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Home , Correction Stakes, Saratoga Trunk, Tristan (horse)

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he aratoga Saratoga’s DailyRacingNewspapersince 2001 Friday, August18,2017

Tod Marks 2 The Saratoga Special Friday, August 18, 2017 here&there... at Saratoga BY THE NUMBERS 1: Guy in a New Albany High (Mississippi, so nowhere near the old Albany) sweatshirt at the track Thursday morning. Go Bulldogs. LICENSE PLATE OF THE DAY COWGIRL, Nevada.

NAMES OF THE DAYBy Nolan Clancy Lyrical Miracle, second race. The 6-year-old bay gelding owned by Miracle Man Racing Part- ners is by Miracle Man out of Five Songs.

Spin Cycle, third race. Chester and Mary Broman’s 4-year-old bay gelding is by Hard Spun out of Submerge.

Bluegrass Singer, eighth race. The gray 5-year-old gelding is by Bluegrass Cat out of Aguilera. WORTH REPEATING “I squeal like that when they buck.” Exercise rider Leigh Delacour, hearing a scream in the distance while coming off the track Thursday morning

“I have to do this retired racehorse thing in the fall and I have to jump. She goes, ‘I’ll give you some lessons.’ ” Trainer Joe Sharp on his wife Rosie Napravnik, Tod Marks who has transitioned from jockey to event rider Horse Whisperer. Trainer Linda Rice corrals a loose horse on the main track Thursday morning.

859-255-8537 SPARKLING! www.darleyamerica.com Since his first crop were three, Bernardini has had more Graded Stakes wins and more G1 victories at The Spa than any other stallion. Stallions by Saratoga Graded Stallions by Saratoga G1 Stakes wins, 2011-’16 wins, 2011-’16 1 Bernardini 11 1 Bernardini 7 2 Tapit 10 2 Unbridled’s Song 6 3 Speightstown 7 3 Speightstown 5 4 Curlin 6 4 Congrats 4 Smart Strike 6 Unbridled’s Song 6 Darley

Friday, August 18, 2017 The Saratoga Special 3 QUOTE OF THE DAY here&there... at Saratoga “A little bit, but when the gate opens it’s just another race.” Jockey Manny Franco, WORTH REPEATING on if he was nervous before the Fourstardave “I didn’t get coffee today.” Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano, after a handicapper at Starbucks told him he was going to win five races the day before (he won zero)

“It’s funny, we used to say years ago if you had a big owner he owned 40 horses. Now, if you have 40 guys, they might own one horse. Not that those 40 can’t enjoy it. We need those guys.” Trainer Bob Ribaudo about partnerships

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone root harder than Tristan does.” 800-523-8143 Trainer Todd Pletcher about assistant Tristan Barry after March X Press’ win in Wednesday’s Bolton Landing

“Where do you live?” Allan Owner Charlotte Weber after Mark Casse said The Wishing Well was on the way home “Live Oak is Ocala.” Lavin Mark Casse, on the importance of Live Oak Plantation “I don’t know. I think my dad kept after her and after her and after her, she called one day and I Bloodstock went for an interview.” Mark Casse when asked why Charlotte Weber asked him to train her horses ALLAN G. LAVIN, JR. “This is my favorite one so far.” The ever-quotable Casse, holding The Special with World Approval on the cover allanlavinbloodstock.com [email protected] “Is it cooler up there?” Joe Brocklebank to Joey Migliore, who, (502) 773-0043 let’s just say holds a height advantage on the former jockey

ALBERTUS MAXIMUS | DAAHER | TAMARKUZ

Kent Barnes, Stallion Manager • Inquiries to 859-224-4585 4600 Ft. Springs Rd., Lexington, KY 40513 • Shadwellfarm.com

Editors/Publishers The aratoga Sean Clancy: (302) 545-7713. [email protected] Joe Clancy: (302) 545-4424. [email protected] Managing Editor Tom Law: (859) 396-9407. [email protected] 259 East Avenue Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Writers/Handicappers: Charles Bedard, Gaile Fitzgerald, The Saratoga Special, thisishorseracing.com Teresa Genaro, Ben Gowans, Madison Scott, John Shapazian, (the old feed store) Thoroughbred Racing Calendar, The Best of The Saratoga Special. Shayna Tiller, Brandon Valvo. www.thisishorseracing.com Call us about your editorial needs. Design: Linzay Marks. Published Thursday through Sunday Home Office: 364 Fair Hill Drive, Suite F, Elkton, MD 21921 Photographers: Tod Marks, Dave Harmon, Connie Bush. during the racing season. (410) 392-5867 • Fax (410) 392-0170 Distribution: Kevin Murphy, Morgan Yaeger. Plus Monday, Aug. 7 and Tuesday, Aug. 8.

4 The Saratoga Special Friday, August 18, 2017 Keeneland September Book 2 Yearlings Tuesday, 9/12 – Barn 35 Ride 180 f. SCAT DADDY – Elusive One the Filly from last crop of SCAT DADDY; 3rd foal out of SP Elusive Quality mare Hip 426 f. MALIBU MOON – Let’s Get Married 2YO 1/2 brother 2nd in debut to undefeated G2 Best Pal S. winner Run Away; 2nd foal out of SP More Than Ready mare Wave 443 c. BERNARDINI – Lochinvar’s Gold UPDATE: 1/2 brother to 2YO “TDN Rising Star” Medaglia Gold and With an Elm Tree Yearling to MEI LING ($522,383)

503 c. VERRAZANO – Miss Inclined 3rd foal out of SP half-sister to RUSH BAY ($742,847) and to the dam of GSW ITSAKNOCKOUT

Wednesday, 9/13 – Barn 35

514 f. SCAT DADDY – Misty Lady (ARG) Out of 100% producer and one of ONLY two SCAT DADDY yearlings in sale out of a G1 SW

564 c. WILL TAKE CHARGE – Oblige UPDATE: 1/2 brother HUNTER O’RILEY wins G2 Bowling Green S. at Saratoga 7/29 Elm Tree Grad BEACH PATROL 650 c. PIONEEROF THE NILE – Ragtime Hope Winner 2017 Arlington Million-G1 1/2 brother to 2-time Breeders’ Cup Sprint-G1 winner SECRET CIRCLE Dual G1 Winner over $1.4M ($3,670,790)

755 f. SUPER SAVER – Sky America 1st foal out of 2YO SP Sky America who is a sister to SW/G1P THIRD DAWN Thursday, 9/14 – Barn 35

893 c. SPEIGHTSTOWN – Ullapool 2nd foal out of MSW ULLAPOOL ($361,911, 7 wins in 14 starts)

901 c. CANDY RIDE (ARG) - Union Waters 1/2 brother to 2YO Smash Williams, 2nd in Belmont MSW debut

922 f. LEMON DROP KID – War Relic 1st foal out of half-sister to GSW RUSH BAY ($742,847) and to the dam of GSW ITSAKNOCKOUT

989 c. SPEIGHTSTOWN – Alternate 1/2 brother to multiple GSW/Millionaire ALTERNATION; immediate Mr. and Mrs. Jody Huckabay family of Champion PEAKS AND VALLEYS 566 Hume-Bedford Road, Paris, KY 40361 991 c. MORE THAN READY – Always Here Too (859) 987-4856 • Fax (859) 987-0374 2nd foal from Eight Belles S.-G3 placed Always Here Too, family of E-mail: [email protected] G1 SW HOME AT LAST

www.elmtreefarmky.com

Friday, August 18, 2017 The Saratoga Special 5 Country Life Foal Patrol “What a life at Country Life! The green here&there...at Saratoga grass of Maryland. I’m a Maryland-Bred knockout good-looking babe by Super WORTH REPEATING Ninety Nine. My dad’s by Pulpit, sire “Are we there yet?” of Tapit. My mom’s by Stormy Atlantic, Trainer Bruce Brown Monday morning sire of 100 stakes winners. I’m “Terrible, but I love it.” Maryland-Million eligible. Retired trainer Mike Hushion when asked about his golf game Learn more about Country “What do you call Tuesdays?” Life at our website.” Trainer Bruce Levine when told The Special takes a break and doesn’t print on Mondays

ELLEN B. PONS B. ELLEN www.CountryLifeFarm.com • 410.879.1952 “Wrong twin.” Guy Barry, after Justin Zayat asked about a horse

“What about the maiden 40 New York-breds? Come on, show some respect.” Trainer Mitch Friedman, after The Special put World Approval on the cover and not The Pooch, Friedman’s maiden 40 New York-bred who won on the same day

“Saratoga Harness, fifth race.” Rodney Paine, jogging a free-wheeling horse Saturday morning

“I don’t expect it but I work for that. It’s big, to win a Grade 1 is so nice.” Jockey Manny Franco after winning the Fourstardave, his first Grade 1 stakes at Saratoga

“I got quoted again.” Assistant trainer Norm Casse, reading this section yesterday

“Much love.” Tuba, on a beautiful Sunday morning at Saratoga

“Now you have to remember where you put the note.” Trainer Mike Trombetta, when an owner said he was going write himself a note WORTH REPEATING (EQUESTRICON VERSION) “We’re breeding horses to run fast, not slow. If we’re breeding horses to run fast, this is going to happen.” Global Equine Group managing director Adam Driver, explaining why and how horses bleed

“In Dubai, it’s a little easier to tell what the big owners do. They own the place.” Laura King of Dubai Racing Channel

“I’d like them to chop a few of the trees down.” English racing commentator Nick Luck, on how American tracks can improve video feeds

“1:45, 1:50 on one shot. That doesn’t exist in any other sport.”

