Finally, a race at Saratoga that stays on the turf, which was rated firm. However, that meant that MTOs Cutter (Saint Liam - Brite Diamond by Deputy Minister) and Saint Eligius (Saint Liam - Great Connection by Dayjur) stayed in the barn. In fact, there were no scratches from the main body of the race, so the AEs: Novel Notion (Tale of the Cat - Mini Chat by Deputy Minister), Ryvit (Tapit - Ryvnine by Broad Brush) and Grand Piano Man (Grand Slam - Musical Miss by Seattle Song) were out too. All three (as well as Cutter on the MTO list again) are entered in race 7 at Saratoga on August 6, one of the races we preview below. Dean's Kitten (Kitten's Joy - Summer Theatre by Ide) was made the favorite, and he was on his toes entering the post parade. Paddy O'Prado (El Prado (IRE) - Fun House by Prized) made a positive appearance, and he was bet at the windows, 7-2 (10-1 on the morning-line). Starlighter (Vindication - Chula by Broad Brush) was given a enthusiastic warm-up. Dean's Kitten was a little upset at the load, but went in ok. He broke best and went to the lead, but Luckylead (Harlan's Holiday - Ashwood C C by Cryptoclearance) was pressing. These two raced together for a time. Luckylead began to tire, as Calipari (Mr. Greeley - Concentric by Shadeed) made a move 4-wide, and Mesa Vista (Sky Mesa - Gata Secreta by Spinning World) gained ground on the inside. But, Dean's Kitten spurted away to lead by four. Paddy O'Prado (El Prado (IRE) - Fun House by Prized), who had some traffic problems, came flying to reduce the margin to just a neck, but Dean's Kitten held on for the win. Dean's Kitten is the 7th winner for Kitten's Joy, and his 3rd turf winner. Watch the Replay.

Result: August 5, 2009
Saratoga Race 4
Maiden Special Weight

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Navy Lieutenant Sinks King Rock/William Paley

Prospective Union (Dixie Union - Golden Prospect by Mr. Prospector) was a scratch, so Pulpit's Jewel (Pulpit - She's a Jewel by Succesful Appeal), entrymate to King Rock (Rock Hard Ten - Queen Mindy by King of Kings (IRE)), came off the AE list and got to run. King Rock was fairly calm in the paddock, but as he warmed up on track, he was looking ready. William Paley (colt; Afleet Alex - My Sweet Country by Bold Ruckus) was calm as well, but he looked like he might need a race. Hundred Adams (Macho Uno - Pearlwood by Touch Gold) was a little excited in the paddock and on the track. The King Rock/Pulpit's Jewel entry went off as the slight favorite, with a lot of money also going towards William Paley and Navy Lieutenant (Harlan's Holiday - Tribal Run by Cherokee Run). Yesterday's Island (Tomorrows Cat - Rememberance by Silver Hawk) was spooking at the gate, but they all were loaded without too much fuss. Navy Lieutenant went for the lead, with Hundred Adams, Frisky Also (Frisk Me Now - Sweet Also by Sir Leon), and Yesterday's Island his nearest pursuers. King Rock and William Paley were near the back. Jackalack (Indy King - Sugar Gray by Two Punch) was left at the break. Up front, Frisky Also gave in, and began to lose ground, as Navy Lieutenant pulled clear to a 5 length lead. King Rock and William Paley began moving. William Paley soon retreated, but King Rock went on. He moved into 2nd, and made a dent in Navy Lieutenant's margin, but had to settle for second. This one won't be a maiden for long. William Paley tired and finished last. Watch the Replay.

Result: August 5, 2009
Delaware Race 9
Maiden Special Weight

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3-year old Results August 5

Too Amenable (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Lady She Is Too by Two's a Plenty) won like a 3-5 shot should. He pressed the pace early, took a clear lead, and then pulled away to break his maiden on the turf at Saratoga. Watch the Replay.

Bosco Rules (gelding; Peace Rules - Secret Sweety by Secreto) chased the pacesetter throughout, but couldn't catch him, finishing 2nd in his Allowance race at Arlington. Watch the Replay.

