UPI Thoroughbred Racing Roundup

With the Triple Crown races now in the rear-view mirror and the $25.5 million Breeders' Cup World Championships less than five months away, attention turned during the weekend to the divisional battles that point the way toward year-end honors.

In the Classic Division, leading up to the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita this fall, upsets were the rule of the day. Macho Again knocked off Einstein at Churchill Downs while Informed whipped Rail Trip at Hollywood Park.

Macho Again circled all seven rivals in the final furlongs of Saturday's $600,000 Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs, getting clear at the end to win by 1 length over Asiatic Boy. The favorite, Einstein, was bottled up most of the way and when jockey Julien Leparoux finally found him room, he could do no better than third. Macho Again, a 4-year-old, Florida-bred colt by Macho Uno, ran the 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:49.75.

Co-owner Terry Finley said a bold program is on tap for Macho Uno. "We're going to try and get the money in the Whitney. We'll talk to the partners and try to knock out the Jockey Club (Gold Cup) at Belmont and try to get to the Breeders' Cup Classic," Finley said.

Leparoux lamented his racing luck aboard Einstein, who already has won Grade I events this year on the grass and all-weather tracks and was seeing an unprecedented triple. "He was probably the best horse, but that's horse racing," the rider said. Sometimes you get a tough trip and that's that."

At Hollywood Park, Informed, claimed a year ago for $25,000, surged past the leaders with a wide move on the stretch turn in Saturday's $250,000 Californian and won by 3/4 length over the favorite, Rail Trip. Dakota Phone was third with a good move in the final sixteenth. Rail Trip's effort was compromised by an early speed duel with Ball Four, who faded to finish sixth.

Informed, sent off at odds of 14-1 despite some game efforts earlier this year, ran the 9 furlongs in 1:48.37 with Tyler Baze on his back for the first time. "This is a horse with a big heart," Baze said. "He's got that 1 3/8-mile run. I knew if I could time it right, not move him too early or too late, I could get him there."

Trainer Doug O'Neill now is eyeing the Hollywood Gold Cup for Informed. O'Neill has won the Gold Cup four times -- three of those efforts with Lava Man, another legendary claim.

On Friday at Belmont Park, Commentator prepped for a run at his third Whitney victory with an easy score in the $66,250 Kashatreya Stakes for New York-breds. The 8-year-old Distorted Humor gelding, owned by Tracy Farmer and trained by Nick Zito, sprinted right to the lead, shook off a challenge from Naughty New Yorker and won by 7 lengths. With John Velazquez handling the reins, Commentator got the 1 mile on a muddy track in 1:35.65. Stud Muffin finished second and Joe Corrigan was third.

Commentator was fourth in his last start at Charles Town. "Now, that was more like it," Zito said after Friday's race. "Now, it's 7 1/2, eight weeks (to the Whitney). Let me see how he does because I might even squeeze something in between, maybe a month before. If not, we'll wait the eight weeks. Don't forget, he's still a New York-bred." Commentator won the Whitney in 2005 and 2008. This year's running is Aug. 8.

In other races with potential impact on the Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 6-7 at Santa Anita:

$2 million Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic

Seattle Smooth raced just behind the leaders into the final turn in Saturday's $300,000 Ogden Phipps Handicap at Belmont Park, got through at the top of the stretch and came home first, 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Seventh Street. The latter's entrymate, Sea Chanter, ran well at the end to take third. Seattle Smooth, a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred, finished the 1 1/16 miles on a "good" main track in 1:42.13. Ramon Dominguez rode for trainer Anthony Dutrow. It was the fifth straight victory for the Quiet American filly and sets her up for the $300,000 Go For Wand at a mile and an eighth on Aug. 2 at Saratoga. "I do think Seattle Smooth is a very good two-turn filly," Dutrow said. "She was good today. She had to be. But I like her at two turns. I know she loves Saratoga. We've had her there, trained her there, so I have to be looking forward to the two-turn Saratoga deal."

