Spinaway S.

Having Given The Acorn A Miss, Ways and Means Romps in Spa Allowance

7th-Saratoga, $110,000, Alw, 6-6, (NW1$X), 3yo/up, f/m, 1m, 1:35.90, ft, 8 1/4 lengths. WAYS AND MEANS (f, 3, Practical Joke--Strong Incentive {SW, $123,568}, by Warrior's Reward) was given an entry for Friday's GI Acorn S., but took in this race in its stead and duly stamped her authority on it as the 1-5 mortal. Drawn two from the outside going the Wilton Chute config and adding Lasix for the first time, last year's GI Spinaway S. runner-up was trapped out wide as they angled towards the backstretch and raced out...

[ Read More ]
Summer Breezes: Coal Front Filly Gets Grade I Shot

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer racing season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at both Saratoga and Del Mar. Summer Breezes highlights debuting 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, with links to their under-tack previews. To follow are the entries for Sunday at Saratoga and Del Mar: Sunday, September 3, 2023 Saratoga 1, $136k, 2yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 12:40 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Way to Be Marie (Not This...

[ Read More ]
Leave No Trace 'Outworks' Rivals in Spinaway

WellSpring Stables' Leave No Trace (Outwork), overlooked at 14-1 stepping up from restricted maiden company, proved best in Sunday's GI Spinaway S. at Saratoga to give trainer Phil Serpe his first top-level success since 1993. Bought for just $40,000 as a Fasig-Tipton Midlantic October yearling, the dark bay scored a professional 2 3/4-length victory while wrapped up later against auction price-restricted foes here July 20. That effort earned a co-field best 77 Beyer, but Irad Ortiz, Jr. departed to ride Aunt Shirley (Justify) in here and Leave No Trace drifted...

[ Read More ]
Background Check: Spinaway

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is the GI Spinaway S., currently the first Grade I of the year for 2-year-olds in the country. Dating to 1881, back when the Kentucky Derby was running for just the seventh time, President James Garfield was assassinated in office, and there was what would become a legendary shootout at the O.K. Corral, the Spinaway has seen its share of history. The race itself is named...

[ Read More ]
Casse Plays Chess with Spinaway-Bound Wonder Wheel

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Though their names are similar and they have trainer Mark Casse in common, Wonder Gadot (Medaglia d'Oro) and Wonder Wheel (Into Mischief) are not related, except, possibly, in ability. Wonder Gadot, a two-time champion and 2018 Horse of the Year in Canada, is named for the Israeli actress, Gal Gadot, who gained international attention in the 2017 film "Wonder Woman." Wonder Wheel, the unbeaten filly who will run in the GI Spinaway S. Sunday, is named for the very famous 102-year-old, 150-foot Ferris wheel at Coney...

[ Read More ]
Grade I Winner Offers 'Perfect' Opportunity at Fasig-Tipton

Gainesway Farm enjoyed an unforgettable Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale this year as the leading consignor of the elite auction with 12 yearlings sold including the $2.6 million sales topper. Now, they hope to continue the same success at the upcoming Fasig-Tipton Night of the Stars Sale on Nov. 9 with a consignment that features three graded stakes winners including the speedy and precocious Perfect Alibi (Sky Mesa - No Use Denying, by Maria's Mon). The Grade I winner campaigned by Tracy Farmer will be offered in foal to super-sire Into Mischief....

[ Read More ]
Spa Notes: Country Grammer Possible for Runhappy Travers

Paul Pompa, Jr.'s GIII Peter Pan S. hero Country Grammer (Tonalist) could make his next appearance in the GI Runhappy Travers S. at Saratoga Aug. 8, the owner told the NYRA notes team Friday. "If he comes back well, the Travers would be the logical spot. It's coming back a little soon but so far, so good," Pompa, Jr. said. "We always have liked this horse, but the COVID-19 situation has created gaps, just due to lack of racing." A $60,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $450,000 OBS April breezer, Country...

[ Read More ]
X

Never miss another story from the TDN

Click Here to sign up for a free subscription.