF MILE
ing $208,625. Rested from January to
June in 2020, he won two of nine (with BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC IROQUOIS HURDLE (2) S P I N AWAY ( 2 )
four seconds) including Saratoga stakes
wins in the Lubash and Bowling Green BREEDERS’ CUP TURF (2) JOE HIRSCH TURF CLASSIC (2) SPINSTER
(on the disqualification of Sadler’s Joy) BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY & MARE TURF KENTUCKY DERBY (2) S WO R D DA N C E R ( 4 )
10 days apart. Second in the Grade
1 Sword Dancer late in the meet, he D E L AWA R E H A N D I C A P KING’S BISHOP TEST
earned $388,200 last year and opened
DONN HANDICAP (2) LONESOME GLORY HURDLE U N I T E D N AT I O N S ( 2 )
2021 with thirds in the Pegasus Turf
and Pan American in Florida. DUBAI WORLD CUP MAKER’S 46 MILE (3) VA N I T Y H A N D I C A P
Seventh in the Turf Classic on Ken-
tucky Derby Day, he returned to New F LO R I DA D E R BY M A N H AT TA N ( 2 ) WHITNEY HANDICAP (2)
York with a second going 1 1/8 miles
FRANK KILROE MILE M A N O ’ WA R ( 4 ) WOOD MEMORIAL
at Belmont in late June. Next came the
Bowling Green, where Cross Border M AT R I A R C H ( 2 )
and seven others lined up for the first
of Saratoga’s two signature turf-mara-
Continued On Page 16
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy | AquaPacer | Cold Saltwater Spa | Dry Salt Room | Vibration Therapy | Training Center
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Phone: 610-496-5080 www.fairhilletc.com
Tod Marks
Trainer Mike Maker.
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 15Bowling Green –
Continued from page 15
thon stops. Channel Cat went to the front from the
inside post, got immediate company from Channel
Maker as Cross Border and Luis Saez set up in third
along the rail as sons of English Channel occupied
the first three spots through a first quarter in :24.75
and a half in :49.37.
Rank early, Breakpoint found a spot in fourth,
followed by Rockemperor as the first five pulled
well clear. Saez saved ground around the second
turn as Channel Cat skipped on alone. Channel
Maker re-engaged on the third turn, leaving Cross
Border briefly flat-footed, as Channel Cat scooted
away once more.
Cross Border responded to a right-handed
smack from Saez, drew alongside Channel Maker
Dave Harmon
along the rail, angled outside off the turn and went
Cross Border (right) kicks away from Rockemperor (left) and Channel Cat late in the Bowling Green.
after Channel Cat. The leader fought back for a few
strides, but was no match in the final furlong. horizon Aug. 28. a 2-year-old the next June at the Ocala Breeders’
“Everything went to plan, we break and we sit “He loves this course. He loves it. I don’t know Sales Company’s June sale. He won three races
right there,” said Saez of the trip. “I knew there why, horses sometimes fall in love with a track and for trainer and co-owner Robert Tiller in Canada,
was going to be two horses pretty fast, the plan was that’s what has happened to him,” Saez said. “He’s before joining Three Diamonds and Maker – who
to try to sit there right behind number one and save just very comfortable here, I can feel that when he know the drill by now.
any inch we can and everything went perfectly.” comes from the gate, he just wants to run. It’s crazy. “We just let him train himself, that’s the key to
Cross Border won for the 10th time in 35 starts He’s a runner.” it,” said the trainer. “We let him do his thing and
and lifted his career earnings to $948,821 while tak- Bred by Berkshire Stud and B.D. Gibbs, Cross hopefully we’ve got another couple years. He’s han-
ing his Saratoga record to six wins (and a second) in Border sold for $180,000 at Keeneland September dled everything, especially here. You’ll see him in
seven starts with the Grade 1 Sword Dancer on the as a yearling in 2015, but brought just $10,000 as the Sword Dancer.”
