Maiden Watch horses Dueling Alex (Medaglia d'Oro), Reynaldothewizard (Speightstown), and Medaglia d'Onore (Medagia d'Oro) make up 1/3 of the Saratoga Special field. Also, results for River Fancy (Congaree), Second Glance (Smarty Jones), and Penching Pennies (Peace Rules) and entries for Tbilisi (Birdstone), Persian (Peace Rules), Sugaree Gold (Congaree), and an allowance try for Peace Town (Peace Rules).

Silver Reunion Takes a Fancy

First of all, the race was taken off the turf and run at 7 furlongs on the main track. This resulted in the scratching of Americas Dreaming, Dynaslew, Palmeto Princess, Platinum Girl, and Warm Shower. Total Joy was fractious in the post parade and dumped her rider. But, she didn't go far and Jeffrey Sanchez got back aboard. River Fancy (Congaree) was also a bit rambunctious in the post parade, but her rider stayed on. At the break, Ain't Love Grand took the lead, but she was closely pursued by Jehan and River Fancy. River Fancy seemed poised to make a move, but she tired and ended up fourth. Jehan briefly took the lead, but Silver Reunion bullied her way through to take the race by a good 3 lengths.

Result: August 13, 2008 
Saratoga Race 4
Maiden Special Weight

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Miss Charms at Second Glance

Second Glance (Smarty Jones) came out of the gate and smacked into East Leestown, effectively taking that one out of the race. On the other hand, Second Glance went right to the lead. Unfortunately, she didn't last long, tiring as Miss Charm City took over. Miss Charm City drove clear to become the 2nd winner for Bowman's Band. Hannah's Dowery closed well for second, while Truck Ride, who was always near the front, settled for third.

Result: August 13, 2008 
Laurel Park Race 6
Maiden Special Weight

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Ryser is the Train Over Penching Pennies

Ryser broke on top pursued by Premier Crisis and Ima Chu Chu Train. Penching Pennies (Peace Rules) broke ok and was up with the leading pack. He fell back a bit, but came on again to hold a good spot. However, he then tired and dropped to the back of the pack. Ryser continued to lead and was clear at the finish. with Ima Chu Chu Train maintaining the second spot. Favorite Tastyfromthegitgo closed a bit, but he could do no better than third.

Result: August 13, 2008 
Evangeline Downs Race 6
Maiden Claiming

Equibase Chart

Will Saratoga be Special for Maiden Watch?

August 14, 2008
Saratoga Race 9
Saratoga Special (gr. II)
6.5 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 5:31 PM HRTV/TVG

One-third of the horses in the Saratoga Special are Maiden Watch horses, as Dueling Alex (Medaglia d'Oro - Rosie Dooley by Trempolino) and Reynaldothewizard (Speightstown - Holiday Runner by Meadowlake) try stakes company for the first time and Medaglia d'Onore (Medaglia d'Oro - Always Ready by Dixieland Band) returns to stakes company after finishing 5th in the Bashford Manor (gr. III) on July 5. In that race, he made a big move on the turn, but couldn't sustain it. Medaglia d'Onore had previously finished 6th on April 24 and 4th on May 26, before breaking his maiden on June 19. Medaglia d'Onore has had one work at Saratoga. Medaglia d'Oro has had one stakes-placed runner, Rachel Alexandra, who finished 2nd in the Debutante Stakes (gr. III).

Reynaldothewizard and Dueling Alex both broke their maidens in their debuts, Reynaldothewizard on July 2 and Dueling Alex on July 6. Neither horse has run since their maiden victory, but both have been working regularly, Reynaldothewizard primarily at Saratoga and Dueling Alex at Monmouth. Speightstown has had one stakes performer, Lord Shanakill who is group II stakes-placed in England.

Favoritism in the race will probably be between Run Away and Hide (City Zip - Jilted by Runaway Groom) who won the Kentucky Stakes (gr. III) on May 1 (after breaking his maiden on April 18) and Lyin' Heart (Lion Heart - Rumba Punch by Green Dancer) who finished 2nd in the Bashford Manor (gr. III), after previously winning the TTA Sales Futurity. In addition to Lyin' Heart, freshman sire Lion Heart has sired multiple-stakes winner Azul Leon and stakes-placed runners Bear's Rocket, Cameron Crazies, and Pretty Prolific.