Miss Isella stalked the pace while saving ground in Saturday's $200,000 Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs, got through a very small hole along the rail at the top of the lane and went on to win by a hard-fought 3/4 length over Swift Temper. Temple Street finished third. Miss Isella, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred daughter of Silver Charm, ran the 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:49.59 with Calvin Borel taking the shortest path to the line. Winning trainer Ian Wilkes said he doesn't mind seeing Borel take his horse into a tight spot because he trusts Borel to know his mount's capabilities. "If he doesn't have enough horse, he's not going in there," the trainer said. "If he only gets a little way in, he's in trouble. If has enough horse to get through there I'm all for it." Wilkes said he hasn't firmed up a schedule for Miss Isella, adding, "I do want to take her to Saratoga and take a shot at some Grade Is."

$3 million Emirates Airline Turf/ $2 million Breeders' Cup Turf Mile

Presious Passion opened up a big lead down the backstretch in Saturday's $200,000 Monmouth Stakes at Monmouth Park, surrendered the lead briefly at the top of the stretch, then was all out at the end, holding on to win by a nose over Banrock. The favorite, Proudinsky, got first run at the top of the stretch but flattened out to finish third. Presious Passion, a 6-year-old, Florida-bred Royal Anthem gelding, got the 9 furlongs over "good" turf in 1:47.32. Elvis Trujillo had the mount for trainer Mary Hartmann. Presious Passion was prepping to seek a repeat in the $750,000 United Nations on July 4, "I thought he was beat when he got passed," Hartmann said. "He really stepped up to the plate today. He's such a nice horse. The 1 1/8 mile is a little short for him, but coming in this fresh I thought he would run well, and he did."

Florentino led all the way to a 3/4-length win in Saturday's $150,000 Jefferson Cup for 3-year-olds at Churchill Downs. The favorite, El Crespo, ran second all the way and finished a neck in front of No Inflation. Florentino, a Japanese-bred colt by Swept Overboard out of the Sunday Silence mare Must Be Loved, ran the 1 1/8 miles on "good" turf in 1:51.59. Alan Garcia rode the Darley colorbearer for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. Assistant trainer Neal McLaughlin said, "The 1 1/8 mile we were worried about and maybe soft turf, we were worried about but he goes and throws in a race like that. That was super. What a ride. It was beautiful."

Obrigado sat last through the first mile of Saturday's $100,000 Round Table Handicap at Hollywood Park, then got around four rivals into the stretch and drew off, winning by 3 1/4 lengths. Porfido was second and Zappa third. Obrigado, a 6-year-old, French-bred gelding by Enrique, ran the 1 3/4 miles on firm turf in 2:54.49 with Joel Rosario biding his time for trainer Neil Drysdale. "He seems to prefer running over training," Drysdale said of Obrigado. "He likes this course. I liked the fact that he was way out the back. The plan was to let him settle because there was a lot of speed in the race for this type of race."

Sailor's Cap stalked the pace past the half-mile pole in Sunday's $100,000 Poker Stakes at Belmont Park, then went to the lead and won by 1 1/4 lengths. Tam Lin was second, lacking a rally, and Yield Bogey finished third. Kip Deville, the odds-on favorite, former champion miler and winner of last year's Poker, set the pace but then faded to finish fourth. Sailor's Cap, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred colt by Distant View, ran the 1 mile on soft turf in 1:36.5. Alan Garcia had the mount for trainer James Toner. "We were going to try to sit in the pocket," Toner said. "But the big horse (Kip Deville) looked like he was a little rank today, so it worked out perfect. Once he made that move -- he made just a tremendous move the last part of it." Toner said Sailor's Cap likely will take the waters at the Spa this summer.

