Notes on the Saturday Program

By Jude T. Feld

Rick explaining to Major Strasser that he came to Casablanca for “the waters.” He “was misinformed.”

This will be a big weekend for horseplayers with many of the Grade 1 events running on Monday. Saturday’s card is full of solid wagering opportunities and will be a treat to watch. As usual, check track changes and weather conditions before wagering.

The Kent (G3) is DELAWARE PARK’s 8TH RACE. Morning line favorite ADRIANO has not impressed since joining the stable of Hall of Fame trainer Billy Mott. Even with stable rider Kent Desormeaux up this afternoon, a short price is hard to take. WESLEY has won both of his starts since moving to the turf, including a Grade 2 event at Saratoga. He offers much more value at 7-2 on the morning line.

WESTLINE is a filly by Gone West from a Storm Cat mare. She has made steady improvement for trainer David Vance and could cause an upset in the Coca-Cola Bassinet, RIVER DOWNS’ 11TH RACE. The fact that journeyman rider Larry Melacon gets off the couch to make the trip to Ohio enhances her chances.

The Red Bank (G3) is MONMOUTH PARK’s 9TH RACE. Tough old campaigner ICY ATLANTIC is the defending champion but will need his best effort to take home the chrome. WHEELS UP AT NOON has won two stakes since joining the Doug Fout barn and looks like the gelding to beat.

FOREFATHERS is fast, but he rates nicely. He should get a lovely trip just behind the early speed and be ready to pounce when Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado calls upon him. It would not be shocking to see the turquoise and gold Zayat Stable colors in the winners’ circle after the Forego (G1), SARATOGA’s 9TH RACE, although LUCKY ISLAND is unbeaten this year and only once in six lifetime starts.

The Woodward is SARATOGA’s 10TH RACE. Eclipse Award-winning CURLIN has earned $9,496,800. The rest of the field – $4,344,584. Whodoyoulike?

Richard Blaine (Humphrey Bogart’s character) went to Casablanca for the “waters.” When the German major points out that Casablanca was a desert and there were no waters, Blaine says, “I was misinformed.” VACARE went to the “Spa” hoping to be rejuvenated by the waters but they didn’t do the trick. She returns to the Pacific Coast this afternoon, making her initial appearance, “Where the turf meets the surf.” Many horses perk up in the salty ocean air, so you can expect a big effort from the daughter of Lear Fan in the Palomar (G2), DEL MAR’s 9TH RACE.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 29th, 2008 at 3:15 pm and is filed under Selections. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.