Geoff Faustman

DRF handicapper Dan Illman will analyze every 2-year-old race of the Saratoga meet. Illman's book on handicapping 2-year-old races is due out in late fall.

I got a thrill in Race 2 as Cat’s Lad showed the way until upper stretch. Unfortunately, he faltered, and finished off the board. Thankfully, Burnish didn’t disappoint in Race 6. She scored after a pace-pressing effort ($.4.70 to Win, $3.00 to Place), and Cheerful got up to complete the $26.40 Exacta Box.

I’d like to thank everyone at Daily Racing Form for allowing me this forum for the Saratoga meet. I’d also like to thank the horseplayers and handicappers that e-mailed me their thoughts. It’s reassuring to know that there are so many dedicated, insightful, and passionate people out there that love the greatest game in the world, thoroughbred racing. Thank you all very much.

Now let’s get on to closing day. Time to break the bank, and scoot out of town.

Monday, September 6

Race 2
5 1/2 Furlongs. Maiden Special Weight. Two Year Olds.

Perhaps Todd Pletcher and John Velazquez have saved the best for last. ARGENTO (More Than Ready - Black Tie Kiss, by Danzig) is the first foal from a multiple-winning (in Japan) half-sister to Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Black Tie Affair, stakes-winner Start a Tab (43K), Irish juvenile stakes-placed Daylight Hour, and Italian Group 1 Great Palm. The second dam was a stakes-winner. The third dam was multiple stakes-placed. The fifth dam was a multiple stakes-winner (113K). The August 21 workout went .09 seconds slower than Pletcher’s three-year-old Navesink River (won AN1X on August 30 with a 97 Beyer Speed Figure). Argento cost $250,000 as a yearling. I’m guessing he can run a little bit.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - March 25
Sire - 3-23 (13%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 1 foal of racing age, 0 runners.

GET WILD (Forest Wildcat - Smile n Betsy, by Tejano) has some ability as evidenced by his second-place finish in his debut (disqualified to third), but I didn’t like how he tried to lug in throughout the stretch. He is a half to juvenile stakes-placed Smileytime (84K), and stakes-placed Smile n Wildcat (161K). The multiple sprint-winning dam is a half to multiple stakes-placed Elfahed (41K). The second dam was stakes-placed. The third dam was a stakes-winner, and the fifth winner is a multiple stakes-winner. Get Wild earned a good Beyer Speed Figure for his debut, and should benefit from his debut run. He has tactical speed and looms a contender.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - April 25
Sire - 84-473 (18%) with juvenile runners.
Dam - 7 foals of racing age, 7 runners, 5 winners, 6 juvenile runners, 2 juvenile winners.

JONATHAN QUICK (Unbridled’s Song - Clever Tide, by Clever Trick) was off a beat slowly in his debut, but soon found himself in a good spot tracking the pace. He couldn’t go with the leaders in the stretch, but don’t let the eleven-plus length margin of defeat fool you. He was geared down in the final eighth of a mile, and was steadied late. He is a half to Grade 3-placed Moon Over Prospect (247K), and stakes-winner Interest Only (168K) out of an unraced half to juvenile stakes-winner Hilo Bob (32K). The fourth dam was a multiple stakes-winner (212K, half to What a Pleasure), and the fifth dam was a stakes-winner at two. The August 20 workout matches up with Nick Zito’s three-year-old filly Perfect Lady (80 Beyer). Nick Zito historically does better with second-time starters than he does with firsters so Jonathan Quick should improve. He’s not out of the mix.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - April 10
Sire - 55-311 (18%)
Dam - 6 foals of racing age, 5 runners, 4 winners, 4 juvenile runners, 2 juvenile winners.

MANGIARACINA (Grand Slam - Bewitching, by Imp Society) is by an exciting young sire, and his dam was Group 3-placed in England. The dam is a half to juvenile stakes-placed Arizona Irish (22K), and stakes-placed (Japan) Eishin Luverne. The third dam is a half to Exceller, Baldski, Capote, and American Standard. The fourth dam was a multiple stakes-winner of 174K. The fifth dam won the Kentucky Oaks. Richard Migliore and Mark Hennig have teamed up for a win at the meet, but the inside post can be a daunting place, and the works give out mixed feelings. This 70K weanling resold for $150,000 as a yearling. I like him best on the bottom of exotic wagers.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - March 10
Sire - 16-103 (16%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 2 foals of racing age, 1 runner, 1 winner, 0 juvenile runners.