Congratulations THREE DIAMONDS FARM
on CROSS BORDER’s victory in the
Bowling Green Stakes at Saratoga Saturday.
© TOD MARKS PHOTO
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you JUSTICE REAL ESTATE
in the purchase of your Kentucky farm. Welcome to the neighborhood. justicerealestate.com
16 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 17
A.G. VANDERBILT STAKES RECAP
Shocker
Tonian
Sprinter pulls upset
for Calumet, Sisterson
BY SEAN CLANCY
Jack Sisterson rarely gives instructions to jock-
eys.
“I’m not a jockey,” the trainer explained.
Before the Grade 1 Vanderbilt at Saratoga Sat-
urday, Sisterson made an exception and offered ad-
vice to Jose Lezcano. Well, it was more of a plea.
“Jose, I hate to tell you what to do, but any way
you can send him out of there and put him in the
race? That’s his best. When he feels pressure, he’ll Tod Marks
Continued On Page 20 Lexitonian digs in late to win Saturday’s Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt at 34-1.
18 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 19
“ ” Vanderbilt – If you’re keeping score, his Grade
1 stakes record stood at 5-0-2-0 be-
getting started
fore he took a shot in this year’s Van-
Continued from page 18 derbilt. The two Grade 1 photo loss-
es stung, especially the Bing Crosby,
dig in and fight for you.” when Sisterson was forced to audible.
Minutes later, Lezcano sent Lexito- Fresh off a wicked allowance win in
At the JRHA Select Sale on July 12th… nian from the inside post and, yeah,
the 5-year-old son of Speightstown
May, Lexitonian loaded into the gate
of the Vanderbilt with a chance here
His only first crop yearling in the catalogue, a colt ex Zipessa was sold by fought like the first dog on the last last summer. After eventual runner-up
bone to roust a half-length win over Whitmore broke through the gate,
Shadai Farm to Kaneko Makoto for ¥200 million or Special Reserve and Whitmore, finish-
$1,800,000
Lexitonian sat down in the gate and
ing 6 furlongs in 1:09.38. Owned and was scratched.
bred by Calumet Farm, Lexitonian “He had run such a fast (Ragoz-
earned his first Grade 1 stakes score in) number at Churchill, I specifically
in his sixth attempt at the last rung gave him two months so he wouldn’t
of brilliance in his racing career and bounce and pointed him to the Van-
a sure-fire ticket to a stallion career. derbilt,” Sisterson said.
“He deserves a Grade 1,” Sisterson The trainer, at home recovering
At the JRHA Select Sale on July 13th… said, in between phone calls with Cal-
umet’s general manager, Eddie Kane,
from back surgery, scrambled. Assis-
tant Mark O’Dwyer scurried back to
His only second crop foal in the catalogue, a colt ex Caledonia Road was and owner, Brad Kelley. the barn to check him. No problem.
sold by Grand Stud to Miki Masahiro for ¥135 million or “He’s a homebred. They do all the Sisterson called the stewards to see if
$1,200,000
work, it’s rewarding for me to give a he was on a vet’s list. He wasn’t. He
little bit of success back to them,” Sis- then called stakes coordinator An-
terson said. “I’m a tiny part in a huge drew Byrnes, looking for a race here.
operation and I’m just humbled to be There wasn’t one. Then he called Da-
in this position.” vid Jerkens at Del Mar and put him in
With four wins, including a Grade the Bing Crosby the following week-
3 score in the Chick Lang Stakes in end. Done.
2019, Lexitonian plied his trade and Lexitonian breezed Sunday morn-
earned his way, but a Grade 1 stakes ing in Saratoga, was on a van to
win had proved elusive. The chest- Kentucky Monday morning and on
nut horse tried it in the 2019 Woody
WATCH OUT FOR MORE Stephens, failing to land a blow and
a plane to California Tuesday. Seven
days after being scratched from the
FIRST CROP YEARLINGS winding up 10th. He tried again last
summer in the Bing Crosby, missing
Vanderbilt, Lexitonian rallied from
last to miss by a nose. It was anything
AT THE by a nose. He came back here and
finished fifth in the Forego. This year,
but how Sisterson had drawn it up.
