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Saturday’s Racing Insights for Aug. 29

SPOTLIGHT ON RUNHAPPY BABY IN LOADED SARATOGA MAIDEN

6th-SAR, $72K, Msw, 2yo, 6f, 3:57 p.m. ET

HAPPYMAC (Runhappy), an $800,000 RNA at the OBS June Sale (:20 3/5), looks like the one to beat in this extremely deep baby race at the Spa. The half-brother to runaway GII Amsterdam S. winner and GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint runner-up Shancelot (Shanghai Bobby) fired a five-furlong bullet from the gate in :59 2/5 (1/12) at Saratoga Aug. 17. Happymac, drawn widest of all in post 10 for the Heiligbrodts and Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, previously brought $125,000 at KEEJAN and $360,000 at KEESEP as a yearling. He is the 5-2 morning-line favorite.

After unleashing Reinvestment Risk (Upstart) to a jaw-dropping ‘TDN Rising Star’ performance earlier this meet, trainer Chad Brown and Klaravich Stables debut another son of the Airdrie Stud freshman sire in $600,000 OBS March (:21) graduate Founder (Upstart).

The rail-drawn Newbomb (Speightstown), a half-brother to the talented GSW & MGISP My Happy Face (Tiz Wonderful), debuts for Todd Pletcher. The $155,000 FTKOCT yearling has a pair of bullet workouts on the tab for this.

The field also includes $600,000 KEESEP graduate Charleston Strong (Flatter) and $375,000 KEESEP graduate Majestic Street (Street Sense), a half-brother to MGSW St. Joe Bay (Saint Anddan). TJCIS PPs

MILLION DOLLAR WAR FRONT KEESEP YEARLING DEBUTS

10th-SAR, $72K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 6:16 p.m. ET

Trainer Chad Brown will saddle a pair of promising youngsters here, including Shadwell Stable’s $1-million KEESEP yearling purchase ZAINALARAB (War Front). She is the first foal out of Delightful Joy (Tapit), heroine of the GIII Monmouth Oaks. Brown will also tighten the girth on Three Chimneys Farm homebred Always Carina (Malibu Moon), a half-sister to the Brown-trained unbeaten GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf hero Structor (Palace Malice). TJCIS PPs

PRICEY GHOSTZAPPER COLT MAKES SECOND START AT DEL MAR

6th-DMR, $55K, Msw, 2yo, 6f, 7:40 p.m. ET

VITTORIO (Ghostzapper), a $750,000 OBS Spring purchase (bullet :9 4/5) by Kaleem Shah, looks to build off a better-than-it-looked fifth-place finish after a slow start and wide trip on debut going five furlongs Aug. 1 (Second Chances). The bay fired a four-furlong bullet in :47 (1/113) for trainer Simon Callaghan from the gate Aug. 16. TJCIS PPs

QUEEN’S PLATE WINNER RETURNS FROM LENGTHY LAYOFF

9th-DMR, $59K, OC62K, 3yo/up, 1 1/16mT, 9:10 p.m. ET

Canadian Classic winner ONE BAD BOY (Twirling Candy), winner of last term’s Queen’s Plate S., makes his 4-year-old debut. The dark bay, trained by Richard Baltas, was last seen finishing third as the even-money favorite in the second leg of Canada’s Triple Crown in the Prince of Wales S. at Fort Erie last July. He has been working bullets for his return, and graduated impressively in his lone prior try on grass at Santa Anita last April. TJCIS PPs

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Saratoga Face Mask Campaign Raises $20K

Officials at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) presented a check in the amount of $20,000 to a handful of non-profit organizations, the result of a joint undertaking with the City of Saratoga Springs to raise funds via the sale of limited-edition Saratoga face masks.

The campaign was launched in mid-June and reportedly met with a great deal of interest in the public. The funds will be distributed evenly between AIM Services, Inc.; Franklin Community Center; Shelters of Saratoga and the SNACpack Program (Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children). A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the masks was donated to the non-profits.

