By Dennis Miller | 2024
July 25
Both the sides of the United States feature huge stakes races Saturday to highlight this weekend’s big races.
Both Saratoga and Del Mar feature a Grade I and Grade II race on Saturday.
Back east we will see the running of the Grade I Alfred G. Vanderbilt, and what I think is the race of the day – the Grade II Jim Dandy.
The West Coast will welcome the Grade I Bing Crosby and the Grade II San Diego Handicap. Katonah, who won the inaugural running of the Pleasanton Mile in July of 2023, makes his return to the track after being off since that start.
Saratoga
Jim Dandy
This 1-1/8-mile test for 3-year-olds is the 10th race on the Saratoga card and is set for a 2:43 p.m. post.
Sierra Leone (Chad Brown, Flavian Prat, 1/1) and Fierceness (Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, 9/5) are the two heavy favorites, and come into the race with different racing styles.
Fierceness, the 2-year-old champ and the Kentucky Derby betting favorite before finishing 15th, prefers to be in the lead or sitting close.
Sierra Leone, who likes to close from the parking lot, was the betting favorite in the Belmont Stakes before running third. He was the second-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby.
Seize the Grey (D Wayne Lukas, Jaime Torres, 6-1) was the winner of the Preakness, as well as the Pat Day Mile at Churchill Downs on the Derby undercard.
Batten Down (Bill Mott, Junior Alvarado, 5/1), Pony Express (John Sadler, Joel Rosario, 20/1), and Gould’s Gold (Kenny McPeak, Brian Hernandez, 15-1) round out the field, with all three, along with Seize the Grey having shown the love of front-end speed, assuring the fast pace for Sierra Leone to run at.
I have been a big proponent of Sierra Leone since his hard-charging win in the Risen Star and I felt he was the horse to beat in the Derby.
He lost on the first Saturday in May by a nose hair, then came back to run third in a troubled Belmont trip. He may never get a better setup in any race than he will see here.
This should be the perfect set up for the Travers, also at Saratoga, on August 24.
Vanderbilt
There may be only six going to post in this 6-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up, but it is a contentious race where I see four horses with a legit chance to win the race, the 6th at Saratoga with a 12:20 p.m. start.
There is not a hidden agenda here as all four will be hitting the gas when gate opens.
Skelly (Steve Asmussen, Ricardo Santana, 9/5) is the morning line favorite and has won three of five starts this year, and 10-of-16 overall.
The last start saw the horse run second in the Aristides at Churchill Downs on June 1.
Baby Yoda (Bill Mott, Eric Cancel, 7/2) is coming off a big, 6-length win on June 8th in the Grade II True North at Saratoga, going off at almost 10/1. He broke second that day, seized control midway through the race, then drew off in the lane for his first graded stakes win.
Subrogate (Jorge Duarte, Irad Ortiz, 7/2) is coming off a six-length win in an optional claimer at Aqueduct on June 29. His 106 Beyer mark that day is the best last race mark on any in the field.
Nakatomi (Wesley Ward, Tyler Gaffalione, 5/2) last ran May 30 at Meydan (UAE) where he was third in the Grade I Dubai Golden Shaheen. He ended last year with a third in the Breeders Cup Sprint at 26-1. To find his last win, you need to go back to July 16 of last year when he bested a group in an optional claimer at Saratoga.
Del Mar
San Diego Handicap
The 1-1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up – the 8th at Del Mar with a 5:30 p.m. post – will see a prohibitive favorite when they go to post as Arabian Knight (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 3/5) is the clear morning line choice.
He has been off since November when was fourth in the Breeders Cup Classic after setting the pace through the first half of the race. The series of works for the return have been consistent and solid. Will be setting the pace or pushing it in the early going.
Express Train (John Shirreffs, Mike Smith, 3/1) comes in as the second choice. He had been on the shelf since October when he returned to run in the Kona Gold, finishing third in the sprint. Now he stretches back out to a distance where he is 2-of-3, including winning this race in 2021.