UPCOMING SALES! he missed the Churchill Downs by a
“He had everything going against
him and still ran like that,” Sisterson
head before finishing last, beaten 45
1/4 lengths in the Met Mile. Continued On Page 22
Undefeated Triple Crown winner & the best son of SCAT DADDY
Aisling Duignan, Dermot Ryan, Charlie O’Connor, Adrian Wallace, Robyn Murray or Blaise Benjamin. Tod Marks
Tel: 859-873-7088. Fax: 859-879 5756. Lexitonian (right) fights off Special Reserve (center) and Whitmore in the final yards.
20 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021Congratulations to the 2020 and 2021
Hall of Fame Inductees
2020 2021 2021 2020
2021 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020
Hall of Fame Eligibility Criteria
THOROUGHBREDS PILLARS OF THE TURF
Thoroughbreds become eligible when five calendar years have elapsed between The Pillars of the Turf category is designated to honor individuals who have
their final racing year and their year of nomination. Thoroughbreds remain made extraordinary contributions to thoroughbred racing in a leadership or
eligible between five and 25 calendar years following their final racing year. pioneering capacity at the highest national level. Candidates must be deemed
to have represented the sport with indisputable standards of integrity and
JOCKEYS commitment through disciplines including, but not limited to, innovation,
philanthropy, promotion and education, and breeding and ownership.
Jockeys become eligible after 20 years as a licensed thoroughbred rider. In general, candidates will be expected to have a minimum of 25 years
Jockeys remain eligible until 25 years following their retirement. participation in thoroughbred racing to be considered for Pillars of the
Turf. However, the selection committee has the power of discretion
TRAINERS to waive this guideline if such action is merited.
Trainers become eligible after 25 years as a licensed thoroughbred trainer.
Trainers remain eligible until 25 years following their retirement. STEEPLECHASE REVIEW COMMITTEE
Thoroughbreds become eligible when five calendar years have elapsed between
HISTORIC REVIEW COMMITTEE their final racing year and their year of nomination. Jockeys become eligible
Horses must be retired for 25 years to be eligible. Jockeys become eligible after 20 years as a licensed thoroughbred rider. Trainers become eligible after
when retired for more than 25 years after completing 20 years as a licensed 25 years as a licensed thoroughbred trainer. After meeting in 2021,
thoroughbred rider. Trainers become eligible when retired for more the next review will take place in 2025.
than 25 years after completing 25 years as a licensed trainer.
Nominations can be mailed to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame or emailed to bbouyea@racingmuseum.net
For more information visit our website at racingmuseum.org
191 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 • (518) 584-0400
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 21Vanderbilt –
Continued from page 20
said. “I have to give this horse
a lot of credit. In my opinion
and I’m going to be biased, he
should have won three Grade
1s. Shoulda, woulda, coul-
Home of the da…I’ll take today’s win over
anything.”
Using trainer’s instructions
NO-EXPENSE Claim and jockey’s instinct, Lezca-
no flicked his whip from the
right and guided Lexitonian
Thoroughbred Racing Partnerships to the rail with his left hand
high, wide and animated until
winning an early advantage
over three rivals with the same Tod Marks
concept. Once there, Lezcano Trainer Jack Sisterson.
shut it down and sat motion-
less through the first quarter in shut himself down if he’s not happy,
:22.04 as Strike Power, Mischevious he wasn’t happy being outside, maybe
Alex and Special Reserve kept tabs on that deep, sandy track,” Sisterson
from the outside. After a half-mile said. “He came back fine from it. Ty-
in :44.45, Strike Power and favorite ler was very easy on him, he basically
Mischevious Alex retreated and sec- eased him up and said, ‘Jack, physi-
ond-choice Special Reserve turned up cally he’s fine, he just felt tired so I
the pressure from the outside. And looked after him.’ ”
just how Sisterson had advised, Lexi- Three weeks after the Met Mile,
tonian responded to that pressure, Lexitonian returned to the work tab
losing the lead passing the quarter with a half-mile in :49.20 at Keene-
pole and regaining it deep inside the land. He followed that with three
sixteenth pole. Joel Rosario angled more breezes at Keeneland and one
Special Reserve toward Lexitonian here, ripping a half-mile in :47.01
late, the rivals bumping lightly and eight days before the Vanderbilt.