“It was great to see this level of support for a campaign that not only serves as a unique sign of the times, but benefits the collective health of the Saratoga community in so many ways,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O’Rourke. “We thank our fans for their enthusiasm surrounding the face masks, as well as Mayor Kelly and the City of Saratoga Springs for their continued partnership and leadership.”

Added Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly: “We are all grateful to NYRA and the Saratoga mask initiative for helping us ‘Mask Up’ and raise funds for four of our local non-profits. NYRA has demonstrated once again their commitment to the safety and well-being of our entire community. When we get through this, we will be able to look back with pride on the many ways the community pulled together. NYRA’s example is just one of many that make Saratoga Springs such a special place to live, work and visit.”

A limited number of three-pack set of Saratoga face masks remain available for purchase for $24.95 at Shop.NYRA.com.

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Face Mask Campaign Raises $20,000 For Saratoga Springs Non-Profits

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today presented a $20,000 donation to several non-profit organizations as a result of a joint initiative with the City of Saratoga Springs to raise funds for the community through the sale of limited-edition Saratoga Race Course face masks.

The campaign, which launched in mid-June and was immediately met with high demand from racing fans, raised a total of $20,000 which will be divided evenly between AIM Services, Inc.; Franklin Community Center; Shelters of Saratoga and the SNACpack Program (Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children).

NYRA worked with City of Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly to identify the program's four beneficiaries, which provide food, shelter and other critical resources during a time of increased need resulting from the coronavirus global health pandemic. A portion of proceeds from all mask sales was donated to the non-profits.

“It was great to see this level of support for a campaign that not only serves as a unique sign of the times, but benefits the collective health of the Saratoga community in so many ways,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O'Rourke. “We thank our fans for their enthusiasm surrounding the face masks, as well as Mayor Kelly and the City of Saratoga Springs for their continued partnership and leadership.”

“We are all grateful to NYRA and the Saratoga mask initiative for helping us 'Mask Up' and raise funds for four of our local non-profits,” said Mayor Kelly. “NYRA has demonstrated once again their commitment to the safety and well-being of our entire community. When we get through this, we will be able to look back with pride on the many ways the community pulled together. NYRA's example is just one of many that make Saratoga Springs such a special place to live, work and visit.”

A limited number of three-pack sets of Saratoga face masks remain available for purchase for $24.95 at Shop.NYRA.com.

The Saratoga reusable cloth face masks come in a variety pack featuring three individual designs: a red mask with a white Saratoga logo; a white mask with a red Saratoga logo; and a navy-blue mask with a red Saratoga logo. The masks include a white border and stretchable elastic ear straps with an interior pocket for a replaceable filter.

Saratoga face masks are for personal use only; not a replacement for medical grade personal protective equipment.

Founded in 1979, AIM Services, Inc. provides residential and community-based services to people with disabilities, including individuals with traumatic brain injuries and those looking for nursing home transition or diversion. The agency provides services to individuals in Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.

Franklin Community Center is a non-profit human service agency that has provided basic necessities and services to individuals and families in Saratoga Springs for more than 25 years. The Center serves more than 6,000 people annually through a variety of programs, including a food pantry, afterschool prevention, and safe and affordable housing.

Since 1991, Shelters of Saratoga has provided assistance to people who are facing homelessness by providing safe shelter, supportive services and sustainable strategies with the mission to end homelessness in the greater Saratoga region. Programs include emergency and case-managed shelters, outreach services, drop-in centers and affordable housing.

The SNACpack Program (Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children) provides backpacks filled with child-friendly, non-perishable, easily consumed foods to local children on weekends and when other resources aren't available. The bags are distributed weekly to all six elementary, middle and high schools in the Saratoga Springs Central School District.

The 2020 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Racing at Saratoga is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays. Closing week will run Wednesday, September 2 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

Under New York state guidelines, Saratoga Race Course is operating without spectators in attendance.

Saratoga Live presents daily television coverage of the 40-day summer meet on FOX Sports and MSG Networks. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.