$2 million Emirates Airline Filly & Mare Turf

Keertana got to the lead with a furlong left in Saturday's $150,000 Regret Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs and fought off all comers to score by a neck. The Best Day Ever was second, just another neck ahead of Hot Cha Cha. The favorite, Prytania, finished seventh. Keertana, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Johar, ran the 9 furlongs on "good" turf in 1:52.02 under Robby Albarado. Winning trainer Tom Proctor said Albarado "gets along with Keertana and did a good job. I might go to Virginia (for the $150,000 Virginia Oaks on July 18 at Colonial Downs) with her. You never know."

$2 million Sentient Sprint

You Luckie Mann rallied from last of just four starters in Saturday's $100,000 Unbridled Breeders' Cup Stakes for 3-year-olds at Calder Race Course, then won a prolonged stretch battle before subduing Prince Joshua by 1/2 length. For All Who Conga and Bidham completed the order of finish. You Luckie Mann, a Florida-bred Exchange Rate colt, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:11.33 under Jermaine Bridgmohan. The winner is targeting the $200,000 Carry Back Stakes on July 11, "Summit of Speed" day at Calder. "The good thing about him now," said winning trainer Marty Wolfson, "is that he has learned to relax and sit off the pace instead of running off on the lead … like he did earlier in his career. He might even be able to get seven-eighths now that he's learned to relax."

$1 million Sentient Filly & Mare Sprint

Trusty Temper stalked the pace in Saturday's $200,000 Jostle Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Philadephia Park, then drew clear in the final furlong to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Northern Belle was second and Bandora was third. All three went off at long odds, producing a $2 trifecta worth $10,882.60. The favorite, Saarlight, led for a while, then faded to finish eighth. Trusty Temper, a Kentucky-bred Successfully Appeal filly, got the 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:15.81 with Justin Shepherd up for trainer Ronny Werner.

First Passage raced near the back of the field early in Saturday's $100,000 Leave Me Alone Breeders' Cup Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Calder Race Course, swept to the lead five-wide and went on to win by 3 lengths over Going to the Sun. Donttellmewhattodo, the favorite, was a nose farther back in third. First Passage, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Giant's Causeway, ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:12.54 for jockey Jermaine Bridgmohan. The Leave Me Alone Stakes is the local prep race for the $200,000 Azalea Stakes during the July 11 Summit of Speed at Calder. "She'll come back in the Azalea and we'll see where we go from there," said winning trainer Marty Wolfson.

Coco Belle led from the early stages of Sunday's $70,000 Desert Stormer Handicap for fillies and mares and went on to win by a 3 3/4 lengths. Silver Swallow was second, 1 length ahead of She's Cheeky, while the odds-on favorite and two-time champion, Indian Blessing, weakened in the stretch run and finished fourth. Coco Belle, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred daughter of Storm Boot, ran the 6 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:08.35 under Mike Smith. The bridge jumpers were out in force and when Indian Blessing missed third by 3/4 length, show payoffs blossomed to $37.60, $40.60 and $43.60. Indian Blessing was running for the first time since finishing second March 28 in the Dubai Golden Shaheen March 28 but jockey Victor Espinoza said that wasn't the problem. "She was slipping around and really couldn't handle the track all that well," he said. "It was her first time back, but I really think it was more a case of not handling the track. She's fine and after this race I think we'll be okay." Trainer Bob Baffert said Indian Blessing will ship back east. Winning trainer John Sadler said of Coco Belle: "The way she ran today, I might even run her in the A Gleam (on July 18). We wanted to be up front, but we were surprised the other mare didn't run very well."

$2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile

Smiling Tiger hustled to the lead in Saturday's $75,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate Fields, then easily opened up on eight rivals, winning by 8 lengths. Sweet Tigger was second and Roos On the Loose completed the all-critter trifecta. Smiling Tiger, a Kentucky-bred colt by Hold That Tiger, ran the 5 furlongs on the all-weather track in 57.78 seconds with Russell Baze up for trainer Jeff Bonde. The colt threw Baze twice prior to settling down to win his first-ever start last month. "He tried to bounce me off a couple of times today but he was better than last time," Baze said. "He jumps around and screws around but I'm ready for him now. He's kind of rambunctious but he has talent and he's still learning." Bond said SmilingTiger "never seems to get tired. He just keeps on comin'. So I don't think running him a little longer will be a problem. He's a quality horse."