Another stakes winner in the race is Proud Jefe (Proud Citizen - Besige by Polish Numbers) who won the Brian Barenscheer Juvenile Stakes on July 20, after breaking his maiden on June 27 at Churchill Downs.

Break Water Edison (Lemon Drop Kid - August Storm by Storm Creek) and Unsung Song (Unbridled's Song - Sisti's Pride by Forestry) were winners in their only starts. Break Water Edison broke his maiden at Belmont Park on July 17, going gate-to-wire. Unsung Song did his running at Presque Isle Downs on July 26.

Join in the Dance (Sky Mesa - Dance Darling by Devil's Bag) broke his maiden in his third start on July 25 at Saratoga. Previously, he had finished 2nd twice both at Arlington Park and Churchill Downs.

Read more about the Saratoga Special here.

Tbilisi will Know no Limits in the High Mist

August 14, 2008
Woodbine Race 5
Maiden Special Weight
6 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 3:04 PM

Tbilisi has been in the news lately as the capital of Georgia, but it is also the name of a Birdstone 2-year old filly who makes her debut on August 14 at Woodbine. Tbilisi (Birdstone - Tripp Trial by Skip Trial), who has been working regularly at Woodbine for the past 2 months, sold for $28,449 as a yearling. Her dam, Tripp Trial, was a stakes winner who earned $202,310 and also won at 2. Tripp Trial has produced 4 winners from 5 to run. Birdstone is the sire of 13 runners who have made 23 total starts, recording 3 wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds, and earnings of $95,157.

The most experienced horse is Nice Lady (Bold Executive - Bellamancer by Great Gladiator), who has run three times at Woodbine, finishing 10th on June 28, 4th on July 10, and 8th on July 26. Bellamancer, dam of Nice Lady, was a winner at 2, and has produced the winner Tough Mancer who has earned $67,937 through 2008.

Know No Limits (Minardi - Unacceptable by Irish Tower) was 2nd in her only start, on July 25 at Woodbine. Know No Limits' dam won the Astoria Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. III) and finished 2nd in the Schuylerville (gr. II) as a 2-year old. In her career, she earned $140,421. Know No Limits is a half-sister to 6 winners, including 4 that won at 2.

The final experienced horse is Shellbrook (Newfoundland - Jade Julia by Devil His Due) who finished 9th in her only start, a 2 furlong race at Woodbine. Shellbrook is by freshman sire Newfoundland, whose 8 runners have made 12 total starts with 4 wins, 3 seconds, and $85,109. Shellbrook is the first foal out of a stake-placed mare who earned $132,929.

Toccet From Philly (Toccet - Not So Pleasant by Pleasant Tap) is, as her name suggests, by first-year sire Toccet whose 20 runners have made 41 total starts, recording 2 wins, 8 seconds, and 4 thirds, and $91,218. However, contrary to her name, Toccet From Philly was bred in Ontario. Toccet from Philly is a half-sister to 4 winners, including stakes-placed She Is Raging who won at 2 and earned $286,863 in her career.

Bringing $44,641 as a yearling was Deeveetee (Doneraile Court - Diamonds to Me by Belong to Me). Diamonds to Me, dam of Deeveetee, was stakes-placed at 2 and has produced one winner, Marquis Diamond, who won at 2 and has earned $62,978.

High Mist (Olmodavor - High Humidity by Petionville) was a $22,000 2-year old, and is the 2nd foal out of stakes-placed High Humidity who earned $195,016. High Humidity's first foal is a winner.

Queen Bambi (Flatter - Chapel Oak by Roanoke) is the 2nd foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 5 winners.

Love Arose (Include - Season of Love by Kingmambo) is the first foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to 2 winners, including stakes winner Perilous Pursuit. Perilous Pursuit was also stakes-placed at 2.