G1 WINNERS raised and/or sold since 2000 i ncluding … 2009 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic and Santa Margarita Invitational winner

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6 The Saratoga Special Friday, August 18, 2017 of the day

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Proud to support Thoroughbred aftercare Friday, August 25 Saratoga Showcase Day is the second of three events on NYRA’s calendar this year for NY-breds only, offering six stakes races and more than $1 million in purse money.

(859) 224-2756 Albany — 3YO / $250K / 1 1/8M www.thoroughbredaftercare.org Fleet Indian — F3YO / $200K / 1 1/8M Connie Bush Tack Room in a Box West Point — 3&UP / $150K / 1 1/16M (T) Yaddo — F&M 3&UP / $150K / 1 1/16M (T) Funny Cide — 2YO / $200K / 6 1/2 F The Chief . . . Day 19 Seeking the Ante — F2YO / $200K / 6 1/2 F “The best was Junior Salley, he would borrow money the day after payday, I’d say, ‘Junior, why you bor- rowing money? You know you don’t need this money.’ He’d say, ‘Ah, ah, ah, just wanted to put some tection on my job.’ He would always leave the first part off the word. Adjusting was justing.”

– Trainer Allen Jerkens 1929-2015

There’s never been a better time to breed, own and race NY-breds!

nytbreeders.org | 518.587.0777 The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association www.nytha.com | 516.488.2337 For more information visit our website visit us on Facebook or call 518.388.0174 Tod Marks photo Tod

Friday, August 18, 2017 The Saratoga Special 7 with Every day at Saratoga, The Special presents an exclusive Stable Tour Rick Violette with a Saratoga trainer. Rick Violette’s Saratoga shedrow and spacious courtyard provide a first time out, and he was second here. I might welcome and peaceful respite just have to send Rodney back to Vegas.” a long throw-in from the frequently Byself: My Meadowview homebred 2-year- bustling three-quarter-pole gap, back- old daughter of Noble Causeway. “Apparently stretch mutuel area and Morning Line they have a 2-year-old grandchild and he’ll say, Kitchen. ‘I do it by self,’ but I think they might change Most mornings the horses and Vi- her name. She’s all right though, she can run. olette’s team, led by longtime assis- She’s on the cusp of making the meet. There’s tant Melissa Cohen and exercise rider a seven-eighths in the book and I’m not really Rodney Paine, are out and about in sure I want to run her that distance. She’s not the courtyard or on the racetrack. the prettiest mover … but she can run. She Tucked into the stalls are a mix of vet- punishes the ground when she moves. I might Linzay Marks eran stakes performers like Samraat breeze her on the grass to see if she sprouts wings there, too.” and Kalabaka and promising 2-year- olds. Gentrification: Two-year-old Stormy At- A loyal ownership base that in- if he’ll make the meet here, we’re close. The she got going again and was fourth. It was a lantic colt cost Klaravich Stables $75,000 in cludes Len Riggio’s My Meadowview, light bulb hasn’t quite gone on yet. Nice horse, shame, she was supposed to do better. Lucky April. “He’ll hopefully make the end of the Seth Klarman’s Klaravich Stables and out of an English Channel mare. Pedigree is we still had a horse though. We ran one more meet here. He’s a nice colt. I’ll probably run Ralph Evans keep the barn stocked supposed to be turf on turf.” time, on a muddy racetrack which she didn’t him 5 1/2 on the turf, we’ll start there.” and Violette produces winners. He’s like and gave her a break.” Raise Em Up: Carole and John Rio’s home- Pret: My Meadowview-bred daughter of won two races at the meet with bred 2-year-old colt by Haynesfield shows Elenathena: Homebred for Nick and There- three seconds from 12 starts through More Than Ready was purchased by Evans seven works, three at Saratoga topped by a sa Mamatas, 2-year-old Eskendereya filly also on Violette’s advice for $60,000 at last year’s Thursday. half in :50.90 from the gate Monday. “He’ll sports active work tab. She breezed a half in Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred sale. A longtime advocate for his col- make the meet, first time on the grass.” :48.89 on the main track Monday. “The owner “The name is a fencing term, Ralph Evans leagues and president of the New is from Detroit and in the auto parts industry. owns her and his wife fences, travels the world York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s As- Gypsy Jo: My Meadowview’s homebred She’s a half to Kalabaka, who’s been very good and it’s a pretty big thing. They’ve been to Bu- sociation, Violette hosted New York 3-year-old New York-bred filly by Lemon Drop to us. She’ll make the meet, 5 1/2, 6 furlongs, dapest, big conventions, tournaments and State Speaker of the Assembly Carl Kid finished fifth in two starts – maiden races maiden special weight. She wants to go lon- what not. I don’t think she’ll make the meet Heastie, Assembly member Carrie at Belmont June 17 and July 13. “She’ll make ger. Her gallop outs are the best parts of her but she’s all right. I didn’t realize it when we Woerner and Jennifer Best, assistant the meet, on the grass up here. I don’t know. breezes but we’ll get her started out sprinting bought her who she was out of. I noticed that She needs to improve. Ran a couple times on and go from there.” and was like, ‘oh, this is one of Len’s mares.’ secretary for program and policy in the dirt, disappointing and she breezed pretty New York, Tuesday during training I had to call him, ‘just so you know… I don’t well on the grass but she has to show me.” Ultimateenticement: Fred Desimone’s want to have to hear anything after.’ ” hours. The next morning as training 2-year-old New York-bred Drosselmeyer geld- wound down Violette went stall by Kalabaka: Mamatas Racing Stable’s stakes- ing finished second in debut at Golden Gate Unnamed colt by Malibu Moon: My stall with The Special’s Tom Law. placed 4-year-old Trappe Shot filly earned Fields June 18 for trainer Tim McCanna, then Meadowview homebred is out of the Grand freshening after seventh in Grade 3 Vagrancy was sent East. She finished second to Barely Slam mare Overandabeauty, a $750,000 Samraat: The first stall next to the office at Belmont May 5. The four-time winner and Impazible in state-bred maiden Aug. 7. “He yearling buy for Riggio. She won three races, belongs to My Meadowview Farm’s 6-year-old earner of $264,284 nearly fell when fourth in was just second in a really, really good race placed in two stakes and earned $159,472. multiple stakes winner, who ran in last year’s Correction Stakes two starts back at Aqueduct. to a first-timer that I was the underbidder on. “The dam is a half-sister to Tapit. She’s com- Grade 1 Woodward, then was off until finish- “She’s about ready to breeze, she’d run all win- We got hooked all the way, they picked up the ing along, probably September.” ing sixth in Saginaw for New York-breds at ter and spring and we need to win a little stake pieces and got us on the wire. Nice people Belmont Park July 2. “The grand old man. He’s with her. She’s so consistent it’s amazing. She from Seattle own him. It’s a cute story, Rod- Diversify: Purchased last November as a doing great. He’s a cool horse, there’s no place almost got dropped at Aqueduct. I thought ney and Melissa have a good friend they call racing prospect by Evans and his daughter seriously on the planet where he’d rather be she broke down at the three-sixteenths pole. Suitcase, he was a goalie in the National Hock- Lauren, stakes winner and Fasig-Tipton New than the racetrack. He loves his job. The farm, She was going inside a horse that was sec- ey League and he played for so many teams York-bred graduate is 5-for-8 lifetime. He won he’s OK, but he loves the activity, loves going ond and they literally hooked front legs. Her that he got that nickname. They had a roast the Saginaw last time at Belmont June 2 and to the racetrack.” right front hooked the other horse’s left front. for (Gary “Suitcase” Smith) in Las Vegas, is entered in Monday’s Evan Shipman. “We’re You didn’t see that until you see the slow mo- Rodney went out and this owner who lives in probably going to experiment on the grass in Stewardship: Klaravich 2-year-old Scat tion but she went ‘boom,’ I thought she broke Seattle happened to be there and mentioned the West Point. I’m not sure he wants to do Daddy colt breezed a half-mile on the Okla- down. The kid riding her kind of pulled her up he had a New York-bred he was thinking of a mile-and-an-eighth, his only bad race was homa turf in :52.33 last Friday. “I don’t know and then it was like, ‘whoa, wait a second,’ sending East. He’d run at Golden Gate, second a mile-and-an-eighth. He’s been 1-2 his oth-