the veteran sprinter thrived on the “As bad as he ran in the Met Mile,
ruckus, drawing off with every stride a lot of people would have looked for
to win by a hard-earned half-length. an allowance race and try to get his
Champion Whitmore closed for a gal- confidence back up,” Sisterson said.
lant third. “But we were like, ‘Well, he’s doing
Sent off 34-1, Lexitonian didn’t act well, we’ll take a shot here.’ ”
like a longshot to Sisterson. Calumet and Sisterson have now
“Just the way he was saddling, combined to win four Grade 1 stakes
he was energetic but composed. You on the New York circuit. Channel Cat
could tell, when I went to tighten that won the Man o’ War in May, return-
girth, he went to jump forward, I was ing $18.40. Vexatious upset Midnight
like, ‘Just wait five more minutes,’ ” Bisou in the 2020 Personal Ensign,
Race Horse Ownership offers so much Sisterson said. “I had a feeling he was returning $21. True Timber won the
going to run a good race today. When 2020 Cigar Mile, producing a $16.60
more than just the Excitement! he broke and was forward early, I payout.
“I played soccer. I have that com-
thought he was going to put in a good
performance.” petitiveness. I don’t mind being 50-1
It turned into a brilliant perfor- or 100-1,” Sisterson said. “They lis-
mance, erasing his worst career de- ten to me. If Lexitonian wasn’t doing
feat, that drubbing in the Met Mile well today, they would not force me
at Belmont Park June 5. Outside and to run. If we’re good enough, he’s go-
(800) 989-IFRS(4377) away from the battle he adores, Lexi- ing to put a good step forward and
tonian showed nothing that day as he was good enough today. Hope-
infrontracingstables.com jockey Tyler Gaffalione saved him for fully earning that Grade 1, a son of
another day. Speightstown, he can stand now, you
“It was bizarre. I thought he just know that gameness, that will, maybe
eased himself. He is a horse who will he can give that to his offspring.”
22 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021Save 15% on each case of
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73163_Hagyard_Saratoga_Ads_August_v4.indd 2 The Saratoga Special 23
7/27/21 12:11 PMFor the People
After rain delay, Jackie’s Warrior
scores for Asmussen, Section C
BY JOE CLANCY AMSTERDAM STAKES RECAP
You want a good place to be on
a rainy Sunday at Saratoga Race “Get me to the winner’s circle, Steve
Course? You could do worse than the . . . Here we go, Steve . . . Steeeve.”
clubhouse reserved seats in Section C. Though he’d have fit right in, Asmus-
Especially when Steve Asmussen sen didn’t pick a gray, wooden seat in
has a runner in the feature. Section C. He walked 22 steps down
After a half-hour rain delay, As- to Clubhouse Box A65, three boxes
mussen saddled 1-2 favorite Jackie’s toward the finish line from the six-
Warrior in the Amsterdam Stakes teenth pole – and watched Jackie’s
and headed for a place to watch. Blue Warrior dismantle five rivals over 6
dress shirt soaked at the shoulders, he 1/2 furlongs of slop. As the fast-as- Dave Harmon
Jackie’s Warrior and Joel Rosario make light work of Sunday’s Amsterdam.
left the paddock, cut across the black- rain-down-a-roof 3-year-old stormed
top to the big escalator and rode to- past, the cheers rolled again. And then just simple, respectful from empty seats at Saratoga because
ward the top. “All right, Steve.” applause rolling down from the top of Covid-19.