Dr. Venkman (Mark Glatt, Antonio Fresu, 9/2) is the third choice and his coming off a second in the Grade II Triple Bend, a 7-furlong event June 1 at Santa Anita. Tries a route for the first time in four starts. Will opt to sit off the pace and make a late run.
Newgrange (Phil D’Amato, Kazushi Kimura, 6/1) has not raced since weakening in the Santa Anita Handicap on March 3, finishing sixth, beaten 11 lengths as the favorite. In his only other start this year, he won the Grade II San Pasqual.
Katonah (Doug O’Neill, TJ Pereira, 15/1) picks an interesting spot to return to after two years away. His last start came in Pleasanton when he won the Pleasanton Mile. At his best he would be a price horse but with two years on the shelf, I will have to see one first.
Bing Crosby
The 6-furlong, Grade I sprint is the 10th at Del Mar and is set for a 6:30 p.m. post.
In my mind, the race starts and ends with The Chosen Vron (Eric Kruljac, Hector Barrios, 6/5). The horse has won 18-of-23 career starts, including all four this year.
The fan favorite won this race last year but then went on to finish fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in November. After winning the Grade III San Carlos and the Kona Gold, he won the Thor’s Echo in May, with all three coming at Santa Anita.
It’s a small sample size, but the barn does hit at 36 percent off the break.
Happy Jack (Doug O’Neill, Edwin Maldonado, 3/1) is the second choice is coming off a win in the 7-fulong Triple Bend on June 1. Before that, was second, beaten three-quarters of a length by The Chosen Vron so there appears to be a shot if the favorite has any issues.
Closethegame Sugar (Adam Rice, Umberto Rispoli, 5/1) ships in from Churchill Downs where two back, he beat Skelly (the favorite in the Grade I Vanderbilt at Saratoga) in the Aristides at 19/1. In his last start he won the $250,00 Kelly’s Landing, also at Churchill. Expect to see a stalking pace here.
The final one that could contend is Straight No Chaser (Dan Blacker, Antonio Fresu, 6/1). He started out west last year before shipping back east. The last start was May 11 in the Grade III Run Happy at Aqueduct where he was fourth as the heavy favorite. Has been back training since June in California where he has been burning it up in the mornings.
Churchill Downs renovations
If you have never been to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, and you decide to make your first trip for the event in 2025, there will be some renovations that will be worth checking out!
Here is the release from Churchill Downs Inc. that was sent out July 24.
Churchill Downs Incorporated recently announced an $80-$90 million renovation to the existing grandstand at Churchill Downs Racetrack that will update ticketed seating options while significantly improving and adding to the amenities available for all guests in the grandstand area.
Construction on the Grandstand Club and Pavilion is scheduled to begin in August with completion planned in time for the 151st Kentucky Derby in 2025.
The renovation of the Grandstand Club will transform existing outdoor aluminum bleachers into a combination of 8,300 new comfortable seating varieties.
Updated seating options will include covered and uncovered stadium-style seats as well as rail boxes along the dirt track’s outer rail that will offer a “trackside” seating experience where guests will be able to closely watch horses break from the Kentucky Derby Starting Gate. First-floor amenities for the Grandstand Club will include new and upgraded permanent concessions, bars and wagering windows.
The project will also considerably improve and add amenities for 2,800 guests in the existing third floor box seats under the Starting Gate Suites.
The Grandstand Pavilion will create a more upscale social environment by converting the existing second-floor amenity area into a covered outdoor garden environment with new concessions, bars and wagering windows.
Expansion to the second floor will create additional space for overall guest circulation and add an outdoor balcony for added dining seats. A new stately entrance to the Grandstand Pavilion will unify the surrounding exterior architecture.
“Like all of our recent enhancements at Churchill Downs, the renovation of the grandstands represents our commitment to providing unique guest seating options while honoring the historic significance of the property in order to achieve a world class sports and entertainment experience for our guests,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs.
For more information on purchasing options for the Grandstand Club and Pavilion, sign up for the online sale at KentuckyDerby.com or call (502) 636-4447 for additional purchasing options including personal seat licenses.