8 The Saratoga Special Friday, August 18, 2017 A.G. VANDERBILT ALICIBIADES ARLINGTON MILLION AWESOME AGAIN Stable Tour – BELMONT DERBY BREEDERS’ CUP TURF BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC BREEDERS’ Continued from page 8 CUP FILLY AND MARE TURF DELAWARE HANDICAP DONN HANDICAP er seven starts. He’s never run on the grass, breezed real well on it twice. He’s out of a DUBAIStreet WORLD CUP FRIZETTE FOREGO FRANK KILROE MILE GARDEN CITY Cry mare, Bellamy Roads have been running on it. He’s run a number of 100 Beyers andGRAND if he NATIONAL HURDLE HASKELL INVITATIONAL HOLLYWOOD TURF CUP can improve on the grass, he becomes a real horse. If he doesn’t, we go back to New York- IROQUOIS HURDLE JOE HIRSCH TURF CLASSIC KENTUCKY DERBY bred stakes, knock around there, but to improve just a few points you’ve got graded stakesKING’S po- BISHOP LONESOME GLORY HURDLE MAKER’S 46 MILE MANHATTAN tential on the grass. I would like to do it, we’ll see if it works out. He was originally owned by a MAN O’ WAR MATRIARCH METROPOLITAN MILE NEARCTIC STAKES WinStar partnership. They sell them at the end of their 3-year-old year and Ralph bought him PRIORESS QUEEN ELIZABETH II SHADWELL TURF MILE SPINAWAY in November.” SPINSTER SWORD DANCER TEST UNITED NATIONS VANITY HANDICAP WHIT- Honey Graeme: Evans’ 2-year-old Graeme Hall filly is out of her stall, walking inNEY the spa- HANDICAP WOOD MEMORIAL A.G. VANDERBILT ALICIBIADES ARLINGTON cious courtyard. She’s one of two winners for the barn after taking a 5 1/2-furlong maiden MILLION AWESOME AGAIN BELMONT DERBY BREEDERS’ CUP TURF on the dirt Aug. 6. “She’s the white-faced filly walking out there. Drop dead gorgeous filly,BREEDERS’ the CUP CLASSIC BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY AND MARE TURF DELAWARE stallion is not too popular but she’s a pretty filly and ran huge. Actually Ralph, I wasHANDICAP beating DONNWinning HANDICAP DUBAI when WORLD it CUP matters FLORIDA DERBY. FRIZETTE him up to extend his budget and I bought her for $50,000 at the end of the sale and it wasFOREGO FRANK KILROE MILE GARDEN CITY GRAND NATIONAL HURDLE almost like we wasted $50,000. I told him, ‘this Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center horses filly is all right.’ He’s a big ‘you get whatHASKELL you INVITATIONALinclude HOLLYWOOD 43 individual TURF Grade CUP 1 winners IROQUOIS. HURDLE JOE pay for’ type of guy and then we looked at the form in her race, all the big breeders, big salesHIRSCH TURF CLASSIC KENTUCKY DERBY KING’S BISHOP LONESOME prices, he’s like, ‘you sure you want to do this?’ I thought we were all right. We needed toGLORY find HURDLE MAKER’SJust some 46 MILE of the racesMANHATTAN they’ve won… MAN O’ WAR MATRIARCH out how much class she had and she’s all right.”METROPOLITAN MILE NEARCTIC STAKES PRIORESS QUEEN ELIZABETH II Butcher Knife: Homebred 3-year-old Wild And Wicked filly for Anita Nesser and BHMF SHADWELL TURF MILE SPINAWAY SPINSTER SWORD DANCER TEST Racing finished fifth in maiden claimer at Bel- mont June 9. “I have no idea where theUNITED name NATIONS VANITY HANDICAP WHITNEY HANDICAP WOOD MEMORIAL came from. Ran once on the grass, we were careful with her. She’ll run very well next timeA.G. VANDERBILT ALICIBIADES ARLINGTON MILLION AWESOME AGAIN up here. She’s a little bit of a funny filly and I wanted to get her out there, pass someBELMONT horses DERBY BREEDERS’ CUP TURF BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC BREEDERS’ and that worked out well.” CUP FILLY AND MARE TURF DELAWARE HANDICAP DONN HANDICAP Twofer: Purchased by Evans for $290,000 at Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-year-old sale, DUBAI WORLD CUP FLORIDA DERBY FRIZETTE FOREGO FRANK daughter of Super Saver worked a half in :49.09 Thursday on the main track. “Nice filly,KILROE she was MILE GARDEN CITY GRAND NATIONAL HURDLE HASKELL INVITATION- an expensive filly at Timonium. Not a big filly but a gorgeous mover. Pug and Suzi Hart bred AL HOLLYWOOD TURF CUP IROQUOIS HURDLE JOE HIRSCH TURF her and she’ll run here. They’ve been here a lot to watch her train.” CLASSIC KENTUCKY DERBY KING’S BISHOP LONESOME GLORY HURDLE

Texas Rascal: After one member of the MAKER’Ssta- 46 MILE MANHATTAN MAN O’ WAR MATRIARCH METROPOLITAN ble didn’t fire in a race this week Cohen sug- gested the 19-year-old Texas-bred son ofMILE Fight NEARCTIC STAKES PRIORESS QUEEN ELIZABETH II SHADWELL TURF Over to fill the spot. A lead pony for the barn, the bright gray isn’t hard to miss with Cohen aboard MILE SPINAWAY SPINSTER SWORD DANCER TEST UNITED NATIONS when he’s out in the mornings. “He’s been here Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy | AquaPacer | Cold Saltwater Spa | Dry Salt Room | Vibration Therapy | Training Center longer than me,” Cohen said. “We call him TexVANITY- HANDICAP WHITNEY HANDICAP WOOD MEMORIAL A.G. VANDER- as, or just Tex. He won one race for Bobby Bar- 721 Training Center Drive, Elkton, Maryland 21921 nett with Calvin Borel (at Turfway Park in 2001).BILT ALICIBIADES ARLINGTONPhone: 610-496-5080 MILLION www.fairhilletc.com AWESOME AGAIN BELMONT DER- He’s semi-retired now, we’ve got another pony that does most of the work. But we get himBY out. BREEDERS’ CUP TURF BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY He’s better going home than coming out. He drags me home.” AND MARE TURF DELAWARE HANDICAP DONN HANDICAP DUBAI WORLD CUP FLORIDA DERBY FRIZETTE FOREGO FRANK KILROE MILE GARDEN CITY Friday, August 18, 2017 GRAND NATIONAL HURDLEThe Saratoga S HASKELLpecial INVITATIONAL HOLLYWOOD TURF9 CUP Back to Town Longtime horsewoman Gray returns to Spa as Ward assistant BY BEN GOWANS SKIDMORE STAKES PREVIEW It’s a long and winding road for anybody and everybody involved in hour, it doesn’t seem like work.” Thoroughbred racing. The former assistant to Dale Ro- For Liz Gray, that road led her back mans was set for a summer in Sara- to Saratoga where she has been run- toga after some persuading by Ward, ning the Wesley Ward barn this year. who is in Florida this week before The WW team entered three in to- heading to England next week to run Lady Aurelia in the Group 1 Nun- day’s second running of the $100,000 thorpe at York Racecourse. Skidmore stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs on “I didn’t want to come. But it’s the turf. 100 degrees in Ocala and it’s tough “It’s been like eight years I think,” Tod Marks to make a living down there in the Mentality is one of three entered in today’s feature by trainer Wesley Ward. Gray said Thursday after a busy summer,” she said while standing in a morning of training. “I trained on my long sleeve T-shirt on a brisk Sarato- feel it when they’re in the barn, but horses, but I do love the babies. And own. I went to Monmouth for four, ga morning outside of her barn full of it’s super relaxed here. the things that he does, going across California for two, Kentucky for a Ward runners on the backside beyond “I’ve already learned a lot, so the water (to England), he’s way dif- year, and I’ve been in Ocala for a year- the Morning Line Kitchen. “Now much of the four polos and all that, ferent than a lot of people.” and-a-half. “I moved to Ocala, show that I’m here I’m glad I came and he’s just keep it simple. They’re horses. In a good way. Ward entered three horses and I work at a restaurant that awesome to work for. He’s very enter- His barn is exciting, it really is. I’ve Continued On Page 12 raises Wagyu beef. For me, it’s a social taining, very funny. Some trainers you always liked route horses, older grass

SUPER TYREE excelling during his transitional training at New Vocations.

SUCCESS BEYOND THE TRACK Rehab. Retrain. Rehome. Serving over 450 horses a year. To donate a horse or make a contribution, visit www.NEWVOCATIONS.org or contact [email protected] or call (937) 642-3171.

10 The Saratoga Special Friday, August 18, 2017 Friday, August 18, 2017 The Saratoga Special 11 “We are hoping it rains, really. Ev- erybody is ready to run, so we’re pre- Skidmore – pared either way,” Gray said. Continued from page 10 Third of the trio, Joopster (6-1) will break from post 4. He made a in the 2-year-old stakes – a New York- successful debut July 31, winning a bred Freud filly, a gelding who won a 5 1/2-furlong dirt maiden claimer by dirt maiden claimer in his only start, 2 lengths in the famous Fitriani Hay and a colt entered main track only to- silks. day who last ran at Churchill Downs “It was right at the beginning for in a maiden claimer. me,” Gray said. “To me he looked like From the rail post comes Mental- a little, fat pony. So, I was shocked ity (3-1). The only filly was entered and Wesley said he kind of acted like against her own gender in Wednes- that in Keeneland, he only had a few day’s Bolton Landing, but scratched works before he ran. I don’t know and opted for this spot. She won her if he was surprised or not, but I cer- debut at 6 furlongs on turf June 16 at tainly was. Very laid back, cool little Belmont for Lindy Farms, and sports horse. The way he runs, he probably two local works on the Oklahoma will do anything.” turf course. Gray has had to do a little bit of “She was at Belmont. She’s grown everything during her stay in Sarato- since she’s been here,” Gray said. “I ga; taking phone calls, lending a hand find that fillies, when you bring them hotwalking, managing staff, plan- here they really flourish. I’ve always ning horse’s transportation schedules, thought that. They dapple out and get whatever is needed. all happy.” “I think the first week it was me, Drawn in post two is Nuclear one groom, and 12 horses,” said Option (4-1) who was entered main Gray, who went out on her own in track only because of the rain expect- 2008 and sent out her last starter Jan. ed today. The Ken and Sarah Ram- 23, 2016 at Santa Anita. “I guess 28, sey-owned colt won for a $40,000 tag Tod Marks at Churchill June 24. Continued On Page 13 Joopster also represents the Wesley Ward barn in the Skidmore.

