SARATOGA SPRINGS — Elite Power, the impressive seven-race winning streak holder, will showcase his talent in Saturday afternoon’s Grade I Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, with leading jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. in the saddle. Trained by the esteemed Bill Mott, Elite Power will carry the highest weight of 126 pounds.
Morning line maker David Aragona favors Elite Power as the 4-5 favorite in the six-furlong sprint, named in honor of the late president of Belmont Park and owner of Pimlico Race Course, Alfred G. Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt’s legacy includes breeding Native Dancer, a renowned racehorse who won 21 out of 22 races, with his only defeat coming from Dark Star in the 1953 Kentucky Derby.
Elite Power’s remarkable winning streak has taken place on various tracks, such as Belmont Park, Keeneland, Aqueduct, Saratoga, and even King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Gunite, who finished second to Elite Power in Riyadh, is the second favorite at 8-5, accompanied by jockey Tyler Gaffalione at 124 pounds. Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, Gunite promises to be a strong contender.
Six of the entries in the Vanderbilt Handicap are nominated for the Breeders’ Cup sprint, scheduled to be held at Santa Anita on November 4. Notably, Elite Power emerged victorious in last year’s edition of the Breeders’ Cup sprint.
Bucking the odds
Bustin Away, a 2-year-old gelded son of the widely respected stallion Bustin Stones, was acquired by Michael Di Tomasso for a mere $8,000 at an auction last year. Bustin Away soared to a victorious debut in Friday’s opener, a New York-bred six-furlong sprint, earning Di Tomasso a substantial sum of $48,400. This longshot paid a remarkable $29.40 for a $2 win bet.
Shortly after, Into the Sunrise triumphed in the second race, providing a payout of $20.20. The daily double consisting of the numbers 3 and 7 rewarded bettors with a significant payoff of $100.75. The trend of impressive earnings continued when River Tay, an Irish-bred racehorse, triumphed in a thrilling photo finish in the third race. A $1 Pick 3 ticket bearing the winning numbers 3, 7, and 9 granted lucky holders an impressive sum of $1,477.50 each.
Hydra, competing with blinkers for the first time, emerged victorious in the fourth race, defying the odds at a little over 7-1. The $2 winning ticket for Hydra paid a respectable $16.60. Hydra’s win also completed a profitable $1 pick 3, which rewarded punters with $1,336.50. Apprentice rider Jaime Torres achieved success in the fifth race, guiding New York-bred Colloquy to triumph. Coincidentally, the tote displayed a 50-cent early pick-5 ticket that paid an astonishing $19,233.
McPeek preps pair
When a trainer possesses two exceptional horses of the same gender and age group, the decision of which horse runs in which race becomes a crucial consideration. Ken McPeek, however, has masterfully selected the ideal races, conditions, surfaces, and purses for his prized Thoroughbreds, Smile Happy and Rattle N Roll.
McPeek has directed Smile Happy, a Grade II winner in his latest appearance at Churchill Downs, to participate in the $1 million, Grade I Whitney Handicap at 1 1/8 miles over Saratoga’s main track. A triumph in the Whitney would secure a spot in the prestigious $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on November 4.
After Smile Happy graces the Whitney, Rattle N Roll, also competing at the same distance, will take on the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, with identical purse value and a coveted “Win and You’re In” invitation.
‘Romance’ gets ready
Rebel’s Romance, the reigning champion of the Breeders’ Cup Turf, aims for a repeat victory with a start in Sunday’s $250,000, Grade II Bowling Green, contested over 1 3/8 miles on the inner turf course. As the morning-line favorite at 8-5, Rebel’s Romance will be guided by jockey Richie Mullen from post No. 9.
Heat takes a toll
Mother Nature disrupted the racing schedule by intensifying the heat to levels unsuitable for racehorses. Consequently, Colonial Downs in Virginia, Ellis Park in Kentucky, Laurel in Maryland, and Woodbine in Ontario had to cancel their race cards for Friday.
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