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Weekend Lineup: Charles Town Classic, ‘Win And You’re In’ Sword Dancer

Saratoga Race Course will play host to four graded stakes on its 11-race card Saturday, highlighted by the Grade 1, $500,000 Sword Dancer Stakes, a “Win and You're In” qualifier to the Breeders' Cup Turf in November at Keeneland. Also featured will be the Grade 1 Forego Stakes at seven furlongs on the main track for older sprinters; the Grade 2 Amsterdam at six furlongs for sophomore sprinters; and the Grade 3 Saranac at one mile on the inner turf for 3-year-olds.

The Sword Dancer is one of two Breeders' Cup Challenge Series “Win and You're In” races on tap for August 29 as the Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar is an automatic qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Sprint. The Sword Dancer will be shown on NYRA's “Saratoga Live” telecast on FS2. Saturday's Pat O'Brien Stakes will be televised live on TVG as part of their comprehensive coverage of racing at Del Mar.

Saratoga Live will present daily television coverage of the 40-day summer meet on FOX Sports and MSG Networks. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/racing/tv-schedule.

Friday August 28

5:46 p.m.—$100,000 Grade 3 Lake George Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on FS2

Robert and Lawana Low's Sweet Melania will attempt to keep her consistent record intact when she headlines Friday's 25th running of the Lake George for 3-year-old fillies going one mile over the inner turf. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Sweet Melania arrives at the Lake George off an easy wire-to-wire victory in the Grade 3 Wonder Again at Belmont Park, which she won off a nearly eight-month. The American Pharoah chestnut began her career on the main track but made her third career start a winning one when debuting on grass over the Spa's inner turf last July. Sweet Melania followed up with a runner-up effort in the P.G. Johnson at Saratoga before a victory in the Grade 2 Jessamine at Keeneland. She completed her juvenile campaign by running third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/SAR082820USA9-EQB.html

9:43 p.m.—$200,000 Grade 3 Charles Town Oaks at Charles Town on TVG

Multiple graded stakes-winner Tonalist's Shape heads up a field of 10 in the Charles Town Oaks, one of seven stakes on the card. Trained by Saffie Joseph, Jr., Tonalist's Shape won her first five career starts, including the Grade 3 Forward Gal and Grade 2 Davona Dale Stakes earlier this year. The daughter of Tonalist most recently finished fourth in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga on July 18.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/CT082820USA10-EQB.html

10:18 p.m.—$600,000 Grade 2 Charles Town Classic at Charles Town on TVG

Grade 1 winner Math Wizard aims to secure his first victory since taking the 2019 Pennsylvania Derby when he faces nine challengers in the 1 1/8-miles Charles Town Classic. Math Wizard ran second last time out in the Grade 3 Monmouth Cup Stakes, his best finish since his breakout triumph in the Pennsylvania Derby.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/CT082820USA11-EQB.html

Saturday August 29

2:18 p.m.—$100,000 Grade 3 Saranac Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on FS2

Daniel M. Ryan's Vanzzy has proven capable of winning over any surface thrown his way and will try to build off a recent turf stakes victory in the Saranac, a one-mile test for sophomores over the inner turf. Trained by Michael Pino, the bay son of Verrazano was a last-out winner of the Jersey Derby on July 26 at Monmouth Park, which he won by 3 ½ lengths over the firm turf. Vanzzy began his career over the main track, graduating at second asking going one mile on October 14 at Parx, before winning the Display over the all-weather surface two months later at Woodbine.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/SAR082920USA3-EQB.html

2:29 p.m.—$150,000 Grade 3 Eatontown Stakes at Monmouth Park on TVG

In a turf race that features three from Chad Brown's powerhouse stable and one trained by Todd Pletcher, Kelly Breen will take his best shot with his classy Jersey-bred Valedictorian. With Breen's hope that she may be the lone speed, Valedictorian will look to get back on track in Eatontown Stakes, the feature on Monmouth Park's 14-race card. She won the race a year ago, one of 12 career victories that have helped her to $737,115 in lifetime earnings.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/MTH082920USA5-EQB.html

