The summer lashed out with a last round punch as fireworks and family grill-outs fill the long weekend. I can feel the cool breeze of autumn on my face as my thoughts turn to the end of season championships better known as the Breeders’ Cup.  But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. The weekend offered plenty of incredible thoroughbred action, and there were plenty of runners that need an extra look for their next out effort.

 

Saratoga – 9/6/15 – Race #3 – #1 – 7f on the dirt

Hillbilly Style = Javier Castellano in the saddle, and he was slow into stride when the gates broke open. He dropped well off the pace, and once he got things going he had to overcome a four-wide and a five-wide vigorous hand ride that may have taken a little off of his best game. – A clean trip and the rider get him on track next time out.

 

Saratoga – 9/6/15 – Race #5 – #1 – 7f on the dirt

Political Justice  = He was bumped soundly at the break with Javier in the saddle, and trainer Mike Maker will have him focused next out with added work. – Be on the look for a sharp gate work before he makes his next start. Bumping around can take a good deal of energy to overcome, and the connections are as tough as a nickel steak.

 

Saratoga – 9/6/15 – Race #6 – #3 – 7f on the dirt

Sherini = Joel Rosario was aboard for Graham Motion, and they do very good work as a team. She was awkward at the start, and broke inward starting the chain reaction. Once she settled out, a four wide bid was produced and she showed a good effort. This is one to build on, and I have the world of confidence with the trainer.

 

Saratoga – 9/6/15 – Race #7 – #5 – 5 1/2 on the turf

Sidearm = Javier Castellano had a tough day at the office, and he had to take up at the start after being pinched back. Once he got his head together, he was forced to make a six-wide move that didn’t pan out on the greensward sprint. – Toss this race and look for the next effort. If you liked (5-1) on this day, I think you’ll get a little better price at the windows.

 

Saratoga – 9/6/15 – Race #8 – #11 – 1 1/8 on the turf

Style Drift = Irad Ortiz and his go-to-man Chad Brown ran a winner’s race, but finished second. She stalked nicely from an outside post, and was poised to pounce and came up a bit short against a nice runner in Summersault. – Mr. Brown will have all systems go next time on the track.

 

Saratoga – 9/6/15 – Race #9 – #2 – 5 1/2 on the turf

Moondance Joy = Luis Saez was the pilot, and she broke slowly and had to steady shortly after the break. Saez saved plenty of ground, and when put to the task he had her in high gear making up ground. This was a nice race to take notes, and you bet you’ll see a better effort.