“Let’s go, Steve,” shouted a fan “There you go, Steve.” row. Walking to the winner’s circle, “It’s where we belong, baby, that’s
from ground level, aiming his phone “Attaboy, Steve.” Asmussen got a few congratulatory where we belong,” Asmussen said.
for a photo of the Hall of Famer. As- “Steeeeeve.” messages from owners and trainers, “We’ve been fortunate enough that
mussen stepped off the escalator and “Woo, woooo, woooooooh.” too, but the fans in Section C meant a Continued On Page 26
heard more. “You the man, Steve.” little more especially a year removed
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24 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021Today’s $150,000 Statue of Liberty Division
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The NYSSS offers the richest state-bred races
Friday, August 27 in the country, featuring $500,000 races for NY-sired
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Saratoga New York Showcase Day is the second of
three events on NYRA’s calendar this year offering
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Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 25Amsterdam – track turned from good to muddy
to sloppy. Fans scurried for cover,
or for home. All the while, the hors-
Continued from page 24 es circled in the paddock shed as
their trainers and jockeys chatted.
Mr. and Mrs. Heiligbrodt have let us sit At 5:39, post time, the minutes-to-
in their box the last few years so that’s post clock went black but nothing
our spot. That’s racing. With the fans changed. Five minutes later, thun-
back after last year, it just re-emphasiz- der rolled somewhere off toward
es how important and how special this Lake Lonely. At 5:49, NYRA track
place really is.” man Glenn Kozak walked from
Horses like Jackie’s Warrior make it the paddock to the track and back
pretty special, too. (with a deep sigh and an “It is what
Owned by Kirk and Judy Robison, it is” look). One minute before 6
the son of Maclean’s Music won his first p.m., the horses were in the sad-
four starts as a 2-year-old – Churchill dling stalls and four minutes later
Downs maiden, the Saratoga Special, jockeys were on board and headed
the Hopeful, the Champagne – then fin- to the track – Jackie’s Warrior (1-2)
ished fourth as the favorite in the Breed- and Drain The Clock (7-2) still on
ers’ Cup Juvenile. Races like that put most minds.
you on the Kentucky Derby trail, and At 6:10.01 – 31:01 late – the
Jackie’s Warrior tried it. He finished gates clanged open. Drain The
third behind Essential Quality after Janet Garaguso/NYRA
Clock broke fast from post two.
leading early in the 1 1/16-mile South- Team Asmussen greets Jackie’s Warrior after the easy Grade 2 stakes win. Jackie’s Warrior broke fast from
west in February to ensure a return to and also lured New York-bred stakes winner Riv- post three. From the rail, River Dog
shorter distances. Instead of going 1 1/4 miles in the er Dog, Iowa Derby runner-up Flash Of Mischief, broke to his left as if to give the favorites room.
Derby, he won the Pat Day Mile on the undercard. They used it, outsprinting Flash Of Mischief for
Florida shipper Mister Luigi plus Crowded Trade
And instead of going 1 1/2 miles in the Belmont the lead. Inside, Drain The Clock led by a head,
Stakes, he lined up as the favorite in the 7-furlong whose last race was a fifth in the Preakness Stakes. until he didn’t, as Jackie’s Warrior edged ahead
Woody Stephens only to lose by a neck to another All six were in the paddock when Saratoga’s
after a quarter-mile in :21.46 and kept going for
cutbacker Drain The Clock. weather pattern flexed its 2021 muscles with dark
Continued On Page 27
The $200,000 Amsterdam offered a rematch, clouds, rain, thunder, lightning and a delay. The
26 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021Amsterdam – last time,” Rosario said. “It was hard
work after that. He broke better to-
day than he did there. I don’t ask him.