12 The Saratoga Special Friday, August 18, 2017 Skidmore – Continued from page 12 29 (horses now). We’ll send a couple home and bring some more from Bel- mont that haven’t run here yet. I just got five in from Keeneland the other day. “It’s been great. I don’t come this way and I haven’t been to Gulfstream. Allen Jerkens and I shared a barn there for seven years, he died, and I just didn’t want to go back. So, I don’t really see a lot of the New York people anymore.” Trainer Mark Casse will send out Flameaway (6-1) in the Skidmore. In his only start May 28, the colt won a 4 1/2-furlong maiden on the Wood- bine Tapeta. Casse purchased the colt for John Oxley at last year’s Fasig-Tip- ton Saratoga select yearling sale for $400,000. “I like Scat Daddy and he was a big, strong colt, Canadian bred, a lot of things,” Casse said. “Sometimes some of the Scat Daddies can be a little hard-headed, but he’s been good. Al- ways trained well.” The colt has been stabled with Casse’s Saratoga string since the start of the meet and worked over the Okla- homa turf a week ago. “It was good,” Casse said. “He worked on the turf at Woodbine as well. I haven’t hardly seen a Scat Dad- dy that didn’t like turf,” Casse said. Todd Pletcher counters Ward’s three with two for the Skidmore. Eclipse Thoroughbreds’ El Dulce is the morning line favorite at 5-2 after a gate-to- wire score in his debut over this course and distance July 29. Dial One (7-2) ships from Monmouth. The Robert La- Penta homebred raced twice at Gulfst- ream, winning a turf maiden May 20 and then was third in a dirt stakes. Rounding out the field, Nauti Buoy will go back to the surface he broke his maiden on after a poor run in the Grade 3 Sanford on dirt opening weekend and maiden My Chinumado returns on six days rest for his second start.

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Friday, August 18, 2017 The Saratoga Special 13 Friday, August 18. 6TH (3:48PM). $85,000, ALW, 3 YO, 1 1/8M (INNER TURF) Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pic 3, Pic 5, Daily Double 1ST (1:00PM). $75,000, AOC $25,000, 3 YO’S & UP, F & M , 1 3/16M (TURF) 1 ..... 1...... Don’t Over Look...... J. Rosario...... E. Plesa, Jr...... 10-1 Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pic 3, Pic 5, Daily Double 2 ..... MTO...... Escape Velocity...... J. Castellano...... C. Brown...... 9-2 1 ..... 1...... Table for Six...... J. Velazquez...... R. Nicks...... 2-1 3 ..... 3...... Surprise Twist...... J. Castellano...... A. Delacour...... 6-1 2 ..... 2...... Jennifer’s Legacy...... L. Saez...... P. Serpe...... 8-1 4 ..... 4...... Lunaire...... J. Ortiz...... T. Albertrani...... 7-2 3 ..... 3...... Pinchbeck...... I. Ortiz, Jr...... C. Clement...... 3-1 5 ..... 5...... Cruz Diez...... R. Santana, Jr...... J. Abreu...... 8-1 4 ..... 4...... Forever for Always...... S. Camacho, Jr...... C. Domino...... 30-1 6 ..... 6...... Lucullan...... I. Ortiz, Jr...... K. McLaughlin...... 5-2 5 ..... 5...... Mo Promise...... J. Rosario...... G. Contessa...... 15-1 7 ..... 7...... Harlan Strong (ARG)...... P. Lopez...... K. McPeek...... 9-2 6 ..... 6...... Eighth Commandment.... E. Cancel...... D. Donk...... 6-1 8 ..... 8...... Bird’s Eye View...... L. Saez...... M. Dini...... 15-1 7 ..... 7...... Ten Penny Princess...... J. Lezcano...... B. Brown...... 10-1 9 ..... MTO...... Caviar Czar (IRE)...... J. Velazquez...... T. Pletcher...... 2-1 8 ..... 8...... Kitty Maddnes...... K. Carmouche...... J. Morrison...... 10-1 10..... MTO...... Shamsaan...... K. Carmouche...... K. McLaughlin...... 3-1 9 ..... 9...... Tiz a Kitten...... D. Davis...... B. Brown...... 8-1 11..... MTO...... Painter’s Rags...... Rider TBA...... H. Motion...... 6-1 10..... 10...... Sugar Mags...... R. Santana, Jr...... R. Barbara...... 20-1 12..... 12...... Convivial...... J. Lezcano...... A. Goldberg...... 6-1 11..... AE...... Bareeqa...... I. Ortiz, Jr...... D. Gargan...... 4-1 12..... AE...... Graceful Gal...... L. Reyes...... L. O’Brien...... 20-1 7TH (4:24PM). $83,000, MSW, 3 YO’S & UP, 6F 13..... MTO...... Jcs American Dream...... Rider TBA...... M. Nevin...... 9-5 Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pic 3, Pic 4, Daily Double 14..... MTO...... Kate Is a Ten...... Rider TBA...... R. Barbara...... 4-1 1 ..... 3...... Fully Vested...... L. Saez...... T. Albertrani...... 3-1 1a ..... 7...... Old Dubai...... J. Lezcano...... K. McLaughlin...... 3-1 2ND (1:33PM). $25,000, CLM $12,500, 3 YO’S & UP, 6F 2 ..... 1...... Distorted Admiral...... P. Lopez...... C. Martin...... 4-1 Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pic 3, Pic 4, Daily Double 3 ..... 2...... Aggie’s Honor...... J. Alvarado...... M. Hennig...... 15-1 1 ..... 1...... Special Jo...... A. Arroyo...... R. Diodoro...... 5-2 4 ..... 4...... Tommy T...... I. Ortiz, Jr...... R. Barbara...... 5-2 2 ..... 2...... Nonna’s Boy...... R. Montanez...... J. Toscano, Jr...... 6-1 5 ..... 5...... Special Intention...... J. Castellano...... M. Reid...... 8-1 3 ..... 3...... Waco...... L. Reyes...... H. Bond...... 4-1 6 ..... 6...... Arch Daddy...... M. Franco...... C. McGaughey III...... 8-1 4 ..... 4...... Risetotheoccasion...... S. Camacho, Jr...... D. Schettino...... 12-1 7 ..... 8...... Commandeering...... J. Velazquez...... T. Pletcher...... 6-1 5 ..... 5...... Lyrical Miracle...... E. Cancel...... D. Donk...... 15-1 8 ..... 9...... Malibu Action...... J. Ortiz...... T. Hills...... 8-1 6 ..... 6...... Saltine Warrior...... L. Saez...... J. Englehart...... 5-1 7 ..... 7...... Tug of War...... I. Ortiz, Jr...... R. Rodriguez...... 2-1 8TH (5:02PM). $67,000, CLM $50,000, 3 YO’S & UP, 7F Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pic 3, Daily Double 3RD (2:06PM). $50,000, CLM $25,000, 3 YO’S & UP, 1M (INNER TURF) 1 ..... 1...... Pete’s Play Call...... A. Arroyo...... R. Diodoro...... 6-1 Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pic 3, Daily Double 2 ..... 2...... Shuffle Up...... I. Ortiz, Jr...... D. Jacobson...... 4-1 1 ..... 7...... Docs Legacy (IRE)...... J. Lezcano...... D. Jacobson...... 3-1 3 ..... 3...... Luna de Loco...... R. Santana, Jr...... D. Cannizzo...... 3-1 1a ..... 9...... Divine Oath...... J. Leparoux...... D. Jacobson...... 3-1 4 ..... 4...... Captain Moss...... M. Franco...... C. Englehart...... 20-1 1x ..... MTO...... Paid Admission...... Rider TBA...... D. Jacobson...... 3-1 5 ..... 5...... A Fleet Attitude...... J. Castellano...... S. Klesaris...... 7-2 2 ..... 1...... Sportscaster...... R. Albarado...... D. Romans...... 6-1 6 ..... 6...... Alex the Terror...... J. Ortiz...... J. Englehart...... 5-1 3 ..... 2...... Purely Boy...... J. Ortiz...... M. Maker...... 10-1 7 ..... 7...... Bluegrass Singer...... L. Saez...... D. Romans...... 6-1 4 ..... 3...... Marriage Fever...... J. Rosario...... R. Barbara...... 10-1 8 ..... 8...... Carve...... J. Rosario...... S. Asmussen...... 8-1 5 ..... 4...... Spin Cycle...... M. Franco...... J. Kimmel...... 12-1 6 ..... 5...... Boss Man...... I. Ortiz, Jr...... J. Servis...... 2-1 9TH (5:40PM). $90,000, AOC $62,500, 3 YO’S & UP, F & M , 5 1/2F (TURF) 7 ..... 6...... Dream Man...... K. Carmouche...... G. Contessa...... 12-1 Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double 8 ..... 8...... Silver Dagger...... L. Saez...... D. Romans...... 9-2 1 ..... 1...... My Sweet Stella...... L. Saez...... D. Lukas...... 8-1 9 ..... 10...... Inventor’s Gate...... L. Reyes...... K. Streicher...... 30-1 2 ..... 2...... True Charm...... R. Santana, Jr...... J. Ferraro...... 20-1 10..... MTO...... Conquest Twister...... J. Ortiz...... R. Moquett...... 5-1 3 ..... MTO...... Play Unified...... Rider TBA...... G. Weaver...... 4-1 11..... MTO...... Taoiseach...... Rider TBA...... D. Schettino...... 3-1 4 ..... 4...... Miss Katie Mae (IRE)...... J. Ortiz...... H. Motion...... 5-2 5 ..... MTO...... Appealing Maggie...... Rider TBA...... M. Nevin...... 3-1 4TH (2:40PM). $100,000, STK - THE SKIDMORE, 2 YO, 5 1/2F (TURF) 6 ..... 6...... Wild About Harry...... J. Castellano...... L. Rice...... 7-2 Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pic 3, Daily Double 7 ..... 7...... Silvertoni...... R. Albarado...... W. Ward...... 12-1 1 ..... 1...... Mentality...... R. Santana, Jr...... W. Ward...... 3-1 8 ..... 8...... Louisville First...... E. Cancel...... J. Toner...... 10-1 2 ..... MTO...... Nuclear Option...... J. Garcia...... W. Ward...... 4-1 9 ..... 9...... Eila...... J. Velazquez...... R. Nicks...... 3-1 3 ..... 3...... Nauti Buoy...... T. Conner...... E. McClellan...... 5-1 10..... 10...... Rumble Doll...... I. Ortiz, Jr...... R. Falcone, Jr...... 6-1 4 ..... 4...... Joopster...... I. Ortiz, Jr...... W. Ward...... 6-1 5 ..... 5...... Flameaway...... J. Castellano...... M. Casse...... 6-1 10TH (6:17PM). $32,000, CLM $16,000, 3 YO’S & UP, 1 1/8M 6 ..... 6...... Dial One...... J. Ortiz...... T. Pletcher...... 7-2 Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta 7 ..... 7...... El Dulce...... J. Velazquez...... T. Pletcher...... 5-2 1 ..... 1...... Gun for Hire...... S. Camacho, Jr...... P. Quick...... 20-1 8 ..... 8...... My Chinumado...... P. Lopez...... J. Mejia...... 20-1 2 ..... 2...... Sanavi...... J. Ortiz...... T. Pletcher...... 2-1 3 ..... 3...... Prize Fight...... L. Saez...... M. Maker...... 3-1 5TH (3:14PM). $73,000, MSW, 2 YO, F , 6F 4 ..... 4...... Holy Week...... N. Alvarado...... D. Breed...... 6-1 Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pic 3, Pic 6, Daily Double 5 ..... 5...... Mister Hayes...... P. Lopez...... M. Nevin...... 4-1 1 ..... 1...... Under Suspicion...... L. Saez...... P. Serpe...... 8-1 6 ..... 6...... Benny Big Boy...... K. Carmouche...... D. Schettino...... 8-1 2 ..... 2...... Missbigtimes...... J. Ortiz...... J. Englehart...... 5-2 7 ..... 7...... Heavenly Sun...... L. Reyes...... J. Hertler...... 15-1 3 ..... 3...... The Great Johanna...... J. Lezcano...... A. Magnuson...... 12-1 8 ..... 8...... Bold Illusion...... A. Lezcano...... R. Metivier...... 30-1 4 ..... 4...... My Roxy Girl...... D. Davis...... M. Friedman...... 6-1 9 ..... 9...... The Orphan Miracle...... E. Cancel...... D. Donk...... 12-1 5 ..... 5...... Missimpazi...... J. Davila, Jr...... C. Englehart...... 3-1 6 ..... 6...... Droselmeyr’s Smile...... J. Rosario...... C. Baker...... 8-1 Copyright 2017 EQUIBASE Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 7 ..... 7...... Finlee...... R. Santana, Jr...... M. Coffey...... 20-1 8 ..... 8...... Tayler’s the Boss...... I. Ortiz, Jr...... D. Gargan...... 7-2