Olredlgetcha, making his first career start, overcame double-digit odds and his tough name to win Sunday's $150,000 (Canadian) Victoria Stakes at Woodbine. After stalking the pace, the Florida-bred Limehouse colt rallied to the lead at midstretch and drew off to win by 3 lengths over Fearless Cowboy. Dant was third and the favorite, Bricklayer, laid a brick, finishing fifth. Emile Ramsammy booted Olredlgetcha home in 57.56 seconds. "I don't know who 'Red' is, but he must be a good guy," said winning trainer Gregory de Gannes. "This horse must take after him. He's an ultimate professional. He always has been. He's very athletic."

In other weekend racing:

Woodbine

Authenicat raced in the middle of the pack through the early furlongs in Saturday's $125,000 (Canadian) Ballade Stakes for fillies and mares, went for the lead at the top of the lane and drew off to win by 1 1/2 lengths over Mia d'Cougar. Krz Exec was third. Authenicat, a 4-year-old, Ontario-bred filly by D'Wildcat, ran 6 furlongs in 1:10.22 under Robert Landry.

Saskawea led into the stretch in Sunday's $100,000 (Canadian) Zadracarta Stakes for Ontario-foaled fillies and mares, was headed briefly and then rebounded to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Bent Attorney was second and Dance to My Tune finished third. Saskawea, a 5-year-old Stormy Atlantic mare, ran the 6 furlongs on firm turf in 1:07.84 with Jono Jones up.

Churchill Downs

Successful Dan set a controlled pace through most of the first mile in Saturday's $100,000 Northern Dancer Stakes for 3-year-olds at Churchill Downs, was headed with a furlong to run by the favorite, Warrior's Reward, but came back to win by a head over that rival. Omniscient was well back in third. Successful Dan, a Kentucky-bred Successful Appeal gelding, ran the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:43.3 under Julien Leparoux. Asked what's next, trainer Charles Lopresti said, "I think we've got a good horse and we'll see how he comes out of it and go from there."

Monmouth Park

Chirac led from gate to wire in Saturday's $70,000 Skip Away Stakes, winning by 1 1/4 lengths over Gold Trippi. Famous Patriot was third. Chirac, a 4-year-old Sligo Bay gelding, ran 1 mile on a fast track in 1:35.65 with Elvis Trujillo in the irons.

Fearless Leader stalked the pace until the midstretch in Sunday's $70,000 Blue Sparkler Stakes for fillies and mares, dueled for the lead and then drew off to win by 2 1/4 lengths over D'wild Ride. All Giving was third. Fearless Leader, a 5-year-old, Florida-bred Suave Prospect mare, got the 6 furlongs on a "good" main track in 1:09.03 under Daniel Centeno.

Delaware Park

All but three of the original field scratched out of Saturday's $75,000 John W. Rooney Memorial when the filly-mare event came off the turf. No Use Denying led her two rivals around the sloppy main track, winning by 10 lengths. Princess Haya and Avie's Tale completed the order of finish. No Use Denying, a 4-year-old daughter of Maria's Mon, finished the 9 furlongs in 1:53.92 with jockey Joe Rocco Jr.'s silks still spotless.

Calder Race Course

How's Your Halo drew clear in the final furlong to win Saturday's $75,000 Ponche Handicap by 4 lengths over longshot Green Vegas. Processor's Turf finished third. How's Your Halo, a 6-year-old, Florida-bred son of Halo's Image, ran 6 furlongs on the fast track in 1:11.09 with Manoel Cruz up.

Marina Ballerina raced to the lead in Saturday's $75,000 U Can Do It Handicap for fillies and mares and held well at the end, winning by 1 1/2 lengths over Jessica Is Back. B R's Girl was third. Marina Ballerina, a 5-year-old, Florida-bred Outflanker mare, got the 6 furlongs in 1:10.85 for jockey Paco Lopez.