French Madam, dam of Madam Inspector (Deputy Commander - French Madam by Rahy) was a 2-year old winner and was stakes-placed at 4, while earning $102,857 overall. French Madam has produced 2 winners, including stakes-placed Ginger Pop.

Persian Hopes a Lofty Banner will Winitback

August 14, 2008
Saratoga Race 5
Maiden Claiming ($50,000)
6 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 3:15 PM HRTV/TVG

Persian (Peace Rules - Lady Cheryl by Williamstown) makes his fifth start, having finished 3rd on July 25, 3rd on June 15, 5th on May 26, and fourth on May 7. His most recent start was at 5.5 furlongs at Saratoga in a Maiden Claiming contest. Since that race, he has worked twice at Saratoga. Persian is out of Lady Cheryl, a stakes winning mare who earned $189,054. Lady Cheryl did not run as a 2-year old, but she has produced a 2-year old winner. Persian sold for $32,000 as a yearling. Peace Rules' 22 runners have made 49 total starts, registering 11 wins, 5 seconds, and 6 thirds, and $239,998.

Vinnies Wild Tale (West Acre - Royal Prairie by Louis Quatorze), Lofty Banner (Quiet American - Flattered by Saint Ballado), The Spanish Life (Spanish Steps - Life's an E Ticket by Deposit Ticket), Nightmare Alley (West Acre - Traffic Jammer by Theatrical (IRE)), Mitchell Park (Safe in the USA - Smart as Scot by Ascot Knight) all ran against Persian on July 25, finishing 4th, 6th, 7th, and 10th respectively. Vinnies Wild Tale is out of a winning mare who has produced one winner from one to race. Lofty Banner, who sold for $30,000 as a yearling, is the 2nd foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to one winner. The Spanish Life is by first-crop Spanish Steps, a full-brother to Unbridled's Song, whose 12 runners have made 22 total starts recording 2 wins, and 4 seconds, and $63,429. Life's an E Ticket, dam of The Spanish Life, was stakes-placed and earned $142,445. She has produced one winner. Bringing $23,000 as a 2-year old, Nightmare Alley is out of a mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners including grade III stakes winner, Chicago Six. Chicago Six earned $733,347 in his career and won or placed in 11 stakes. Safe in the USA, first-crop sire of Mitchell Park, is the sire of 5 runners who have made 6 starts with 2 wins. Mitchell Park is out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners.

Also running on July 25, but in a Maiden Special race at Saratoga were African Storm (Johannesburg - Aly Quatorze by Louis Quatorze) and Musca (Orientate - Southern Sandra by Dixie Brass) who finished 8th and 9th. African Storm is out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 6 winners, including stakes winner Kool Humor. Kool Humor earned $242,899 in a 27 race career. Musca who previously finished 4th on the Belmont turf on July 11, is out of a stakes winner who earned $165,917 and also won as a 2-year old. Musca is a half-brother to the winner Dixie Marrone, who has earned $118,941 through 2008.

Winitback (Buddha - Last Two States by Alaskan Frost) is the only horse not to have run at Saratoga on July 25. He has run once, finishing 2nd in a Maiden Claiming race at Delaware Park on July 12. Last Two States, dam of Winitback, was grade II stakes-placed at 2 and earned $101,136. As a broodmare, Last Two States has produced 4 winners from 5 to race.

Town Hopes for an Allowance Peace

August 14, 2008
Laurel Park Race 8
Allowance Optional Claiming
6 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 6:46 PM HRTV

Peace Town (Peace Rules - Darnestown by Williamstown) returns to try Allowance company, after breaking his maiden first time out at Delaware Park on June 17. In that race, he sat off the early pace and then took command, winning by 8. Since that race, he has been working regularly at Laurel. Peace Town, who sold for $50,000 as a yearling, is the first foal out of a stakes-placed mare who earned $94,280. She did not race as a 2-year old, but she did win her 3-year old debut. She is also a half-sister to 9 winners, 3 of which won as 2-year olds. Peace Rules' 22 runners have made 49 total starts, registering 11 wins, 5 seconds, and 6 thirds, and $239,998. However, he has yet to sire a repeat winner.