July 19
From Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “the Company”) announced today that the suspension of Bob Baffert from racetracks owned and operated by the Company, is rescinded effective immediately. The decision was detailed in a statement from CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen:
“We are satisfied that Mr. Baffert has taken responsibility for his actions, completed a substantial penalty and is committed to running in full compliance with the rules and regulations going forward. All parties agree that it is time to bring this chapter to a close and focus on the future. Mr. Baffert is welcome to return to any of CDI’s racetracks, including our flagship Churchill Downs Racetrack, and we wish him and his connections good luck in their future competitive endeavors.”
CDI’s decision to end the suspension follows a statement released by Bob Baffert earlier today that said, “I accept responsibility for Medina Spirit’s positive test in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. I am responsible for any substance found in the horses that I train, and I have paid a very steep price with a three-year suspension and the disqualification of Medina Spirit’s performance. I understand and appreciate that Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission took steps to enforce the rules that they believed were necessary to protect the safety and integrity of horse racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby. My family and I want to put this behind us and get back to doing what we love to do without anymore distraction or negativity. I very much look forward to returning to Churchill Downs and getting back to the Winner’s Circle.”
July 18
A pair of Grade I stake races on the East Coast for 3-year-olds highlight horse racing action this weekend.
The Haskell will see eight horses go to post at Monmouth Park as the boys’ battle, while the fillies will go at it at Saratoga in the Coaching Club American Oaks.
It is also opening weekend for Del Mar and the $50,000 California Governor’s Cap will take place at the California State Fair on Saturday.
Haskell (Saturday, 2:45 p.m.)
The lightly raced Mindframe (Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz, 9/5) who was second in the Belmont Stakes, is the morning line favorite for the event that is 1-1/8-miles.
The horse made his debut back in March, winning a straight maiden race at Gulfstream Park by 13 lengths. He followed that with a $100,000 optional claiming win at Churchill Downs, crossing the line over seven lengths in front.
Mindframe made his stakes debut in the Belmont where he took the lead at the top of the stretch but was run down and finished second.
Dornoch (Danny Gargan, Luis Saez, 5/2) was the winner of the Belmont at 17/1. This was a horse that many I knew had money on at a price in the Kentucky Derby but found nothing but trouble throughout the race.
In the resume are wins in Derby preps the Remsen and the Fountain of Youth.
Fierceness (Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, 5/2) was the 2-year-old champ last year and was the favorite when the gates opened in the Derby.
After hoping at the start, he rushed up to vie for the lead, but the early misgivings took their toll in the lane and he finished 10th, beaten 24 lengths.
He’s been off since the Derby but does have a solid series of works for a Pletcher barn that hits at 18 percent coming off this length of break.
Tuscan Sky (Todd Pletcher, Javier Castellano, 9/2) is the third Pletcher runner here and could be one of interest as a value play.
There was some buzz about this one early on the Derby trail after he won his first two starts. Then came a disappointing Wood Memorial in early April where he was seventh, beaten nine lengths.
He went to the shelf after that before coming back in the $150,000 Pegasus on June 15 at Monmouth, easily winning by six-lengths. He looks in fine form and obviously likes the track. Take a look at the tote and if you can get 5/1 or more, might be worth a couple of bucks.
CCOA
For the fillies the attention will be on Saratoga with the running of the Coaching Club American Oaks on Saturday.
The 1-1/8-mile race is the 11th on the Saratoga card and is set for a 3:17 p.m. PDT post.
There are only five horses set to go to post and one needs to look no further than Thorpedo Anna as the reason some may have stayed away.
The Kenneth McPeek trained runner is the 1-2 morning line favorite and has won five-of-six career starts, including three straight romps.
The lone loss in her first graded stakes race when she was second in the Golden Rod at Churchill in November. She went to the bench at that point before coming back at the end of March. First up was the Grade II Fantasy at Oaklawn where she won four lengths. Next up was the Grade I Kentucky Oaks and she came away with an almost five-length win.
The last start was June 7 at Saratoga on Belmont weekend this time the margin of victory was over five lengths.
Brian Hernandez has been on board for all six starts and is up again here.