Dr. Smarty Jack (colt; Smarty Jones - Hoh Buzzard (IRE) by Alhaarth) finished 8th in his Allowance race on the turf at Saratoga, but it wasn't really his fault. Acclaimed bolted on the turn and took Dr. Smarty Jack with him. Dr. Smarty Jack finished the race fine (although way behind the rest), and I'm sure he'll be back to try again. Watch the Replay.

It's the Big Cat Wana Play with a Thundering Roar

August 6, 2009
Saratoga Race 5
Maiden Special Weight
5.5 furlongs turf
2-year olds New York-breds
Post Time: 3:15 PM ET HRTV/TVG

It's the Big Cat (Kitten's Joy - Sweeping Cat by End Sweep) debuts against fellow New Yorkers at Saratoga, at 5.5 furlongs on the turf. It's the Big Cat, who was previously known as Gatillo Gozo, has been working at Belmont Park, most recently going 5 furlongs in 1:01.19 on July 19. He was a $50,000 2-year old, and is the first foal out of turf stakes-placed Sweeping Cat. Sweeping Cat is a half-sister to 4 winners, including stakes winner Tejati, and graded stakes-placed winners Pajamas and Alex's Disaster. Kitten's Joy's 22 runners have made 46 total starts, recording 7 wins, 11 seconds, 7 thirds, and $246,901. He's had three winners on the turf.

N B Ravens (Dance With Ravens - I Met Somebody by Compliance) and Jerico Rules (Tomorrows Cat - Bingo Lil by Time for a Change) met at 6 furlongs on the Belmont Park turf on July 12, with N B Ravens finishing 5th and Jerico Rules 8th. These two also met on a muddy Belmont track on June 12, with Jerico Rules 6th and N B Ravens 7th. N B Ravens is by first-crop sire Dance With Ravens, whose 6 runners have made 12 combined starts, registering 2 wins, 3 seconds, and $46,632. N B Ravens is the 2nd foal out of the mare I Met Somebody, who was a winner at 2 and on the turf. I Met Somebody's first foal is a winner. I Met Somebody is a half-sister to turf stakes winner High Pioneer. Bingo Lil, dam of Jerico Rules, was a winner at 2. Bingo Lil has produced 2 winners, including Athleague Ros, a full-brother to Jerico Rules.

Jung Man Scott (Freud - Plinking by Talkin Man), Wana Play (Bwana Charlie - Catbird Creek by Storm Creek), and AE entrants Reading Group (Read the Footnotes - Ransom's Pride by Red Ransom) and Supreme Serene (More Than Ready - Serene Ditty by Unbridled's Song) met on July 9 at Belmont in a 5 furlong race on the dirt. Jung Man Scott was 3rd, Wana Play was 5th, Reading Group was 7th, and Supreme Serene was 8th. The fourth place finisher in that race, Come From Behind, won his next start.

Jung Man Scott is out of the turf winning mare Plinking. Plinking has produced the winner Fast Footnote, who was a winner at 2. Plinking is half-sister to grade III winner Wishful Tomcat, who was also a stakes winner on the turf, and stakes winner Uncle T Seven, who was stakes-placed on the turf. Uncle T Seven is by Freud, sire of Jung Man Scott.

Wana Play is by freshman sire Bwana Charlie, whose 14 starters have run 25 times combined, recording 5 wins, 1 second, 3 thirds, and $103,372. Wana Play is out of the winning mare Catbird Creek, who was a winner at 2. Catbird Creek has produced 2 winners, including stakes winner Run Right Thru. One of Wana Play's siblings won at 2.

Ransom's Pride, dam of Reading Group, was a winner at 2, and a turf stakes winner at 3. Ransom's Pride has produced two winners, one won at 2, the other won on the turf.

Supreme Serene is out of the winning mare Serene Ditty, who has produced turf winner John's Song. Serene Ditty is a half-sister to turf stakes winner Covering Ground and stakes winner Courtly Jazz, who was also stakes-placed on the turf. Serene Ditty is also a half-sister to Mutaahab, a group II winner on the turf.

The remaining entrants are unraced.