Helookslikearnold (Lion Hearted - Thracian by Partner's Hero) finished 5th in Peace Town's debut win. Since that race, he broke his maiden in a Maiden Claiming race on July 12 at Delaware Park.

Mr. Keeper (Lion Hearted - Talent by Cryptoclearance) broke his maiden in his first start on June 10 at Colonial Downs. He then finished 2nd in the Chenery Stakes on the Colonial turf on July 26.

The only horse in for the $50,000 claiming tag is Buddha Bop (Buddha - Life Happened by Stravinsky) who has made 5 starts. After breaking his maiden on June 28 in Maiden Claiming company at Delaware Park, he finished 3rd in an allowance race on July 20 at Delaware Park.

Grosso (Concerto - L'Enfant by A. P Jet), the only filly in the race, broke her maiden first time out on April 22. Since then, she has faced winners twice, on June 30 and July 19, finishing 4th and 3rd respectively. All of her starts were at Delaware Park.

First-year sire Omega Code is the sire of Prideofcorey (Omega Code - Jewels Pride by Rubiano) who is a veteran of 5 races. Prideofcorey broke his maiden in his most recent start, on the Colonial Downs yielding turf course on July 8 in a Maiden Claiming contest. Previously, he had run at Delaware (twice) , Pimlico, and Laurel. He is the only horse with previous Laurel experience. Omega Code's 22 starters have made 47 total starts with 8 wins, 4 seconds, 7 thirds, and $144,902. Omega Code has had one repeat winner.

Rough Shot (Snow Ridge - Queenies Girl by Cure the Blues) was victorious in his 2nd start, a Maiden Claiming race on July 22 at Philadelphia Park. Previously, he finished 6th in a Maiden Claiming race at Delaware.

Sugaree Gold is To Hot for You so Sorry Baby

August 14, 2008
Del Mar Race 5
Maiden Claiming ($100,000)
5.5 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 7:05 PM

Sugaree Gold returns to the races after starting slow and finishing 5th in her debut on July 17 at Del Mar. Since that race, Sugaree Gold worked 4 furlongs at Del Mar in :47.60. Sugaree Gold, who sold for $65,000 as a yearling, is out of the winning mare, Sugar Is Gold. Sugar Is Gold has produced 8 winners, including stakes winner Shot of Gold who earned $515,033. Congaree has sired 21 runners which have made a combined 34 starts, recording 7 wins, 4 seconds, and 3 thirds, and $245,879.

Finishing 2nd and 3rd in front of Sugaree Gold on July 17, were Sorry Baby (Bernstein - Our Saratogadancer by Saratoga Six) and Kalapana (Successful Appeal - Vase by Rahy). Sorry Baby, who previously finished 7th at Hollywood on June 25, sold for $42,000 as a yearling. She is the first foal out of a dam who is a half-sister to one winner. Kalapana sold for $25,000 as a yearling and is the first foal out of a mare who is a full-sister to grade I winner, Exotic Wood, who earned $890,695.

The remaining horses are making their debuts, including Dave's Revenge (The Cliff's Edge - Midnite Deelite by Afternoon Deelites) by first-crop sire The Cliff's Edge. The Cliff's Edge has sired 18 runners who have made 37 total starts, registering 3 wins, 3 seconds, 4 thirds, and $91,081. Midnite Deelite, dam of Dave's Revenge, won 4 races as a 2-year old and was stakes-placed at 3. Midnite Deelite has produced the winner, Pulaski Runner, who was stakes-placed at 2.

Truthy (Grand Slam - Hope for Love by Fortunate Prospect) sold for $85,000 as a weanling, $100,000 as a yearling, and $220,000 as a 2-year old. Truthy's dam, Hope for Love, was stakes-placed at 2 and 3, and earned $101,440. Hope for Love has had one foal to run, the winner Winged Warrior.