14 The Saratoga Special Friday, August 18, 2017 the Power grid John Gaile Tom Charles Joe Race # Shapazian Fitzgerald Law Bedard Burke Jcs American Dream Table For Six Jcs American Dream Table For Six Ten Penny Princess 1 Pinchbeck Eighth Commandment Bareeqa Bareeqa Pinchbeck Table For Six Pinchbeck Table For Six Pinchbeck Eighth Commandment Tug Of War Special Jo Tug Of War Tug Of War Tug Of War 2 Special Jo Tug Of War Special Jo Special Jo Risetotheoccasion Waco Saltine Warrior Nonna’s Boy Nonna’s Boy Special Jo Boss Man Boss Man Conquest Twister Boss Man Boss Man 3 Jacobson entry Jacobson entry Boss Man Jacobson entry Sportscaster Sportscaster Silver Dagger Purely Boy Purely Boy Silver Dagger Flameaway El Dulce El Dulce El Dulce El Dulce 4 Nuclear Option Mentality Flameaway Mentality Flameaway Mentality Dial One Dial One Flameaway Joopster Missbigtimes Under Suspicion Missbigtimes Missbigtimes Missbigtimes 5 Tayler’s The Boss Missbigtimes Tayler’s The Boss Under Suspicion Droselmeyr’s Smile Droselmeyr’s Smile Tayler’s The Boss Under Suspcion Tayler’s The Boss Under Suspicion Caviar Czar Lucullan Caviar Czar Caviar Czar Lucullan Lucullan Surprise Twist Surprise Twist Lucullan Lunaire 6 Lunaire Caviar Czar Lunaire Surprise Twist Surprise Twist Distorted Admiral Tommy T Fully Vested Tommy T Tommy T Tommy T Godolphin Entry Tommy T Fully Vested Special Intention 7 Godophin entry Distorted Admiral Aggie’s Honor Commandeering Aggie’s Honor A Fleet Attitude Alex The Terror Alex The Terror Luna de Loco Alex The Terror Bluegrass Singer A Fleet Attitude Carve A Fleet Attitude A Fleet Attitude 8 Alex The Terror Bluegrass Singer Luna de Loco Shuffle Up Pete’s Play Call Eila Eila Miss Katie Mae Miss Katie Mae Eila Play Unified Miss Katie Mae Play Unified Eila Louisville First 9 Miss Katie Mae Wild About Harry My Sweet Stella Wild About Harry Appealing Maggie Sanavi Sanavi Sanavi Sanavi Sanavi Prize Fight Prize Fight Prize Fight Prize Fight Holy Week 10 Mister Hayes Mister Hayes Mister Hayes Mister Hayes Prize Fight Our fifth handicapper will be a special guest each day. 2017 Records: 75/239 64/239 57/239 77/239 29/216*

Andrew J. Mollica,Esq. GUEST HANDICAPPER UPDATE Attorney and Counselor at Law Today’s guest handicapper is Joe Burke, head coach of the men’s basketball team at Skidmore College. Burke took over at Skidmore in 2010 and during Dedicated to protecting the rights of Horsemen. his seven-year tenure the Thoroughbreds have won 127 games and four conference champions and made five NCAA Division III tournament appear- General andand Equine Equine Practice Practice of ofLaw Law ances. Thursday, Annise Montplaisir picked no winners. 20 Middleton Road, Garden City,City, NYNY 1153011530 516 528-1311 cell · 516 352-6853 office * The guest win total does not include Monday or Wednesday, when only 516 528-1311 cell • 516 352-6853 office The Special’s regular handicappers picks appear at thisishorseracing.com. [email protected] [email protected] Licensed New York and NewNew JerseyJersey All Aspects of Immigration

Friday, August 18, 2017 The Saratoga Special 15 UNION AVENUE STAKES RECAP Worth the Trip Georgia owners toast NY-bred score BY TOM LAW Jason Servis readied for a long drive he occasion- ally makes in the spring from South Florida to the New Jersey Shore when Bill Poston tendered an of- fer the trainer had never received from an owner. “I’ve been with Bill a long time, and he’s the only owner that I’ve ever spent the night at his house,” Servis said Thursday at Saratoga Race Course. “We stopped on the way in Georgia, had dinner, it was great. He said, ‘If you don’t stop and stay I’m moving my horses, so I didn’t have a choice.’ ” Dave Harmon Continued On Page 17 Picco Uno flashes to the finish with a stakes win for trainer Jason Servis.