Mine Over Matter (Mineshaft - Hansel's Girl by Hansel) is out of grade II stakes-placed Hansel's Girl, who earned $237,980. Hansel's Girl was a winner at 2. She has produced stakes-placed Motor Patrol and turf stakes-placed Chestertown Slew. Interestingly, it was announced today that Chestertown Slew will stand at stud in 2010 at Fanlew Farms. Hansel's Girl is a full-sister to grade II winner Guided Tour, and a half-sister to turf stakes winner Primetimevalentine.

Juicy Jacklyn (Cappuchino - Little Cupcake by Hansel) is out the turf winning mare Little Cupcake. Little Cupcake is a half-sister to 4 winners, including stakes winner Samsincharge.

Thundering Roar (Roaring Fever - Fabulous Gin by Go for Gin) is the first foal out of the winning mare Fabulous Gin. Fabulous Gin is a half-sister to 4 winners, including grade III stakes-placed Attorney.

Blue Horseshoe (Johar - Lacy Gray by Unbridled's Song) is the first foal out of the winning mare Lacy Gray. Lacy Gray is a half-sister to 5 winners, including stakes winners D'Youville Nurse and Peaceful Road. Peaceful Road was also stakes-placed on the turf.

All Zipped Up (City Zip - Flippant by Thunder Puddles) is a half-brother to 3 winners, including stakes winner Seeyouinmydreams. Seeyouinmydreams was a debut winner at 2. Another sibling, Offhand Remark, is a winner on the turf.

Completing the AE list are Fortunate Run (Cherokee Run - Hope's Ahead by Alwuhush), Lord Jet (A. P Jet - High Talent by Talc), Atitlan (Thunder Gulch - Bonita Chica by Turkoman), and I'm Hooked Up (Hook and Ladder - Uppity by Colony Light).

Fortunate Run sold for $50,000 as a 2-year old, and is out of the turf winning mare Hope's Ahead. Hope's Ahead has produced 2 winners, one of which won at 2 and one of which won on the turf.

High Talent, dam of Lord Jet, was a winner on the turf and earned $229,230 in her career. She has produced 7 winners from 7 to run, including stakes winner Hanselina. Two of her offspring won at 2, including one debut winner. Another offspring, Dorothy's Destiny, was a winner on the turf. Dorothy's Destiny s a full-sister to Lord Jet.

Atitlan is out of stakes winner Bonita Chica, who earned $299,522 in 35 starts. Bonita Chica has produced 4 winners, including stakes winner Borrowing Base, who was stakes-placed on the turf.

I'm Hooked Up sold for $15,000 as a 2-year old. He is a half-brother to 5 winners, including stakes winners Two Sixty Four and Vain Vixen. Three of I'm Hooked Up siblings won at 2, including one debut winner.

All Bases Covered

August 6, 2009
Saratoga Race 7
Maiden Special Weight
1 1/16 miles turf
2-year olds
Post Time: 4:23 PM ET HRTV/TVG

A sense of deja vu with this race, as many of these were entered yesterday. No matter what the weather brings, I think we are looking good for this one, scheduled for 1 1/16 miles on the Saratoga turf. In the main body of the race, we have Scottkeith'skitten (Kitten's Joy - Miss Bergdorf by Old Trieste) and Zapster (Ghostzapper - Extend by Unbridled's Song), Rock America (Rock Hard Ten - Girl Scout by Meadowlake) and Steve's Kitten (Kitten's Joy - Cat's Prize by Golden Missile) are on the AE list, and Cutter (Saint Liam - Brite Diamond by Deputy Minister) is a MTO entrant.

Scottkeith'skitten and Steve's Kitten are a Kitten's Joy entry. Kitten's Joy's 22 runners have made 46 total starts, recording 7 wins, 11 seconds, 7 thirds, and $246,901. He's had three winners on the turf. Scottkeith'skitten has run twice, finishing 5th at Keeneland on April 16, and 7th at Belmont on July 24, a race originally scheduled for the turf. Scottkeith'skitten is the first foal out of the turf winning mare Miss Bergdorf. Miss Bergdorf is a half-sister to 4 winners, including Desert Key, who was 2nd in the King's Bishop (gr. I) and 2nd in the Amsterdam (gr. II). Steve's Kitten finished 2nd in his only start, running 5.5 furlongs on the turf at Ellis Park on July 12. Since then, he's worked a couple of times, including a 4 furlong work on the turf training track at Saratoga in :50.54 on July 29. He is the first foal out of the placed mare Cat's Prize. Cat's Prize is a half-sister to one winner.