HIGH HI (High Yield - Sugar Walls Babe, by Private Terms) is the first foal from a multiple route-winner. The second dam was Group 3-placed in France. The third dam was a Group 3 winner in France, and the fourth dam was stakes-placed in France. He shows some very fast workouts for this, but I would prefer to see at least one five-furlong drill on the tab. He may improve as the distance increase. Early action probably tells the whole story.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - April 2
Sire - 1-9 (11%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 1 foal of racing age, 0 runners.

BIRD OF PARADISE (Birdonthewire - Baucis, by Big Spruce) is a half to multiple stakes-winner Sideways (189K, juvenile debut winner). All of the dam’s wins came in routes. The third dam was a multiple stakes-winner at two (127K). The fifth dam was stakes-placed at two. The August 18 workout matches up with Leroy Jolley’s juvenile Louie Na’ssal (ninth on September 1 with a 45 Beyer). The 7K yearling was a 45K buyback at two. The outside post may be tough to overcome. I’m going to take a wait-and-see approach.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - March 21
Sire - 7-64 (11%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 3 foals of racing age, 2 runners, 2 winners, 2 juvenile runners, 1 juvenile winner, 1 juvenile debut winner.

THUNDER RIDGE (Storm Cat - City Band, by Carson City) is a half to stakes-winner Foolishly (85K) out of a dam that won the Grade 1 Oak Leaf as a two-year-old. The second dam was a stakes-winner at two (86K). The fifth and sixth dams were multiple stakes-winners. The seventh dam was a half to the great Whirlaway. Thunder Ridge took lots of money for his debut, and broke on top. He pressed the winner from the get-go, but had a serious case of the wobbles in the stretch, and tired badly in the final sixteenth of a mile. The August 22 workout matches up with stablemate Thievery (juvenile filly with 30 Beyer). Thunder Ridge could well be the early leader today, but he must show greater stamina. A minor award may be his ceiling.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - March 16
Sire - 227-914 (25%) with juvenile runners.
Dam - 3 foals of racing age, 3 runners, 2 winners, 3 juvenile runners, 2 juvenile winners.

EIGHT TEN SPECIAL (Real Quiet - Royal Vale, by Ascot Knight) will be coupled in the wagering with Bird of Paradise. The dam was a multiple stakes-winner of 168K, but Eight Ten Special is bred for more distance, and his sire, Real Quiet, does not do well with juvenile debut runners. The 9.5K yearling buyback will probably need a start.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - April 4
Sire - 1-41 (2%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 4 foals of racing age, 3 runners, 2 winners, 2 juvenile runners, 0 juvenile winners.

ILLUSTRIOUS KISS (Kissin Kiss - Illustrious Home, by Homebuilder) goes out for a solid debut barn. The second dam was a multiple stakes-placed runner. Illustrious Kiss shows some quick works, but there are some gaps in the tab, and Kissin Kris isn’t a very good debut sire. He sold for 17K as a yearling before being purchased in April.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - April 29
Sire - 3-133 (2%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 4 foals of racing age, 2 runners, 2 winners, 1 juvenile runner, 0 juvenile winners.

WASABI WARRIOR (Go for Gin - Mesabi Range, by Unbridled) is out of a half to Grade 2 Funistrada (juvenile debut winner), stakes-winner Wakonda (415K), and multiple stakes-placed Kunjar (292K). The second dam is a half to Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Cozzene. A 25K short yearling, Wasabi Warrior resold for 50K as a yearling. He goes out for a good trainer-jockey combination, but his sire does not do well with juvenile runners, and Wasabi Warrior may want turf and more distance.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - March 29
Sire - 0-74 (0%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 4 foals of racing age, 3 runners, 0 winners, 2 juvenile runners.

BILOXI PALACE (Seattle Slew - Mining My Business, by Mining) is a half to Grade 2 winner Real Cozzy out of a multiple sprint-winning half to Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Real Quiet. The third dam was a full to Majestic Prince. The fourth dam is a half to T. V. Commercial. The fifth dam was a stakes-placed full sibling to Your Host (the sire of the great Kelso). Biloxi Palace shows some quick works, but is a late foal, and may want more distance. Tab the early tote action.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - May 28
Sire - 38-285 (13%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 5 foals of racing age, 3 runners, 2 winners, 0 juvenile runners.