4:17 p.m.—$125,000 Grade 3 Ontario Colleen Stakes at Woodbine on TVG

Saratoga Vision, a 3-year-old daughter of Court Vision, will look to record a couple of firsts in Saturday's Ontario Colleen, part of Woodbine's 10-race card. Owned and trained by Alexander Patykewich, the Kentucky-bred would notch her first stakes crown with a victory in the one-mile turf Ontario Colleen while also breaking her maiden in what will be her 13th start. Bred by Charles Fipke, Saratoga Vision has a pair of seconds and a trio of thirds from 12 starts, including a strong runner-up showing in her latest effort, the Grade 3 Selene Stakes on July 25 at Woodbine.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/WO082920CAN7-EQB.html

4:32 p.m.—$150,000 Grade 2 Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on FS2

Jackpot Farm's Basin is entered in a sprint for the first time since his juvenile campaign, making his first start for trainer Todd Pletcher in headlining a six-horse field in the Amsterdam Stakes. Under Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen, Basin started the year on the Triple Crown trail, running third in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes to start his 3-year-old campaign in March at Oaklawn Park. He again ran on a sloppy and sealed track next out, running fourth in the Oaklawn Stakes in April. Keeping at the two-turn 1 1/8-mile distance, Basin won his second career Grade 1 in a division of the Arkansas Derby on May 2, crossing the wire second, six lengths back of Charlatan, who was later disqualified from purse money.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/SAR082920USA7-EQB.html

5:07 p.m.—$300,000 Grade 1 Forego Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on FS2

Veteran war horse Whitmore will face off against three other Grade 1 winners in Saturday's 41st running of the Forego Stakes. Boasting a record of 35-14-11-3 and lifetime earnings of over $3.1 million, Whitmore will attempt to join Groovy (1986-87) and Quick Call (1988-89) as the only horses to win multiple editions of the Forego. A winner of the 2018 Forego over subsequent Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup winner City of Light, Whitmore boasts six graded stakes victories. Whitmore arrives at the race off a runner-up finish to Volatile in the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt on July 25 at the Spa.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/SAR082920USA8-EQB.html

5:43 p.m.—$500,000 Grade 1 Sword Dancer Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on FS2

Trainer Mike Maker will saddle a trio of top contenders, led by New York-bred Cross Border, who will look to win his third race of the 2020 Saratoga Race Course summer meet in Saturday's Sword Dancer. Bred in the Empire State by Berkshire Stud and B. D. Gibbs, Cross Border is a perfect 5-for-5 at Saratoga. His Saratoga domination continued on July 22 when 6 ¼-lengths the best in the 1 1/16-mile Lubash for state-breds, and despite being wheeled back on just 10 days rest, Cross Border crossed the wire second in the Grade 2 Bowling Green and was elevated to first following the disqualification of Sadler's Joy for lugging in.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/SAR082920USA9-EQB.html

9:38 p.m.—$150,000 Grade 2 Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar on TVG

Flagstaff is a lovely, little town in the mountains of Northern Arizona. Flagstaff is also a very fast racehorse who could be tough to beat at Del Mar Saturday afternoon in the 35th running of the Pat O'Brien Stakes. Flagstaff, a 6-year-old gelding by Speighstown, didn't make it to the races until his 4-year-old season and only shows 13 starts in total. Five of them have been wins, though – the last two coming in stakes at the O'Brien's seven-furlong distance – and he sports earnings that read $485,785.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/DMR082920USA10-EQB.html

Sunday August 30

5:46 p.m.—$125,000 Grade 3 Shuvee Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on FS1

The top-three finishers of the Summer Colony earlier this month will each take a step up in class on Sunday, with Nonna Madeline looking for a second straight win as part of a nine-horse field of older fillies and mares in the Shuvee Stakes. One of three entrants for trainer Todd Pletcher, Nonna Madeline won her first career stakes in the 1 1/8-mile Summer Colony on August 5, posting a 1 ¼-length score over a fast track. Running at the same distance in the 44th running of the Shuvee, the 4-year-old daughter of Candy Ride (ARG) enters having run first or second in her last three starts.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/SAR083020USA9-EQB.html

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