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The Grade 2 Saratoga Special is just that; special. The premier race for two-year-olds at the Spa boasts a purse of $200k and that helped to attract seven strong entrants. Each will seek to add his name to a list of winners that includes Favorite Trick, City Zip, Jump Start, Henny Hughes, Kodiak Kowboy, Kantharos and Union Rags. IN HARM’S WAY (Hook and Ladder x New Harmony by A.P. Indy) : Michael Hushion pupil goes from NY-bred company to the deep waters of a Grade 2 race. He lost his debut despite being favored, but rectified the situation by drawing away to a 4 ¾ length score second time out. The sire produces a decent % of winners in two-year-old races. The mare did not race and has one other runner, the $75k earner Strike Accord. Edgar Prado will likely stalk from the inside and hope to have enough left to pounce in the late stages. HE’S SO FINE (Purge x World Event by Quiet American) : Likes to move from the back as he proved in a second out maiden claiming score. This race is an enormous class test for the juvenile. He might be better suited for trainer Ken McPeek’s Ellis Park contingent. SPURIOUS PRECISION (High Cotton x Scarlet Combo by Scarlet Ibis) : Wow, that first race was a dandy. He charged through quick fractions and still had enough left to pull clear for a 3 ½ length win over this surface. Trainer Richard Violette is a master with juveniles and could have his next big star with this one. Alan Garcia retains the mount. SOUTHERN HONOR (Yes It’s True x Pontiana by Deputy Minister) : Trainer Anthony Dutrow has already shipped in to win a graded stakes race at Saratoga. He looks to have a shot at doing it again with this quick and precocious colt. His maiden win at Parx saw him skip away by 7 ¾ lengths and he did it easily. Ramon Dominguez figures to be sitting on the horse with the best gate speed. Look for him to take advantage of that. DAN THE TIN MAN (Songandaprayer x Mrs. M by Mecke) : The sire of this one is among the best in the country, but gets very little respect. In 2011, he led all stallions in winners and repeat winners. His win rate with juveniles is as good as it gets. The dam was Grade 3 placed, so this one has everything it takes to be a good one. The second out win at Woodbine saw him drive clear by 5 lengths after brushing at the beginning of the race. JJ Castellano will have to hope things get hot and heavy up front as his live contender seeks to move from the back. Ricky Griffith is the trainer. SHANGHAI BOBBY (Harlan’s Holiday x Steelin’ by Orientate) : First of two entries for Todd Pletcher was an easy first out winner at Aqueduct all the way back in April. He followed it up with a wire to wire score in the Track Barron Stakes at Belmont as the 1-2 favorite. He spots 4 pounds to each of his rivals as jockey Anna Napravnik retains the mount. She looks to have options in the way she rides him and that makes him even deadlier as the favorite in this race. DRUM ROLL (Majestic Warrior x Sparkling Forest by Forest Wildcat) : Not very often that John Velazquez (now a Hall of Fame rider, we might add!) is on the “other” Pletcher entry. This guy went wire to wire as the favorite in his Monmouth Park debut. His owners Mr and Mrs. John Tabor scooped him up for $300k at OBS in March. The breeding says he should enjoy two-year-old stakes races. Author FullCardReports.com 0
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