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16 The Saratoga Special Friday, August 18, 2017 the foot of Kennesaw Mountain and texting their friends and partners. Union Avenue – “They’re blowing me up,” Edens Continued from page 16 said. “They’re all happy for sure.” Picco Uno gives the group plenty of Poston laughed at the last part reason to be happy. The Union Ave- of that statement, knowing it was nue is her first stakes victory – and the an exaggeration from his trainer in Success is no first for the group – and the 4-year- the midst of a fruitful Saratoga meet old Macho Uno filly’s fifth win in her which improved Thursday with a sec- last six starts. That winning runs goes ond stakes win at the stand. The first back to last December and January part was true enough though. on the inner track at Aqueduct, when “That’s right, at my beach house in Accident... she won two 6-furlong state-bred al- Sea Island, Georgia,” Poston said as lowances to lose her New York-bred he waited for some friends and mem- conditions before back-to-back scores bers of Servis’ team to cash tickets against open company going 6 1/2 GUN RUNNER from Picco Uno’s win in Thursday’s furlongs at Aqueduct and Belmont Union Avenue Stakes for older New Park. Irad Ortiz Jr. rode Picco Uno in York-bred fillies and mares. “He was each of those victories. NYQUIST driving all the way to Monmouth The streak ended on a sloppy track Park and I said, ‘just stop and stay under Jose Ortiz in the Critical Eye on with us one time.’ It was great, we the Big Apple Showcase Day card at ORB have a great relationship.” Belmont May 29, but the gray filly re- The relationship got even better turned to the winner’s circle Thursday Thursday and Servis repaid the hos- when reunited with Irad Ortiz. pitality to Poston and the other four One back of his brother with 35 PALACE MALICE members of the Kennesaw Mountain wins through 24 days, Irad breezed Racing partnership when Picco Uno Picco Uno on the Oklahoma Train- romped. ing Track Aug. 11 and gave the filly CUPID Picco Uno, who races in the yellow, a good warm-up away from the pony green and white colors of the Ken- after the post parade. nesaw group of Poston, Billy Edens, “I always do that to her because TWISTED TOM John Moore, Al Fleming and Joe she’s the kind of filly that doesn’t Sheram, took advantage of an ideal show too much in the morning,” Or- trip under Irad Ortiz Jr. and troubled tiz said. “She’s so quiet, but when it’s ON LEAVE journeys from a few others to win the time to run she can run. I try to make 6 1/2-furlong feature by 2 1/2 lengths. sure she’s on her game and knows she Poston and Edens were on hand has to run today.” for the win, while the other three were CARRUMBA Continued On Page 18 back home in Marietta, Georgia, at KATHRYNTHE WISE KOBE’S BACK HUNTER O’RILEY CARINA MIA

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Tod Marks Bill Poston (left) and Billy Edens lead in Picco Uno after the Union Avenue.

Friday, August 18, 2017 The Saratoga Special 17 by Epic Thoroughbreds for $35,000 at the 2014 Keene- land January sale before Kennesaw Mountain Racing Union Avenue – bought her for $27,000 at the 2015 Keeneland September Continued from page 17 yearling sale. Poston, who’s been involved in racing for 20 years and Picco Uno knew the game was afoot early and raced campaigned graded stakes winners Ol’ Fashion Gal, Jen- just behind the pacesetting She’s All Ready and alongside ny’s So Great and Angela’s Love with his wife Vicki, origi- For 40 years, Clipthecouponannie and Court Dancer shortly after the nally bought Picco Uno with a plan to sell the filly. Engel Law Offices break and up the backstretch. Picco Uno edged ahead of “I had some friends that I wanted to be involved and Clipthecouponannie around the turn and was nearly on we bought her as a yearling,” Poston said. “We took her has represented horsemen even terms with She’s All Ready past the half in :45.25. to the Fasig-Tipton sale in Maryland and she had a chip with their legal issues, The two turned for home side by side, Kendrick Car- in her ankle.” mouche and She’s All Ready holding a spot two paths off Consigned by Grassroots Training and Sales, Picco Uno and continues to do so. the fence while Ortiz and Picco Uno floated out a bit and went through the sales process and only brought a bid of ran about four off the fence. Ortiz turned over his whip $34,000 that didn’t meet her reserve. outside the three-sixteenths, cracked Picco Uno twice and Licensing “Best thing that ever happened to us,” Poston said. “We she accelerated to the lead. took the chip out and gave her to Jason. I’ve had horses Partnership Formation “I got a perfect trip,” Ortiz said. “She always tries hard. with Jason for a long time, it just made sense.” She’s doing unbelievable right now. The trainer’s done a Picco Uno earned $60,000 for her Union Avenue victo- Gaming Comm. Hearings good job with her. She was ready and brought everything ry and boosted her bankroll to $299,667. she had.” The Union Avenue gave Servis his second stakes win at Other Legal Matters Picco Uno opened up from there and was clear inside the meet, to go with Firenze Fire’s victory in the Grade 3 the sixteenth pole as Quezon, buried inside for most of the Sanford opening weekend. The trainer has won eight of 19 trip before Javier Castellano swung her out at the head of starts, a strike rate of 42.1 percent, through 24 days and “Lengths ahead of the field” the lane, made a late run to be a clear second as the 3-2 was particularly pleased to win for the Kennesaw group. favorite. Absatootly, shuffled back early after a few awk- “They fly up from Georgia but sometimes they never 518-430-0005 ward steps, finished 1 1/2 lengths back in third. Picco Uno win, this time they did,” Servis said. “She drew off pret- won in 1:16.57. ty good. She’s an average looking filly but gets over the 855-677-5155 Bred in New York by Topsmeade and Frank Stronach’s ground real good and doesn’t work hard to do it.” www.engelatty.com Adena Springs and out of the winning Western Expression mare Piccola Isola, Picco Uno was purchased as a weanling Additional reporting by Shayna Tiller

18 The Saratoga Special Friday, August 18, 2017 Four Firsts Trainers find success, add names to Saratoga 2017 win column Thursday proved a big day at Sara- THURSDAY RACING RECAP toga Race Course as four trainers cel- ebrated their first wins at the meeting 24 days into the season. Thursday. His three runner-ups lost Bruce Brown got things rolling in by margins of a head, neck and half- length. He didn’t meet a similar fate the second with You Like That, Ralph with Beasley as he and Junior Alvara- Nicks collected his first winner in the do stretched at the finish to win in the fourth with Mojo’s Queen and Phil last jump by a nose over Hard Scram- Serpe closed the card with Held Ac- ble. countable. Mark Hennig also joined “I didn’t think he got up but, boy, the quartet when he sent out Mark the last 20 yards he made up a lot Grier’s and Lee Lewis’ Beasley to win of ground,” said Hennig. “He was the sixth, a 6-furlong allowance on forced to go wide, that’s a little short the main track. for him and he’ll appreciate more “It’s so good,” Hennig said. “We ground in his next start.” had a few close calls and I thought we Beasley was consistent in his first had another one that went the wrong three starts, breaking his maiden first way there for a second.” time out at Aqueduct in December Hennig had three seconds and Continued On Page 20 Tod Marks three thirds from 16 starts entering Beasley (left) gets up in time to catch Hard Scramble and win Thursday’s sixth race. Success is a Journey

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Friday, August 18, 2017 The Saratoga Special 19 “Hopefully we’re going to close out now that we’ve got the monkey Thursday – off our back,” he said. Continued from page 19 – Shayna Tiller

followed by two seconds in allowance • Bred, owned and trained by the races at Gulfstream Park in January Brown family. and February. He finished fifth in the NRB Racing Stable’s and ECB Rac- Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby March 11 ing Stable’s You Like That, undoubt- before going to the sidelines. edly named after the viral rant from “He came out of the race and we Washington Redskins quarterback had some issues with an ankle we Kirk Cousins in 2015, earned Bruce needed to clean up and he’s come Brown his first win when he drew in back great so we’re looking forward off the also-eligible list to win the sec- to the latter part of the year,” said ond, a maiden claimer for state-breds Hennig. “Definitely had high hopes. on the turf. He seemed like a very promising colt “That’s us, my family,” said and he still is. Brown, an unabashed Redskins fan. “He’s just the kind of horse that’s “Nicholas Robert Brown (his son), so always revealed himself. He’s a horse NRB. It’s great, this is my first win up with some talent that’s got a lot of here this summer so I got rid of the presence about him. He’s a pretty nice duck.” horse.” Brown was joined in the winner’s The 3-year-old son of Shackleford circle by Nicholas, daughters Riley cost $340,000 at the 2015 Fasig-Tip- and Reagan and wife Jennie. ton Saratoga sale of selected yearlings. Beaten a total of 133 1/2 lengths “My wife (Rose) and I picked him in seven prior starts, the 3-year-old out for the owners,” said Hennig. Justenuffhumor gelding drew in when “I loved that he was a good, correct stablemate Victory’s Cash scratched horse with a great walk. He was from the 1 1/16-mile race. You Like by a first-year sire, I don’t think we That broke from the outside post in would’ve been able to buy him had he the field of 10, was hustled from the been by a different horse.” gate to make the lead under Kendrick With a number in the win column Carmouche and cleared the field go- Hennig optimistically looked forward ing into the first turn. to the rest of the meet. You Like That was never headed from there, opening up on the turn and holding firm in the stretch to win Saratoga Leaders by 1 1/4 lengths. TRAINERS...... 1ST Chad Brown...... 25 Continued On Page 21 Todd Pletcher...... 25 Kiaran McLaughlin...... 10 Bill Mott...... 8 Jason Servis...... 8 Linda Rice...... 7 Rudy Rodriguez...... 7 George Weaver...... 6

JOCKEYS...... 1ST Jose Ortiz...... 36 Irad Ortiz Jr...... 35 John Velazquez...... 25 Javier Castellano...... 19 Manny Franco...... 15 Luis Saez...... 15 Jose Lezcano...... 11 Joel Rosario...... 11 Through Thursday Tod Marks Mojo’s Queen won the fourth for Ralph Nicks.