Bringing $65,000 as a yearling was Wilma Rules (Tribal Rule - Dual Agent by Miswaki), whose dam was a winner of $108,720. Wilma Rules is a half-sister to 3 winners, including stakes winners Get Smart and Two On the Aisle.

To Hot for You (Sweetsouthernsaint - Leo Larla by Leo Castelli), who sold for $50,000 as a 2-year old, is out of a 2-year old winning mare who has produced 3 winners. Two of To Hot for You's siblings won at 2.

Reine des Neiges, dam of Bright Abyss (Royal Academy - Reine des Neiges by Smart Strike), was a winner at 2 and earned $115,725 in her career. Bright Abyss is her first foal. Reine des Neiges is a half-sister to grade I stakes winner and champion Snow Chief, who earned $3,383,210.

Lanie's Way (Storm Boot - Lovlier Crown by Chief's Crown) is out of a mare who has produced one winner and who is a half-sister to grade III stakes winner Fighting Falcon.

News and Notes

Mani Bhavan romped in the Adirondack Stakes (gr. II) for 2-year old fillies at Saratoga on August 13. Heavily favored Bold Union could do no better than 4th. The musical Doremeifasollatido just held off the fast closing Pretty Prolific for the place spot.

2-Year Old Works

New to this blog

August 13

Working 3 furlongs in :38.40 at Del Mar was Arcodoro (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Northern Gulch by Gulch). Arcodoro, who sold for $360,000 as a weanling, is a half-brother to group II winner, Hamoody.

Returning to the WorkTab (horses previously mentioned in this blog)

August 13

Birdseye (filly; Birdstone - Trail Guide by Our Native) - Remington Park, 4 furlongs, :48.21.

Shoe Strap (colt; Birdstone - Boot Strap by Storm Boot) - Belmont, 5 furlongs, 1:04.42.

Stone Legacy (filly; Birdstone - Gulch Legacy by Gulch) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :50.66.

Texas Birdstone (colt; Birdstone - Imatexantoo by Ray's Pegasus) - Evangeline Training Center, 3 furlongs, :39.02.

Bear Onamission (colt; Congaree - Milagra by Maria's Mon) - Woodbine, 3 furlongs, :37.00.

Conga Queen (filly; Congaree - Special Test by Hawkin's Special) - Remington Park, 5 furlongs, 1:00.53.

Fabriziano (filly; Congaree - Miami Blue by American Change) - Laurel, 4 furlongs, :50.40.

Figlia d'Oro (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Runaway Chanel by Runaway Groom) - Delaware Park, 5 furlongs, 1:02.80.

Presidente d'Oro (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Temis (CHI) by Lord Florey) - Skylight Training Center, 4 furlongs, :48.80.

Retraceable (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Embraceable by Dehere) - Woodbine, 5 furlongs, 1:01.80.

Peace Conference (colt; Peace Rules - In Conference by Dayjur) - Fair Hill, 4 furlongs, :51.00.

Danceyoursocksoff (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Come Dancing by Two Punch) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :51.52.

Into My Soul (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Stop Traffic by Cure the Blues) - Saratoga, 3 furlongs, :37.52.

Perfect Footprint (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Pedicure by Mr. Prospector) - Belmont Park, 3 furlongs, :37.81.

Ninepiecesofeight (filly; Saarland - Afleet Francais by Afleet) - Monmouth Park, 4 furlongs, :50.20.

Scootin Scooter (colt; Saarland - Sarah's a Winner by Cormorant) - Laurel Park, 3 furlongs, :37.80.

Go Smarty Go (colt; Smarty Jones - Sarah's World by Holy Bull) - Saratoga, 3 furlongs (gate), :36.12.

Goldshaft (colt; Smarty Jones - Mimi's Golden Girl by Seeking the Gold) - Fair Hill, 4 furlongs (gate), :51.60.

Hornung (colt; Speightstown - Deb's Charm by Silver Charm) - Del Mar, 4 furlongs, :49.60.

Munnings (colt; Speightstown - La Comete by Holy Bull) - Belmont Park, 5 furlongs, 1:02.46.