Cross Traffic Filly Runs to the Buzz At Saratoga

6th-Saratoga, $88,000, (S), Msw, 8-10, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:11.48, ft, 5 lengths.
MAPLE LEAF MEL (f, 2, Cross Traffic–City Gift, by City Place), named after trainer Jeremiah Englehart's assistant trainer Melanie Giddings, entered this unveiling with a reputation that preceded her, and garnered 3-5 favoritism in this state-bred affair. Quick to the front from mid-pack, the $150,000 EASMAY purchase (:10.2) set the tempo against the fence and expanded her gap at each point of call as Spinning Colors (Hard Spun) chased in vain. In much of a one-horse race from the far turn on, Maple Leaf Mel stayed clear under a hands-and-heels ride, cruising home to win by five lengths over Security Code (Frosted), who led the rest of a strung-out field. A half-sister to Eddie's Gift (El Corredor), SP, $167,950, Maple Leaf Mel has a yearling half-brother by Brody's Cause who, is her dam's last reported foal. Sales History: $18,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP; $150,000 2yo '22 EASMAY. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $48,400. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.
O-August Dawn Farm; B-Joe Fafone (NY); T-Jeremiah C. Englehart.