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Tod Marks Michael T. Levy Earleen Ladnier Bryce Burton Kim Jackson You Like That scores in the second for trainer Bruce Brown. President Vice President Property and Customer Relations Liability Specialist

ticket for the son of Uncle Mo at the 2014 Keeneland September yearlings Thursday – sale for a partnership and sent him Continued from page 20 to train with Pletcher. The Coolmore group turned him over to the Pletch- “I trained his mother and she did ers after a few physical issues slowed best up here,” Brown said. “She was his early training. one of those kind of horses that al- “We took him, turned him out ways just went right to the lead and at my place and came back after six it was catch her if you can. He’s nev- months,” J. J. Pletcher said. “I just er been on the lead and I wanted to turned him out and forgot about him see what he’d do. I always thought he for six months. Got him back up, I was a lot like his mother and would have a training center down in Ocala just run scared like that. He got in the so I started him. He’s won two, three right spot where he could make the now.” lead and hopefully he improves from J. J.’s Payton Training Center in here.” Ocala is where some of the Pletcher You Like That’s dam, the Werblin trainees are broken and given a basic mare Australis Princess, won five rac- foundation before being sent to the es and earned $159,157. She won track. The facility also provides a lo- three times at Saratoga, including cation for horses to recoup and return twice at the 2011 meet. to training. – Ben Gowans “We had to stop on him a couple of times and at that point they decid- • J. J. Pletcher grinned as he de- ed that he didn’t fit their program and scended the clubhouse stairs en route we said that we’d be happy to take to the winner’s circle. While he is al- him and my dad basically just turned ways delighted to see his son Todd him out in the backyard for a while,” win a race, Thebigfundamental’s vic- Todd Pletcher said. “He’s done great, tory in the third was a bit more spe- he’s been healthy and is training well. cial. Instead of taking a winning pho- He’s run well every time.” to with a client’s horse, the Pletchers Thebigfundamental finished sec- stood alongside their own. ond in his debut in a Gulfstream “It’s super good, super good,” the maiden special weight in March, fol- elder Pletcher said. “This was a gift lowed by an 8 1/2-length victory at horse. Michael Tabor gave this horse Belmont in April. He won again in a to Todd and I because he didn’t want 1 1/16-mile allowance at Belmont in him anymore; he had a bad leg.” M.V. Magnier signed a $550,000 Continued On Page 22

Friday, August 18, 2017 The Saratoga Special 21 “I still think he’s a grass horse,” said Valente. Thursday – With Javier Castellano aboard, Continued from page 21 Looking Ready finished third in his debut in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden spe- June, before finishing third in an al- cial on Saratoga’s main track July 28. lowance at Saratoga July 23. He returned with Castellano again He wore blinkers in his first four on the main track Thursday, cruising starts before Pletcher removed them through the 6 furlongs to win by 2 for Thursday’s 1 1/8-mile allowance. lengths. With John Velazquez aboard, the geld- “He trained great coming into both ing stumbled at the start, but quickly races,” said Levine. “I was a little bit found footing and chased in second disappointed last time, I thought he’d behind Doyouknowsomething. They show a little bit more speed. I told took the lead just inside the half-mile Javier in the paddock, ‘I think this pole and carried it through the finish, horse will show you more speed with winning by 1 1/4 lengths. a race under his belt.’ “It was a group of familiar hors- “He broke well and went on with es but I’m happy for a different out- it. He got pushed all the way around, come,” said Todd. “I decided to take but he might still want the grass. Just the blinkers off because I decided he an opinion.” was a little keen this time and that Bilinski purchased the Giant’s helped. The track played a little tight- Causeway mare Seeknfind in foal to er, which also helped. More Than Ready for $52,000 at the “We try not to own too many but 2014 Keeneland November breeding it’s fun, we enjoyed that a lot.” stock sale. The bay colt was born the – Shayna Tiller following May. “I bought the mare in foal to this • Roddy Valente gathered with stallion, and of course the stallion is Jerry Bilinski and Bruce Levine in one of the top stallions in the coun- the winner’s circle following Looking Tod Marks Continued On Page 23 Held Accountable rolls down the lane to win the finale for trainer Phil Serpe. Ready’s victory in the fifth.

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22 The Saratoga Special Friday, August 18, 2017 • Mike Hushion might not have his name in the in the winner’s circle with Chester Broman. “Her program anymore, but his impact is still felt at the works have been very good in the morning. They’re Thursday – racetrack. 2-year-old races, I thought she’d be up or near the Continued from page 22 “I’m very grateful to Mike Hushion because this pace anyway.” filly came out of Mike’s barn,” Phil Serpe said after Held Accountable worked 5 furlongs out of try,” said Bilinski. “We foaled the mare on our farm winning the ninth with Held Accountable. “We did the gate twice after arriving in Saratoga and then and it’s always nice to see one that you saw as a the finishing work on her. Mike did all the bottom worked a half-mile on the Oklahoma turf Aug. 11. baby and helped pull out of the mare do this well work on her and he had her working up to a half- She broke sharply under Luis Saez and raced in two years later.” mile, so a lot of this credit for this filly getting here second down the backstretch. The first-time starter Bilinski and Valente have partnered on various belongs to Mike Hushion and his crew.” took the lead before turning for home and stayed horses in training with Levine over the years, and Chester and Mary Broman, who own and bred on through the lane, holding off Pound Note by 2 trust the trainer’s decisions. the 2-year-old New York-bred daughter of Ex- 1/4 lengths. “We’re obviously ecstatic to win,” said Bilinski. change Rate, sent her to Hushion this year. When “She’s just typical of these horses that the Bro- “I’m not a trainer, but all I can say is we won here Hushion retired at the end of the Belmont meet, the mans breed,” Serpe said. “I’ve been wanting to on the dirt. If the trainer thinks he’s grass we can do Bromans turned her over to Serpe. train for him forever. Year after year, you see that that and see what happens, and if it doesn’t work “We’ve had her about five weeks I think. He sent they just breed quality horses and quality New we can come back to the dirt.” her over a few days before we shipped up,” Serpe York-breds and this is just another one.” – Shayna Tiller said while watching the replay on the infield screen – Ben Gowans SARATOGA’S BEST BETS