Zapster finished a closing 4th in his debut, at 6 furlongs on the Belmont Park turf on July 11. Second in that race was Dean's Kitten, who broke his maiden next time out on the Saratoga turf on August 5. Zapster has worked several times since that race, including a 4 furlong work in :53.10 at Belmont on July 31. Zapster sold for $180,000 as a yearling, and is out of stakes winner Extend. Extend was a winner at 2, and earned $436,856 overall. Extend has produced the turf winner Kelliher. Ghostzapper's 8 runners have run 10 total times, recording 1 second and $17,999.

Rock America is unraced. He has been working at Saratoga for several months, including a 5 furlong work on the turf training track on July 15 with a time of 1:02.05. He sold for $75,000 as a weanling, and is a half-sister to one winner. His dam, Girl Scout, is a half-sister to 6 winners, including Whtimore's Conn, a grade I winner on the turf, turf stakes winner Tiva's Little Sis, and turf stakes-placed Capotiva.

Cutter has run once, closing to finish 3rd at Delaware Park on July 14. He is the first foal out of the winning mare Brite Diamond. Brite Diamond is a half-sister to grade I winner Fowda and 2 other winners. Saint Liam has sired 20 runners, which have made 31 combined starts, registering 4 wins, 5 thirds, and $81,779.

Novel Notion (Tale of the Cat - Mini Chat by Deputy Minister) finished 5th, behind Zapster, on the Belmont Park turf on July 11. He sold for $140,000 as a yearling, and is a half-brother to grade I Dixie Chatter. Dixie Chatter is also a grade II winner on turf, and won 2 races at 2. Overall, he earned $464,606.

Petecarol (Not For Love - Diva Girl by Saint Ballado) has run once, finishing 2nd while running 7 furlongs on the Arlington Park Polytrack on July 16. He who sold for $70,000 this year, and is a half-brother to the winner Guilded Diva. Guilded Diva has won at 2, 3, and 4. Petecarol's dam, Diva Girl, is a half-sister to 6 winners, including stakes winners D'Youville Nurse and Peaceful Road. Peaceful Road was also stakes-placed on the turf. Diva Girl is also a half-sister to Lacy Gray, dam of Blue Horseshoe, who runs in race 5 at Saratoga on August 5.

The last one with experience in the main body of the race is Straight Talk (Macho Uno - No Foul Play by Great Gladiator), who ran twice at Arlington Park, finishing 3rd on May 28, and 5th on June 21. Both starts were at 4.5 furlongs. Straight Talk sold for $190,000 as a yearling. He is out of stakes winner No Foul Play, who was grade II stakes-placed on the turf. No Foul Play won 2 races at 2, including the Glorious Song Stakes, and earned $545,419 overall. No Foul Play is the dam of 4 winnners, including grade III winner Temporary Saint. Temporary Saint was a winner at 2, and has earned $405,101 through 2009.

Selling for $95,000 as a weanling and $200,000 as a yearling was Charter Flight (Maria's Mon - Prop by Unbridled's Song). He is out of the unraced mare Prop, who is a full- or half-sister to three winners.

Ryvit (Tapit - Ryvnine by Broad Brush) sold for $120,000 as a 2-year old. He is the first foal out of the unraced mare Ryvnine. Rynvine is a full-sister to grade I winner Concern, grade III winner Tennis Lady, and 4 other winners.

Grand Piano Man (Grand Slam - Musical Miss by Seattle Song) was also bought as a 2-year old, but for $80,000. He is out of the winning mare Musical Miss. Musical Miss has produced 6 winners, including stakes winners Gild Trip and Trion Georgia. Trion Georgia was also stakes-placed on the turf. Three of Musical Miss' offspring won on the turf, and one won at 2.

Grade II winner Shawklit Mint, dam of Mint Maker (Unbridled's Song - Shawklit Mint by Air Forbes Won), earned $464,654 in her 29 race career. She has produced 2 winners from 2 to run, one of which won at 2 on the turf.