Mambo Meister came four-wide into the stretch in Saturday's $55,000 Blazing Sword Stakes and edged clear late to win by 1 length over Baron Von Tap. Vanquisher vanquished the rest. Mambo Meister, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred gelding by King Cugat, ran 1 mile on "good" turf in 1:35.55 with Manoel Cruz riding.

Belmont Park

Matchless Orinda led from gate to wire in Sunday's $65,000 What a Summer Stakes for fillies and mares, scoring by 2 1/2 lengths over Rising Fever despite drifting out through the final sixteenth. Are We Dreamin was third and By the Light, the odds-on favorite, finished fourth and last. Matchless Orinda, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred Sky Mesa filly, finished 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:08.73 with Cornelio Velasquez in the irons.

Arlington Park

Cherokee Queen led all the way to a convincing, 5 1/2-lengths victory in Saturday's $50,000 Possibly Perfect Stakes for fillies and mares. Guahahani was second and You Go West Girl finished third. Cherokee Queen, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred Cherokee Run filly, ran the 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:53.71 with Jesse Campbell up.

Ruidoso Downs

Happy Humor put his backers in a happy humor with an off-the-pace, 1 3/4-lengths victory in Saturday's $50,000 Free Spirits Handicap. Cajun Gent was second and Vital Force finished third. The favorite, Wind Water, didn't fire, ate a lot of earth and finished seventh of eight. Happy Humor, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred Distorted Humor gelding, ran 6 furlongs in 1:10 under Ken Tohill.

Prairie Meadows

Red Hot N Gold took the lead with six furlongs left in Saturday's $70,000 Cyclones Handicap for Iowa-bred colts and geldings, then opened up in the stretch to win by 2 lengths over Dynamic Affair. Kate's Main Man finished third. Red Hot N Gold, a 5-year-old Gold Case gelding, got the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:43.05 with Terry Thompson in the irons.

Louisiana Downs

Hotlantic cleared her rivals from an outside post position in Saturday's $50,000 Top Corsage Stakes for fillies and mares, opened up a big lead and held on at the end to win by a head over Category Seven. Another head back found Ruling Class in third. Hotlantic, a 5-year-old, Kentucky-bred mare by Stormy Atlantic, ran 7 1/2 furlongs on firm turf in 1:28.62 with Jose Figueroa up.

Classy Deelites made all the going in Saturday's $50,000 Barksdale Stakes, then held well to post a substantial upset. The favorite, Lee's Spirit, was 2 1/2 lengths back in second and King Dan was third. Classy Deelites, a 4-year-old, Louisiana-bred gelding by Afternoon Deelites, finished 7 1/2 furlongs on the grass in 1:28.96 under Patrick Valenzuela.

Emerald Downs

Ladyledue started from the inside post, went right to the front and never looked back in Sunday's $50,000 Irish Day Handicap for 3-year-old fillies, scooting off to win by 7 3/4 lengths over Seeking Ema. Crocodile Tuff finished third. Ladyledue, a Washington-bred daughter of Slewdledo, got the 1 mile on a fast track in 1:36.2 with Ricky Frazier up.

Indiana Downs

Hoosier Kingdom stalked the pace in Saturday's $70,000 Snack Stakes for state-bred 3-year-olds, then took over as an odds-on favorite should, drawing off at the end to score by 8 lengths. Big Reece was second and Brent's Bad Boy finished third. Hoosier Kingdom, by Repent, got the 6 furlongs on a wet-fast track in 1:11.4 with Orlando Mojica riding.

Northlands Park

Jasper's Valentine dueled for the lead in Sunday's $50,000 (Canadian) Wild Rose Handicap, then opened up a good lead and held on to win by 3/4 length over the odds-on favorite, Tanika. Littlemiss Allison was third. Jasper's Valentine, a 4-year-old, California-bred Twin Spires filly, ran 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:18.4 with Rico Walcott up.