Rattle N Roll, who showed his winning potential in the Ben Ali at Keeneland in April, is the morning-line favorite for the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga on Saturday. This race is part of the “Win and You’re In” events leading up to the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic in November. Additionally, Arcangelo’s victory in the Travers Stakes solidified his position as a top contender among 3-year-olds for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. However, the older horses competing in the Jockey Club Gold Cup have the opportunity to showcase their talent and possibly shake up the standings. Labor Day weekend serves as the first of two weekend previews for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup World Championships, with various divisions hosting qualifying events across the country. As summer comes to an end, Kentucky Downs kicks off its highly lucrative meeting on the European-style turf track near the Tennessee border. While the purses may include state-bred supplements, many of the horses are locally bred and will compete for the full amount. The previews and race recaps will be condensed to fit this article, so let’s dive into the highlights of the weekend:
Classic: The Pacific Classic at Del Mar offers a “Win and You’re In” spot for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. While the top older horses on the West Coast circuit will be in contention, three talented 3-year-olds will also be vying for a statement victory. Geaux Rocket Ride, coming off a win in the Grade I Haskell, Arabian Knight, a high-priced purchase last year, and Skinner, a Santa Anita Derby runner-up, are the standout youngsters in the race. Defunded and Stiletto Boy are among the experienced veterans aiming to challenge them.
Jockey Club Gold Cup: Saratoga hosts this “Win and You’re In” event for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. Despite the earlier reports of bad weather, conditions are expected to be suitable for the race. Rattle N Roll and Proxy are likely to receive significant support from bettors, but the field of eight leaves room for a potential upset.
Super Derby: After a three-year hiatus, the Super Derby returns to Louisiana Downs. While the field is competitive, it may not match the caliber of horses in the Pacific Classic or Jockey Club Gold Cup. The morning-line favorite, How Did He Do That, will be looking to bounce back from disappointments in the Texas Derby and Ellis Park Derby.
Distaff: Faisa will play a key role in the Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Trained by Bob Baffert, Faisa won her first five starts, including the Grade I Starlet and Grade II Santa Anita Oaks. She seeks a return to form after finishing third in the Black-Eyed Susan.
Turf: The Del Mar Handicap offers a “Win and You’re In” berth for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf. Last year’s winner, Gold Phoenix, is part of a well-balanced field. In a surprising move, Baffert enters Azul Coast, a 6-year-old with limited turf experience. Meanwhile, Kentucky Downs features the Dueling Grounds Derby, where Preakness Stakes fourth-place finisher, Red Route One, switches to turf. Saratoga also hosts the Saranac and Caesar’s Sportsbook Del Mar Derby, both promising competitive fields on the turf.
Filly & Mare Turf: The Flower Bowl at Saratoga, a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, attracts only four contenders. Trainer Chad Brown’s McKulick emerges as the morning-line favorite. Kentucky Downs’ Dueling Grounds Oaks, on the other hand, boasts a full field with no clear frontrunner. The undulating course adds an extra challenge to this 1 5/16-mile race.
Turf Mile: Kentucky Downs dominates the turf mile division this weekend, presenting the Mint Millions, Gun Runner Stakes, and National Thoroughbred League Handicap. Annapolis, boasting a solid record, is a strong contender for the Mint Millions. The Gun Runner features notable contenders like Wadsworth, Major Dude, and Talk of the Nation, along with long shot Tall Boy. Red Route One, fresh off a win in the West Virginia Derby, shortens up and tries turf in the National Thoroughbred League Handicap. Del Mar also contributes to the turf mile division with the Del Mar Mile, featuring competitive runners like Exaulted, Balnikhov, Du Jour, and Count Again.
Turf Sprint: Del Mar’s Green Flash Handicap showcases a full field of speedy contenders vying for a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. With just 5 furlongs to prove themselves, racing luck becomes crucial. The Music City Stakes at Kentucky Downs also offers a thrilling matchup, with Mama’s Girl making her U.S. debut after facing elite competition in England. Saratoga adds a touch of English influence with Big Invasion, returning from Royal Ascot, as a strong contender in the Harvey Pack Stakes.
Filly & Mare Sprint: The Prioress Stakes at Saratoga features five 3-year-old fillies, all eager to compete for the lead in this entertaining 6-furlong race.
Juvenile & Juvenile Fillies Turf: Gala Brand, a filly daringly facing male rivals, soared from the back of the pack to win the With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga. Gala Brand’s impressive victory adds excitement to the race, although the field was significantly reduced due to unfavorable track conditions. On the other hand, the P.G. Johnson Stakes saw Magic Cross triumph on the fast main track after being moved off the turf. In the Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga, Brightwork, unbeaten and victorious in the Grade III Adirondack earlier in the meet, leads a sizable field.
Juvenile: The highly anticipated Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga awaits the entries, promising a competitive lineup. In the meantime, Del Mar’s third race on Saturday features a group of promising first-time starters, including Mc Vay and a few horses trained by Baffert.
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