A Run at History

That's what is going to be happening this weekend, either way. We will either see the cornation of what is the best 3yo filly in the past 30 years in Rachel Alexandra, or an upset. Either way the Woodward and Forego kick off an exciting weekend of racing. Also we could see another upset as Todd Pletcher could lose the training title to Linda Rice. If she where to win, then she would become the first woman to win a training title not only at Saratoga, but at a major track. As I last checked, they where in a tie for the lead. I had plans for doing a field by field preview (posting the fields), the, but of course I forgot to. But I have several stakes to preview for this weekend.

Forego: 7 furlongs is the perfect distance for Kodiak Kowboy, unfortanlly the Forego happens to be at the track where he's had the least success. Pyro trys for win #1 in Godolphin colors, and maybe a furlong short of his best distance, I see him closing at the end to get second behind the Kowboy. Ready's Echo for third.

Darley Debutante (formerly the Del Mar Debutante): Medaglia d'Oro has a great chance of getting his first G1 winner whose name is not you know who or Gabby's Golden Gal, in Champagne D'oro who could be scratched from the race and go in the Del Mar Futurity instead. Look out for Mi Sueno, a daughter of G1 winner Madcap Escapade, and Necessary Evil who beat the boys earlier this year.

Del Mar Derby: This looks to be Battle of Hastings race to lose, but look out for Papa Clem who makes his first turf start.

Del Mar Futurity: All eyes will be on Lookin on Lucky, but if she goes I wouldn't count out Champagne D'oro. I mean after all, her sire already has one boy beater. However, I'm going with Make Music for Me, because well his name!

Spinaway: This race will always have a soft place in my heart as this was where Mani Bhavan one of my favorite horses to ever run at Delaware Park won her only G1 race. (Ironicly when you know who schooled yesterday, it was with the 5th race which where 2yo maiden fillies. The winner was a Stormy Alantic filly named Dattt Echo (I hate that name), she happens to be Mani's 3/4 sister). This year I'm going with Hot Dixie Chick.

Commentator: This is an overnight stakes that will honor the recent retiree. My only problem is that it's a turf sprint. Distance isn't a problem as Commentator did win a sprint stakes against open company before his two Whitney wins at 4 and 7. However turf? The last time I checked, he was a dirt runner. But I guess this is what NYRA had planned. Either way Cannonball who was last seen just missing out at Royal Ascot to romp over his fellow NYB's. One of the Linda Rice entrys for second.

Hopeful: Closing day of Saratoga! All eyes will be on Backtalk who is undefeated. But he will have some challenges in front of him. A. a new jockey, Miguel Mena not allowed in New York due to his recent arrest, Richard Migliore in. Although he is not having a great meet, he is a respected jockey and did win the Test earlier on this meet. B. He's breaking from the 13 post in a field of 13. Also keep an eye on Aikenite, Liston, Overlap and Dublin.

PA Derby: This was supposed to be the feel good story of Dale Beckner, who rode Soul Warrior to an huge upset over Mine That Bird in the WV Derby. This was after Mena missed his flight to WV and had entered rehab soon after that (but let's not go there). Unfortanlly Beckner was seriously injured last weekend at Presque Isle.(along with Michael Streight who was injured at Arlington). Also in the race is my pick Join in the Dance and the 5th and last place finishers of the Haskell Duke of Mischief and Bunker Hill. Also in the race is Our Edge who was eased last Saturday in the Travers. Hopefully he is scratched as he probley won't do well here.

Pacific Classic: Rail Trip should win this, I think Col. John and Einstein could give him a run for his money, but he was just too impressive IMO in his HGC win.

Woodward: Saving the best for last! This is not a walk in the park for Rachel Alexandra and this will be her toughest test yet. Bullsbay is coming off a huge effort in the Whitney and I think he's the most likely to bounce. Pass the Point and Da' Tara each have early speed and they are horses who I worry about the most along with Macho Again. It's a Bird, I don't see the hype about him, but then again I think he's overrated (along with Let it Rock), since he beat Prom Shoes earlier this year (note: I wanted the Shoes to win, it has nothing to do with the horses. And so far I've been right about Let it Rock since he hasn't run since and well It's a Bird might be DQ'ed from the Oaklawn Handicap and has only won once since then.). Asiatic Boy has done okay, but not great since he made his US debut in the Stephen Foster. Cool Coal Man, I expect to be right up there with Rachel, Macho and Bull, but just out of the money. So I'm going with my heart and going with Rach, Macho, Bull trifecta.

There are so many races this weekend (including the Kent at DP!), but just don't have the time to preview them all. I will have a full recap on Monday! Everyone have a great holiday weekend.