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Friday, August 18, 2017 The Saratoga Special 23 SARATOGA RESULTS Thursday August 17. SIXTH $85,000, ALLOWANCE, 3 YO’S & UP, 6F 1 Beasley J. Alvarado $6.90 $3.20 $2.60 FIRST $56,000, CLAIMING $32,000, 3 YO, 6F 3 Hard Scramble R. Santana, Jr. $2.90 $2.30 5 Honor Way J. Bravo $5.50 $3.00 $2.20 4 Grumpelstiltskin J. Ortiz $3.00 1 Friend of Liberty E. Cancel $3.30 $2.50 B Colt 2014, by Shackleford - In Truth by Quiet American 3 Tainted Angel R. Santana, Jr. $2.80 Owner: Lewis, Lee and Grier, Mark B.. Trainer: Mark Hennig. B Filly 2014, by Caleb’s Posse - Truth and Honor by Yes It’s True Breeder: Nancy Shuford (KY). Owner: Final Turn Racing Stables, LLC and Jacobson, David. Late Scratches: Gorgeous Charli Trainer: David Jacobson. Breeder: Candy Meadows LLC (KY). Time: 1:10.72 Late Scratches: She’s Stunning Daily Double (1-1), $18.60; Exacta (1-3), $16.20; Superfecta (1-3-4- Claimed: Honor Way claimed by Midwest Thoroughbreds, Inc. for 6), $216.40; Trifecta (1-3-4), $48.20; Pic 3 (2-1-1), $69.50 $32,000, Friend of Liberty claimed by Scuderi, Vincent S. for $32,000 Time: 1:10.74 SEVENTH $85,000, AOC $80,000, 3 YO, 1 3/16M Exacta (5-1), $15.80; Superfecta (5-1-3-2), $82.00; Trifecta (5-1-3), 1 Taperge J. Ortiz $5.50 $3.10 $2.50 $30.80 4 Summer Luck J. Castellano $2.90 $2.40 10 Initiate I. Ortiz, Jr. $2.70 SECOND $45,000, NY-BRED MAIDEN CLM $40,000, 3&UP, 1 1/16M Gr/ro Filly 2014, by Tapit - Jera by Jeblar 1A You Like That K. Carmouche $45.20 $13.60 $9.20 Owner: Gainesway Stable (Antony Beck). Trainer: Chad Brown. 8 Saratoga Colonel M. Franco $3.50 $3.10 Breeder: Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD. (KY). 2 Fleet Admiral E. Cancel $5.80 Late Scratches: Jonquil, Warrior Hall, Crimson Frost, Stay Fond Ch Gelding 2014, by Justenuffhumor - Australis Princess by Werblin Time: 1:52.01 Owner: NRB Racing Stable and ECB Racing Stable. Daily Double (1-1), $18.40; Exacta (1-4), $18.60; Superfecta (1-4-10- Trainer: Bruce Brown. Breeder: Bruce Brown (NY). 2), $84.50; Trifecta (1-4-10), $39.00; Pic 3 (1-1-1), $47.00 Late Scratches: Victory’s Cash, Run for Boston Time: 1:43.28 EIGHTH $100,000, NY-BRED - UNION AVENUE S., 3 & UP, 6 1/2F Daily Double (5-1), $123.50; Exacta (1-8), $172.50; Quinella (1-8), 9 Picco Uno I. Ortiz, Jr. $9.70 $4.10 $3.20 $56.50; Superfecta (1-8-2-3), $3,723.00; Trifecta (1-8-2), $938.00 1 Quezon J. Castellano $3.10 $2.60 3 Absatootly J. Bravo $6.80 THIRD $90,000, AOC $62,500, 3 YO’S & UP, 1 1/8M Gr/ro Filly 2013, by Macho Uno - Piccola Isola by Western Expression 3 Thebigfundamental J. Velazquez $5.20 $3.40 $2.20 Owner: Kennesaw Mountain Racing, LLC. Trainer: Jason Servis. 6 Doyouknowsomething M. Franco $9.10 $3.50 Breeder: Topsmeade, LLC & Adena Springs Farm (NY). 4 Securitiz J. Ortiz $2.10 Late Scratches: Hot City Girl B Gelding 2013, by Uncle Mo - Stormy Renee by Storm Cat Time: 1:16.57 Owner: Pletcher, Jake J. and Todd A.. Trainer: Todd Pletcher. Daily Double (1-9), $31.80; Exacta (9-1), $29.80; Superfecta (9-1-3- Breeder: Haymarket Farm LLC (KY). 7), $1,231.00; Trifecta (9-1-3), $303.50; Pic 3 (1-1-9), $134.50; Grand Claimed: Raagheb claimed by Jacobson, David for $62,500 Slam (1,6,7,10,11/1,3,4,7/1,4,6,7,9,), $15.20 Time: 1:50.35 Daily Double (1-3), $139.50; Exacta (3-6), $41.40; Superfecta (3-6-4- NINTH $73,000, NY-BRED MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 2 YO, 5 1/2F 5), $234.00; Trifecta (3-6-4), $86.00; Pic 3 (5-1-3), $372.50 1 Held Accountable L. Saez $10.00 $6.20 $3.60 6 Pound Note E. Cancel $8.80 $4.10 FOURTH $47,000, CLAIMING $40,000, 3 YO’S & UP, 5 1/2F 2 Scatback J. Rosario $2.70 2 Mojo’s Queen I. Ortiz, Jr. $8.40 $3.50 $3.20 B Filly 2015, by Exchange Rate - New Harmony by A.P. Indy 6 Crazy About Jazz J. Castellano $4.30 $3.40 Owner: Chester and Mary Broman, Sr.. Trainer: Philip Serpe. 5 Veil Dance M. Franco $4.50 Breeder: Chester Broman & Mary R. Broman (NY). B Filly 2014, by Leroidesanimaux (BRZ) - Money Queen by E Dubai Late Scratches: Queen Courage, Under Suspicion, Carrera Cat, Rapid Owner: Palm Beach Racing. Trainer: Ralph Nicks. Route, Tayler’s the Boss Breeder: Family Broodmares IV (FL). Time: 1:02.10 Late Scratches: Mo Promise, Asian’s Way Daily Double (9-1), $58.50; Exacta (1-6), $82.00; Superfecta (1-6-2- Time: 1:01.35 3), $3,926.00; Trifecta (1-6-2), $259.00; Pic 3 (1-9-1), $202.00; Pic 4 Daily Double (3-2), $24.40; Exacta (2-6), $35.80; Quinella (2-6), (1-1-9-1), $779.00; Pic 5 (1-1-1-9-1), $2,176.00; Pic 6 (2-1-1-1-9-1), $18.00; Superfecta (2-6-5-3), $2,597.00; Trifecta (2-6-5), $155.50; $105.00; Pic 6 (2-1-1-1-9-1), $7,337.00 Pic 3 (1-3-2), $756.00 Attendance: 25,336 Fifth $73,000, NY-Bred Maiden special weight, 2 yo, 6F On Track Handle: 3,224,642 1 Looking Ready J. Castellano $5.30 $3.70 $2.50 Inter-State Handle: 9,116,522 6 Sea Foam M. Franco $8.40 $4.40 10 Dark Ops I. Ortiz, Jr. $2.60 Copyright 2017 EQUIBASE Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. Dk B/ Br Colt 2015, by More Than Ready - Seeknfind by Giant’s Cause- way Owner: Valente, Roddy J. and Bilinski, Darlene. Trainer: Bruce Levine. Breeder: Dr. Jerry Bilinski & Roddy Valente (NY). The Special is THE place Late Scratches: Smokin Platinum, Mr. Hot Rocks, Scrutinize Time: 1:11.96 to advertise Daily Double (2-1), $24.80; Exacta (1-6), $54.00; Superfecta (1-6-10- 5), $432.00; Trifecta (1-6-10), $106.00; Pic 3 (3-2-1), $56.50; Pic 4 Keeneland September (1-3-2-1), $1,673.00; Pic 5 (5/7-1-3-2-1), $6,767.00 consignments.

24 The Saratoga Special Friday, August 18, 2017 SARATOGA RESULTS PHOTOS BY TOD MARKS AND DAVE HARMON 1 2 3

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Friday, August 18, 2017 The Saratoga Special 25 cupofcoffee BY SEAN CLANCY Big Bill Kip Elser called John Servis about a kid who ing job? He looks like he works for the racing com- wanted to go from teaching school in South Caroli- mission. He can’t walk hots in those things, can he?’ na to walking horses at Delaware Park. She said, ‘I don’t know but we need one, I’m putting “Does he know anything?” Servis asked. him to work.’ And the rest is history.” “Yeah, he can walk a horse.” Elser said. And, oh what a history. Foster became part of “Sure, send him up, I’ll put him to work,” Servis Servis’ family, spending each Thanksgiving and said. “He was a good Christmas, vacationing in the Poconos. He handled As Servis had learned, he handed the responsibil- every chore at the Servis barn – hotwalker, night ity of dealing with the new hotwalker to his right- horseman, a good guy, watchman, foreman, spare paperwork – before hand man, Bill Foster. Six foot, six inches, college moving to a slower position as rec hall overseer, a educated, a crossword genius, a born horseman, a a Damon Runyon character, job that sounds like it was created for Foster, as he bust-or-boon gambler, Foster spent all day, every lived in a dorm room across from Servis’ barn at day at the racetrack. just a pure racetracker.” Parx, all the way until he died in March. “Bill, we got this guy coming, he’s going to walk A sister in Ohio, a couple of children who didn’t hots for us,” Servis explained. “He might be a little know him, Foster lived as a racetracker and died a green.” racetracker. He was cremated, his ashes are still in Foster said he’d handle it, expecting the new hot- Servis’ house, waiting to be spread at the racetrack. walker to show up the next morning. “He was a good horseman, a good guy, a Damon Dan Pride showed up early, as only he would, Foster stopped. This show was over. Runyon character, just a pure racetracker” Servis arriving at Servis’ barn at 2 on the afternoon before “I’m confused,” Foster said. said. “Loved to gamble until there was nothing left, he was meant to start turning left, hoping to make “What do you mean?” Pride asked. “Confused then go hit someone up for $20 so he could gamble the biggest turn of his life. With his wife, Beth, preg- about what?” a little bit more. Very well educated, a college grad- nant in the car, Pride bounced across the walking “I was told you were coming here to walk horses uate, he would read the Philadelphia Inquirer every ring and shook hands with Foster, sitting in a chair, not be the assistant trainer,” Foster said. day and he’d do the puzzle, I’m telling you, in may- a couple of beers in, at the end of the barn like he That was the end of the tour. be 10 minutes. He became family. He was just Uncle did every day. “You’re right, I’m sorry,” Pride said, turning on Bill to my kids. We were together for a long time.” “Hi, I’m Dan Pride…” his heel. “I’ll see you in the morning.” Smarty Jones provided the pinnacle of the ride, “Yeah, they told me you were coming,” Foster Pride survived that summer and wound up at rolling into the Belmont Stakes as the undefeat- said, without interest, offering comfort wasn’t in his Taylor Made Farm, Darley, Fasig-Tipton and even- ed people’s horse. Sure, it ended with a thud, but repertoire. tually Godolphin while Servis and Foster would to Foster, the ride from Parx to Oaklawn Park to “Do you mind showing me around?” Pride stay together, through thick – the Smarty Jones ride Churchill Downs to Pimlico to Belmont Park, well, asked. of 2004 and thin – the daily grind of the racetrack. it legitimized his life, his choices. Hand in a bucket of ice, reaching for another Remember the big guy who looked like an under- “He loved the racetrack, that was his life,” Servis beer, Foster looked up from his chair and grunted, cover security guard wherever Smarty Jones went? said. “And Smarty, that put the icing on the cake, it “Yeah, come on…” Yeah, that was Bill Foster. was why he hung around the track every day and At the first stall, Pride asked, “Who’s this horse?” From Boston, tutored under Hall of Fame trainer did what he did, to be able to experience something Foster offered a name. At the second stall, Pride asked Jack Van Berg, Foster met Servis in 1989. like that and he did, he went on the whole ride, he “Who’s this horse?” Foster offered a name, slower “He walked in the barn, he was dressed up, he loved it. No matter what happened, it was all about than the first one. As Foster and Pride reached the had penny loafers on, looking for a hot-walking me, the barn, the horses.” third stall, Pride asked again, “Who’s this horse?” job.” Servis said. “I said to my assistant, ‘Hot-walk- Just like it was that afternoon at Delaware Park.

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