Gray (Unbridled's Song - Cautious Cat by Storm Cat) is out of the mare Cautious Cat, who was a debut winner at 2. Cautious Cat is a half-sister to 5 winners, including Indy Vidual, who was 3rd in the 1998 grade I Man o'War on the Belmont turf.

AE entrant Buffalo Runner (Aldebaran - Tropic Depression by Storm Cat) has made one start, finishing 5th on the dirt at Churchill Downs on June 20. He is out of the winning mare Tropic Depression. Tropic Depression has produced 3 winners, including stakes-placed Donttellmewhattodo.

MTO horse Remittance (Unforgettable Maz - Wife's Objection by Slewpy) sold for $42,000 as a weanling, and $330,000 as a yearling. He is by first-crop sire Unforgettable Max, full-brother to Afleet Alex. Unforgettable Max has sired 5 runners, which have made 8 total starts, recording 1 second, 1 third, and $16,080. The third-place came in the Jamestown Stakes. Remittance is a half-brother to stakes-placed Hehasnosay, who won 2 races at 2. His dam, Wife's Objection, is a half-sister to 6 winners, including grade II winner Kingdom Found.

Hazards of Love and Holiday Buzz

August 6, 2009
Arlington Race 6
Maiden Special Weight
1 mile
2-year olds
Post Time: 4:40 ET HRTV

Hazards of Love (Saint Liam - Spring Rush by Wild Rush) makes his third start, and Holiday Buzz (colt; Afleet Alex - Dixie Holiday by Dixieland Band) debuts in this mile race at Arlington Park.

Hazards of Love finished 5th in his debut at Churchill Downs on June 4, and 3rd at Arlington Park on July 16. The latter race was at 7 furlongs. Since that race, he's worked 4 furlongs at Churchill Downs on July 25 in :50.60. Hazards of Love sold for $50,000 as a yearling, and is out of stakes winner Spring Rush. Spring Rush won 2 races at 2, and earned $226,475 overall. Hazards of Love is her first foal. Saint Liam has sired 20 runners, which have made 31 combined starts, registering 4 wins, 5 thirds, and $81,779.

Holiday Buzz has been working since mid-May, most recently going 4 furlongs in :48.60 at Arlington Park on August 2. He sold for $35,000 as a yearling, and is out of the winning mare Dixie Holiday. Dixie Holiday has produced 5 winners from 5 to run, including 2-year old stakes winner Holiday Runner. Afleet Alex's 23 runners have made 41 collective starts, recording 3 wins, 8 seconds, 3 thirds, and $144,486.

Herecomesbert (Purge - Star Quality (ARG) by Southern Halo) finished 4th in his lone start, running on a sloppy Churchill Downs track on July 4. He is by freshman sire Purge, whose 23 runners which have made 31 total starts, recording 1 win, 4 seconds, 2 thirds, and $72,229. Herecomesbert sold for $50,000 as a yearling. Star Quality, dam of Herecomesbert, was a winner at 2, and a group II winner in Argentina. Star Quality has produced 2 winners, including one 2-year old winner.

Also by a freshman sire is Dual Forecast (Woke Up Dreamin - Sniffy by Repriced), by Woke Up Dreamin. Woke Up Dreamin's 9 runners have made 18 total starts, recording 1 win, 3 seconds, 5 thirds, and $27,787. Dual Forecast has made one start, finishing 8th at Arlington Park on July 5. The winner of that race was Prince Rooney, who recently won the Mountaineer Juvenile Stakes on August 1. Dual Forecast sold for $16,000 as a weanling and $42,000 as a yearling. Stakes-placed Sniffy, dam of Dual Forecast, was a winner at 2 and earned $247,570 in her career. Sniffy has produced the winner Snuff Box.

The rest of the field is unraced, including another entrant by a first-crop sire, Workhard Playhard (Eurosilver - Sybarite by Holy Bull), who is by Eurosilver. Eurosilver has sired 18 runners which have started 34 total times, recording 2 wins, 4 seconds, 7 thirds, and $88,727. Workhard Playhard sold for $30,000 as a yearling, and $35,000 as a 2-year old. He is a half-brother to 2 winners. His dam, Sybarite, is a half-sister to 2 winners, including stakes winner Stellar Affair.