THUNDEROUS SUMMER (Thunder Gulch - Stormy Squall, by Summer Squall) is the first foal from a route-winning half to multiple Grade 3 Star Recruit, multiple Grade 1 Sharp Cat, and multiple Grade 1 turfer Royal Anthem. The second dam was a stakes-winner of 111K. The third dam was a stakes-winner. The fifth dam was a multiple stakes-winner of 109K. He is bred for more distance, and may want a race.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - February 20
Sire - 7-121 (6%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 1 foal of racing age, 0 runners.

On the also-eligible list is TIGERLINE, a $1.4 million yearling, and half to top sprinter Speightstown. He could make his presence felt if he breaks into the body of the race.

I feel pretty good about Argento. I’ll play him to Win and Place, and use Argento in Exacta Boxes with Get Wild and Jonathan Quick.

Race 5
6 Furlongs. Maiden Special Weight. Two Year Old Fillies. New York Breds. Purse $41,000.

LUMINOUS LADY (Partner’s Hero - La Luminosa - by Relaunch) is a half to juvenile stakes-placed Robin the Rich (74K), and stakes-winner On the Fritz (237K). The dam is a half to multiple stakes-winner Bright Bouquet (247K) and Grade 3 Come Summer. Trainer Billy Turner is having a nice meet, and the sire was a quick runner. An interesting possibility in a tough statebred event.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - May 2
Sire - 7-47 (15%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 7 foals of racing age, 6 runners, 4 winners, 3 juvenile runners.

Gary Contessa has had a nightmare meet, but he could leave town happy if HOOSICK FALLS (Precise End - Aaron’s Terms, by Private Terms) graduates today. Hoosick Falls is a half to stakes-placed Manor Prospect (60K), and her dam is a half to stakes-placed Aaron’s Halo (79K) and stakes-winner Aaron’s Concorde (160K). She took money for both of her prior trips to the post, and finished ahead of next-out winners on both occasions. She has good early speed, shows some quick workouts, and may lead these from gate-to-wire.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - May 28
Sire - 4-26 (15%) with juvenile runners.
Dam - 4 foals of racing age, 3 runners, 1 winner, 2 juvenile runners, 1 juvenile winner.

FIGHTING SPEEDY (Senor Speedy - Scrapping, by Fight Over) made a nice run at 12-1 in her debut, and the August 27 workout went .07 seconds slower than Billy Badgett’s three-year-old Sicilian Boy (67 Beyer). The dam is a half to Grade 1 juvenile Agincourt. The third dam was a half to Davona Dale, the fifth dam was a stakes-winner, and the sixth dam was a full sister to the great Citation. Badgett shows good stats in most relevant categories, and Fighting Speedy should do well in this spot.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - February 16
Sire - 20-244 (8%) with juvenile runners.
Dam - 7 foals of racing age, 7 runners, 5 winners, 6 juvenile runners, 3 juvenile winners.

SPEED BAG (Abaginone - Thorette, by Affirmed) made up some ground in her debut, and then showed improved early speed in her second appearance. She may not have cared for the sloppy conditions in her Saratoga debut, and seems to be figuring this game out. She fits very well with this group from a Beyer perspective, and could sit a nice stalking trip with possible first run on the pacesetter. The second dam was a multiple stakes-winner at two, and the third dam was a Grade 3 winner. She could certainly win this.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - March 29
Sire - 11-135 (8%) with juvenile runners.
Dam - 3 foals of racing age, 3 runners, 1 winner, 2 juvenile runners, 1 juvenile winner.

LAUREN’S CHARM (Regal Classic - Rosalie’s Treat, by Stately Don) made up some late ground on the inside in her debut, and she should appreciate the extra added distance presented to her today. The dam is a half to turf stakes-winner Prince Daniel (257K), and is a full to stakes-winner Rosalie’s Charm (84K). She should show some improvement in this spot, and looks like an exotics threat.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - March 27
Sire - 113-914 (12%) with juvenile runners.
Dam - 5 foals of racing age, 4 runners, 3 winners, 2 juvenile runners, 0 juvenile winners.

I liked KEEPSWOOINSHOES (Optic Nerve - Fair Young Maiden, by Easy Goer) in her debut, and she didn’t race too badly while down on the inside. Trainer Guadalupe Preciado is hitting with 20% of his starters this year, and he will give his filly the full Lasix-blinkers makeover for her second start. The third dam was a multiple Grade 1 winner and the fifth dam was a multiple stakes-winner. She may show improved speed and focus today, but she hasn’t shown a published workout since August 21 at Philadelphia Park. Wouldn’t be a surprise.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - May 9
Sire - 0-2 (0%) with juvenile runners.
Dam - 3 foals of racing age, 2 runners, 0 winners, 2 juvenile runners.