Continued from page 26 He just does it on his own. He’s just a
fast horse.”
a motionless Joel Rosario. They led Bred by J&J Stable, Jackie’s War-
by 2 1/2 lengths through a half-mile rior cost the Robisons $95,000 at
in :43.85 and by 5 lengths in mid- Keeneland September in 2019 and im-
stretch. The jockey glanced at the in- proved to 6-for-9 with a second and a
field big screen while flashing past the third and $1,058,964 in earnings. As-
furlong pole, took two peeks under mussen called the bay colt simple to
his arm while roaring past Box A65 train despite the rapid top gears.
and coasted home by 7 1/4 lengths in “He’s easier than the pony horse,”
1:15.46. Drain The Clock stayed for the trainer said. “Physically, mentally,
second with Crowded Trade third. what a package.”
Rosario laughed about his score- Asmussen came into the day need-
board watching. ing five wins to tie Dale Baird as the
“I looked at the TV and said, ‘Oh, career leader in North American wins,
I’m fine,’ ” he said. “He just does it and won two – one each at Saratoga
so easy, and he likes to do what he and Ellis Park – with three seconds
can do. It’s easy for him. Easy for this and two thirds.
horse, not for other ones.” He’s not in a hurry, not necessarily
A slower than normal start cost counting, but loved his chances Sun-
his horse early position in the Woody day.
Stephens, forcing Jackie’s Warrior “I thought today was it,” he said
to react from last of six in the first after the Amsterdam. “I thought we’d
few strides. He made the lead, but win five or six today, I was loaded at
couldn’t withstand Drain The Clock’s Ellis, but I had two get beat a head.”
outside pressure and lost by a neck. He’ll get to his 9,445 and beyond
“He came out of the gate, and someday soon. And the fans in Sec-
kind of missed the break a little bit tion C will love it.
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Saratoga Special 27Dave Harmon
Rotknee scores for leading trainer Mike Maker in Sunday’s fifth.
Hot Start
With 14 wins through 14 days,
Tuesday Night’s
Maker takes lead among trainers
Sunshine returned to Saratoga
“DEADLINE DINNER” Race Course Saturday, providing a
reprieve from the rain that wiped out
turf racing Thursday and Friday. But
WEEKEND RECAP
the weekend, including back-to-back
Presented by: by Sunday afternoon, thunderstorms graded stakes wins Saturday in the
Award-winning threatened and eventually disrupted Grade 2 Jim Dandy aboard Elusive
sourdough pizza and racing again. Quality for trainer Brad Cox and the
The weekend’s turf races survived Grade 2 Bowling Green on Cross Bor-
full menu of fun der. Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr., are
until heavy storms moved in around
healthy meals. 4:30 p.m. Sunday, forcing the eighth, right on Saez’s heels with 23 and 22
a 9-furlong claiming race for fillies wins, respectively.
Asmussen continued his march
Fun || Farm || Food and mares, from the Mellon Turf
Course to the main track. Sunday’s toward history, winning the Grade 2
feature, the Grade 2 Amsterdam Amsterdam Stakes with Jackie’s War-
Stakes, was delayed for more than a rior. The Hall of Fame trainer enters
Local beer & wine today needing two wins to tie Dale
half-hour due to lightning.
✥✥ Mike Maker continues to pull Baird’s all-time record of 9,445 career
Breakfast, lunch, and away from the field in the trainers’ wins. Asmussen inched closer with a
race, adding four wins over the week- winner Tuesday at Louisiana Downs,
dinner seven days and has two entered at Saratoga to-
end – two Saturday and two Sunday
✥ ✥✥ – to give him 14 through the meet’s day and solo runners at the Spa and
Healthy grab-and-go options first 14 days. Maker’s biggest win of Ellis Park Friday.
the meet came Saturday, when New – IV Hendrix
always available
64 Excelsior Avenue
York-bred Cross Border won the
Grade 2 Bowling Green. Todd Pletch- • Saratoga veteran David Donk
Saratoga Springs notched his first win of the meet in
www.pizzadeliver y.farm er and Steve Asmussen are tied for
Plenty of parking second with eight wins each. Saturday’s second, a $50,000 maid-
Luis Saez remained the leading en-claiming race for New York-breds
rider after picking up three wins over Continued On Page 29
28 The Saratoga Special Wednesday, August 4, 2021Recap – After Cansdale passed away unex-
pectedly in 2018, longtime friend Jeff
Hyman of Voorheesville and a few
Continued from page 28 other friends from the Capital Region
made the effort to name a race for him
won by Stone Bridge Farm’s homebred in 2019. Hyman said it’s the most fit-
23-1 longshot Gateway Guardian. ting way to honor their friend.