Candied (Todd Pletcher, Manny Franco, 5/2) is the second choice with three wins in five starts. Her last start with a 4-length score in the Lady Secret on June 8 at Monmouth.
She was a badly beaten fourth in the Grade I Ashland at Keeneland.
Leslie’s Rose (Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, 5/1) is the horse that won the Ashland but that came after a 13th in the Kentucky Oaks, beaten 44 lengths.
Before that, she won the Grade I Ashland, beating Just FYI in the process.
Intricate (Brendan Walsh, Tyler Gaffalione, 8/1) does have the resume to say she’s the lone horse to beat Thorpedo Anna as she was the winner of the Golden Rod. Since then she second in the Rachel Alexandra at the Fair Grounds and a second in the Monomoy Girl at Churchill, sandwiching a fifth in the Fair Ground Oaks.
Barbratina (George Weaver, Junior Alvarado, 20/1) is the final horse in the race.
California State Fair
Tom’s Regret (Steve Miyadi, Luis Miguel Jimenez) who defended her Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks title opening weekend at the Alameda County Fair, leads the group headed into the $50,000 Governor’s Cup at Cal Expo on Saturday.
The race is the 4th on the Sacramento card and is set for a 6:30 p.m. start.
Chancery Way (Jamey Thomas, Assael Espinoza) is the defending champ of this race as she wired the field. Was third in the Oaks as one of the favored horses after setting the pace the first half of the race. Has won both starts at Sacramento.
One other of interest is Blevys Tiger (Manny Badilla, Irving Orozco). Making her stake debut and is coming off a pair of wins, the last on June 21 at Pleasanton in a $50,000 optional claimer.
Since then, the horse had a pair of huge works over the Pleasanton track and sure looks in fire form heading into this one.
July 10
To say Lammas is running in fine form right now would be a tremendous slight to the 7-year-old out of the Manny Badilla barn.
If there was any doubt, watch the replay of Sunday’s $150,000 Pleasanton Mile on the final day at the Alameda County Fair 2024 horse racing meet.
Sent off at 9/2 – the third favorite – Lammas was sixth at the ¾-pole, but turned on the jets, cruising home with a two-length win, and with it the $90,000 to the first-place finisher.
Mixto – the heavy favorite – was second with, Prince Abu Dhabi running third at 6/1.
Ridden for the fourth straight race by Irving Orozco, all four have resulted in wins.
Mixto set the early pace before being passed by Piroli at the ¾-pole, but that lead was short lived when Lammas split horses and took the lead he would not give up.
Mixto fell to third momentarily but fought back and kept Lammas honest down the lane. Prince Abu Dhabi came from the back, took a shot at getting the lead in the lane but got outkicked by Mixto and finished third.
The win was the 11th in 31 careers starts for Lammas and the what’s next has yet to be determined. Although it was his first start on the Pleasanton track, Lammas was a superstar in the morning with a pair of big works leading into the race.
“I’m not sure,” said Badilla right after the race. “There are some saying Del Mar, but we will see. We wanted to enter this race last year, but he was coming off an injury. We are just happy to get in this year. He loves this track.”
Everett Nevin Stake
In a battle of some of the top 2-year-olds in Northern California and a pair of runners from Southern California, it was the north that prevailed with an impressive win from Drop Um on July 7, the final day of the 2024 Alameda County Fair horse racing meet.
Owned by Gray Farms Inc., trained by Felix Rodan, and winner by Adrian Castellanos, Drop Um got the lead and held on for the win be a length at 5/1 in the 5-1/2-furlong sprint.
R Heisman, out of the Peter Miller barn in Southern California ran second as the overwhelming favorite at 4/5. TimTy, the other SoCal shipper, was third, 10-lengths back.
Drop Um tracked the early pace from Coracoracora through the first half of the race, then took the lead at the top of the lane. R Heisman, who was down two lengths at the top of the stretch, cut into the lead but ran out of room, finishing a length back.
Drop Um now stands 2-for-2, with the next step to be determined. Del Mar surely seems a likely stop, as they offer a few 2-year-old stakes races.