Master Sergeant (Thunder Gulch - Vivid Sunset by Mt. Livermore) sold for $170,000 as a yearling, and is out of grade II stakes-placed Vivid Sunset, who earned $243,842. Vivid Sunset is also a half- or full-sister to 6 winners, including grade III winner Early Warning and grade II winner Wanderin Boy.

Our Second Fitz (Seattle Fitz (ARG) - Evening Shadows by Dixieland Band) sold for $40,000 as a yearling, and is the first foal out of the winning mare Evening Shadows. Evening Shadows is a half-sister to 5 winners, and a full-sister to stakes-placed Dixie Witch.

Malibu Vice (Malibu Moon - Small Vices by With Approval) is out of the winning mare Small Vices, who was a winner at 2. Small Vices has produced 2 winners.

Key Largo (Fusaichi Pegasus - Mary by Cat Thief) is a half-brother to the winner Mary's Song. Key Largo's dam, Mary, is a half-sister to two winners, including grade I winner Mass Media.

3-year old entries August 6

One Hot Toddy (filly; Congaree - Crimson and Roses by El Prado (IRE)), who finished 3rd last time out on July 16 at 6 furlongs at Calder, goes 1 mile on the Calder turf course in race 7. Post time is 3:40 PM ET for this Allowance/Optional Claiming contest.

Peace Reigns (filly; Peace Rules - Diamond Dottie by Eagle Eyed) is entered in race 7 at Louisiana Downs, scheduled for 5 furlongs on the turf. Post time is 5:25 PM ET for this Allowance/Optional Claiming contest. Peace Reigns broke her maiden last time out, running 7 furlongs on the main track at Louisiana Downs on July 4.

Stark's a Smarty (filly; Smarty Jones - A Stark Is Born by Graustark) runs on the turf at Canterbury in race 2. Post time is 8:28 PM ET for this 1 1/16 mile Maiden Special Weight. Stark's a Smarty was 2nd in her last start, July 23 at Canterbury.

Adina Speightstown (filly; Speightstown - Adina by Seattle Slew) faces 8 in race 4 at Evangeline Downs, 7.5 furlongs on the turf. Post time is 8:35 PM ET for this Maiden Special Weight. Adina Speightstown last ran on June 26 at Louisiana Downs, finishing 6th. This will be her first turf try.

Returning Workers

August 5

Working 4 furlongs in :48.60 from the gate at Delaware Park was Alex's Vision (colt; Afleet Alex - Urban Dancer by Citidancer).

Also working from the gate at Delaware was Pugaboo (colt; Afleet Alex - Incircle Miss by Dayjur), who went 6 furlongs in 1:15.20. (A 6 furlong work from the gate? That's my kind of work. Watch this one first time out).

Almooriq (colt; Ghostzapper - Dash for Money by General Meeting) worked 4 furlongs on the turf training track at Saratoga, recording a time of :49.88.

Ghost Girl (filly; Ghostzapper - Bayou Breeze by A. P. Indy) worked at Arlington, 5 furlongs in 1:00.40.

At Belmont, Trinity Run (colt; Ghostzapper - Lake Windermere by Fit to Fight) went 4 furlongs in :51.22.

At Fair Hill, Wicked Charm (filly; Ghostzapper - Belva by Theatrical (IRE)) went 3 furlongs in :39.00.

Kaila Ann's Kitten (filly; Kitten's Joy - One Lucky Storm by Tale of the Cat) worked 5 furlongs in 1:02.33 on the turf training track at Saratoga.

At Belmont, Raise the Kitty (filly; Kitten's Joy - Elevate by Cox's Ridge) went 4 furlongs in :48.10.

Best Actor (colt; Rock Hard Ten - Dance for Dixie by Unaccounted For) worked at Arlington, 5 furlongs in 1:01.40.

At Saratoga, Furious Run (colt; Rock Hard Ten - One Dream Cat by Storm Cat) went 5 furlongs in 1:02.07.

New Madrid (colt; Rock Hard Ten - Back to Earth by Theatrical (IRE)) worked 3 furlongs at Belmont, recording a time of :36.89.

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