“They come from anywhere,” Donk “The fact that he lived in Saratoga
said. “He ran off last time, but Irad and had such a prominent role in New
[Ortiz Jr.] liked him, just said he was York racing made this a no-brainer,” he
really green. So I was pretty sure he’d said. “All of us still deal with the loss of
go forward today.” John. This is a good way to get together
Javier Castellano settled the son of and commemorate it and continue to
Big Brown into the middle of the field recognize his importance in our lives
for most of the 1 1/16-mile turf race. and his impact.”
Castellano moved up on the outside off Cansdale is best remembered by his
the far turn to pass Eight Weeks Long family as generous and kind, always
and eventually overtook 6-5 favorite there to offer his wisdom and good for-
Fast Gordon to win by a nose. tune to anyone in need.
“It’s nice,” Donk said of the first “John was the kind of person that if
winner. “I’m old enough . . . I don’t you needed something, he knew what
have that much pressure on me, but it’s you needed,” William said. “He always
nice to get to one, because you can’t get gave people great advice and direction
to two without one.” to cure whatever was the problem. He
The race was run as the John Cans- Tod Marks
is greatly missed.”
dale Memorial and friends and family Gateway Guardian (4) arrives in time to win Saturday’s second race. – Mary Eddy & IV Hendrix
of the native of Lancaster, N.Y., gath- many places, but Saratoga captured his heart.
ered in the winner’s circle to celebrate his life. Cans- “He loved living in Saratoga. Of all the places he • Saturday’s third proved to be anything but just
dale held several legal positions prior to becoming lived, this was his favorite,” said Cansdale’s broth- another undercard claimer.
the executive director of the state Racing and Wa- er, William. “He loved the culture; every aspect of Running as a coupled entry for trainer Orlan-
gering Board in 2005. social and professional life here. The world was his
A world traveler, Cansdale visited and lived in oyster.” Continued On Page 30
ONE HORSE Keeneland September buyers
and sellers remember some
names from the past.
J.B.’S THUNDER, 2009. Al Stall, buyer and trainer
Al Stall, with help from Frank and Daphne Wooten, has purchased a long list of quality hors-
es at Keeneland September – Tom’s d’Etat for starters – but he stopped at Grade 1 winner J.B.’s
Thunder while trading stories outside the barn this week. Part of the Beau Lane Bloodstock
consignment, the bay colt was purchased for Columbine Stable at $42,000.
“We really liked the horse. We got everything teed up with the protocols you go through and were pre-
pared to pay six figures for the horse. All the sudden they dropped the hammer at $42,000 and we were
like, ‘Uh, oh.’ We revisited our radiographs and our vet Jay Addison said, ‘All good,’ and he was right.
There was an overlay on the X-ray, or something that made it a bad view.
“We ran him here on Alabama Day and he went to the front and improved his position. There was
Polytrack at Keeneland then. He broke his maiden going two turns on the grass at Saratoga so the first
thing that popped into our mind was the Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland. I was very fortunate to have a
barn at Rice Road, with Claiborne Farm, and they were kind enough to let me slip an outside horse in.
JB got to train at Keeneland on the Polytrack and it felt like a humongous advantage. We were ready for
SEPTEMBER them when the race came around. He ran the same kind of race, went to the front and won really nicely.
M O N . 13 - S AT. 2 4
“Unfortunately, he was never quite the same. It was a short, little window but we won a Grade 1 and
had a lot of fun for $42,000. Frank and Daphne found him a home as a foxhunter.”
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