SOCIAL VIRTUE (Elusive Quality - Mercury Direct, by Sun War Dancer) is the first foal from a multiple turf-winning dam. The dam is a half to stakes-winner Victory At Sea (165K). The fourth dam was a multiple stakes-winner (104K). She shows a similar work pattern to Richard Dutrow’s two-year-old Cat’s Lad (ran fourth in his debut here on Sunday), and the September 1 work went .05 seconds slower than Cat’s Lad. Social Virtue sold for 40K as a yearling, and resold for 70K in March. She goes out for a great barn, and I’m expecting early speed. Cat’s Lad was a bit short, however, and perhaps Social Virtue will get a little leg-weary in the lane.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - February 20
Sire - 16-78 (21%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 1 foal of racing age, 0 runners.

HAPPINESSISAPUPPY (Western Expression - You Make Me Happy, by Summing) will be coupled in the wagering with Keepswooinshoes. She didn’t do much in her debut, but gets Lasix and blinkers for her second try. The dam was best going long, however, and this filly might prefer going two turns.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - April 17
Sire - 1-22 (5%) with juvenile runners.
Dam - 11 foals of racing age, 11 runners, 6 winners, 4 juvenile runners, 1 juvenile winners.

I expected more of SUE ME (Commendable - Another Charmer, by Mr. Leader) in her debut, but she never made a run at all. Perhaps she’ll improve as she shows the important second-start, first-Lasix angle, and Shane Sellers keeps the faith. It’s also quite possible that she didn’t care for the sloppy conditions at the Spa on August 15. She is the first foal from a route-winning dam, and her sire won the Belmont so it’s possible Sue Me may want more ground to work with. Sue Me sold for 36K as a weanling, was purchased for 40K as a yearling, and was a 55K juvenile buyback. I’m going to take a wait-and-see approach for now.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - 2-17 (12%) with juvenile runners.
Dam - 1 foal of racing age, 1 runner, 0 winners, 1 juvenile runner.

SHIREE AMOUR (Maria’s Mon - Acquired Taste, by Scarlet Ibis) is the first foal from a route-winning dam. The dam is a half to Grade 3 turfer Cozy Blues. The fourth dam was a stakes-winner at two. Shiree Amour sold for 22K as a weanling, was a 14K yearling RNA, sold for 10K as a yearling, and went for 15K in May. She shows some solid works, but this barn usually doesn’t hit with first-time starters. May need a race.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - March 29
Sire - 12-141 (9%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 1 foal of racing age, 0 runners.

WHEREISTHEDRUMMER (Personal Flag - Javara, by Distinctive Pro) is a full sister to stakes-placed Priscilla’s Flag (110K), and she shows some sharp morning workouts. The fourth dam was a multiple stakes-winner. She only sold for 5K as a yearling, and the sire usually does his best with older runners. I wouldn’t be surprised if she can run a bit, but will she need a race?
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - February 2
Sire - 16-216 (7%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 3 foals of racing age, 2 runners, 1 winner, 2 juvenile runners, 0 juvenile winner.

J’AI DEUX AMOURS (Bahri - Top Ruhl, by Ruhlmann) is out of a stakes-winning dam (145K, won debut at two). The dam is a half to juvenile stakes-winner Top of the Moon (112K). She shows some quick drills, but the work tab is a bit light, and I would prefer to see some longer morning trials. I’m going to watch her for now.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - March 12
Sire - 2-17 (12%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 4 foals of racing age, 3 runners, 2 winners, 1 juvenile runner, 1 juvenile winner.

DARBY BOOK (Notebook - Play Per View, by Sports View) is out of a dam that won on turf. The dam is a half to stakes-winner Little Genius (33K), Grade 3 winner Buffalo Dan, and multiple stakes-placed Akbar. She must break from the far outside post, and the workouts don’t excite that much. She’ll debut with Lasix, but may need a start.
Quick Stats:
Foal Date - March 8
Sire - 32-242 (13%) with juvenile debut runners.
Dam - 3 foals of racing age, 1 runner, 1 winner, 0 juvenile runners.

Of the also-eligibles, AHNEE DIOS trailed in her debut at Belmont. SYDSATIONAL needs a Beyer boost. FIDDLERS STAR loses Edgar Prado.

I'm going to play Luminous Lady to Win and Place, and play Luminous Lady, Hoosick Falls, and Fighting Speedy in Exacta Boxes.

Questions? Comments? Email: dillman@drf.com