Presious Passion and Notional earned automatic berths in October's Breeders' Cup World Championship races with weekend victories at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. But other holiday weekend races around the country could have more impact on the October showdowns at Santa Anita.
Turf
In the bigger of the Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" races, locally based Presious Passion got an easy lead in Saturday's $750,000 United Nations Stakes at Monmouth Park and made the advantage stand up under a careful ride by jockey Eddie Castro. Strike a Deal was closing from the outside but fell a neck short at the wire and Equitable was well back in third. The even-money favorite, Champs Elysees, didn't fire and finished sixth. The win earns Presious Passion a berth in the $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf Oct. 25. "I'm shaking," said winning trainer Mary Hartmann. "This is the best feeling in the world. I'll talk to the owners, Pat and Frank Generazio, to see what path we'll take to get to the Breeders' Cup. But that's the plan, for sure." Presious Passion struggled in Florida this winter, winning twice in six starts, and finished second, beaten 8 1/4 lengths, in his first start back home this spring. Overall, the 5-year-old Royal Anthem gelding now has eight wins from 29 starts.
In another potential prep for the Breeders' Cup Turf, Silverfoot broke last of nine in Friday's $175,000 Stars and Stripes Turf Handicap at Arlington Park, settled into a ground-saving position in mid pack, advanced to challenge turning for home and won off by 2 lengths over Telling. Canela finished third at long odds. Silverfoot, an 8-year-old, Kentucky-bred gelding by With Approval, finished the 1 1/2 miles on "good" turf in 2:30.4. Rene Douglas handled the reins for trainer Dallas Stewart. "At the three-eighths pole, he knew he was the man," Douglas said. "I said to myself, 'It's a little early to pull the trigger and I know he's 8 years old, but if you want to go, then go.' He was a champion today."
Other races with potential Breeders' Cup implications:
Dirt Mile
Notional did all his running in the stretch to win Saturday's $300,000 Salvator Mile at Monmouth Park by 2 1/4 lengths over odds-on favorite Gotcha Gold, earning not just $180,000 in purse money but also an automatic berth in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile on Oct. 24 at Santa Anita. Honest Man ran third. "I was sitting way off the pace early," said winning rider Joe Bravo. "When I asked him, he went from about 6 or 7 lengths back to right up with the leader. I thought I might have moved too soon, but luckily not." Santa Anita's artificial surface might be a question for Notional and the Breeders' Cup. Trainer Mark Hennig said the colt was sent from California to New York in part because of questions about his affinity for the West Coast tracks. "He was frustrated out there," he said.
Classic
Jiggs Coz and defending champion True Metropolitan looked like they were gearing up for a classic stretch battle in the $200,000 (Canadian) Dominion Day Stakes at Woodbine. But then True Metropolitan, the 2-5 favorite, wasn't able to match strides with the upsetter and Jiggs Coz went on to win by a comfortable 2 3/4 lengths. True Metropolitan held second with Torquay third and Bond Fire fourth. The 1 1/4 miles went in a measured 2:04.99. Winning trainer Sid Attard said he was happy to see the 5-year-old son of Cozzene set easy fractions early. "He showed speed, nice and easy," Attard said. "When I saw the 50 (seconds for the half mile), I was very happy."
Mint Lane, the heavy odds-on favorite, led all the way in Sunday's $200,000 Dwyer Stakes for 3-year-olds at Belmont Park, winning by 2 3/4 lengths over Tizbig. Pascal finished third. Mint Lane, a Kentucky-bred Maria's Mon colt, ran 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:44.29 under Eibar Coa.
Distaff
Zenyata, the odds-on favorite, remained undefeated in six starts with a gritty win in Saturday's $300,000 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park. Zenyatta got to the front at the top of the stretch and held on to win by 1/2 length over Tough Tiz's Sis, who was blocked while trying to split horses in the stretch. Silver Swallow finished third. Zenyatta, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred daughter of Street Cry, finished the 9 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:49.51 with Mike Smith up for trainer John Shirreffs. Smith said the winner didn't work much. "I did. She didn't. She didn't work at all, actually," he said. "I wish she would have. She wasn't tested at all." Shirreffs said Zenyatta will ship to Del Mar but whether she starts there depends on "what they've done with their track." Tough Tiz's Sis's trainer, Bob Baffert, said Smith rode well by "taking away any chance of us beating her when he sort of closed the hole" in the stretch run. "I think that was probably the difference."
Filly & Mare Turf
Pure Clan worked through traffic in Saturday's $750,000 American Oaks Invitational at Hollywood Park, split rivals at mid-stretch and went on to win by 3/4 length over Satan's Circus. Clearly Foxy finished third. Pure Clan, a Kentucky-bred Pure Prize filly, ran 1 1/4 miles on firm turf in 2:00.5. Julien Leparoux rode for trainer Robert Holthus. "I had the rail and stayed on it the whole way," Leparoux said. "Coming into the stretch, I didn't have much room to go. It was pretty tight. We just got lucky. It kind of opened up for us." Holthus said he goal was to win a Grade I with Pure Clan. "We really feel she's a better filly on the turf than she is on the dirt but she runs either way," he added. "Right now you can't make plans for the long term but hopefully the Del Mar Oaks or the Queen Elizabeth at Keeneland will be next." Pure Clan, third in the Kentucky Oaks, now has six wins from nine starts and has never finished out of the money.
Turf Mile
Diamond Diva dueled down the stretch with Ventura in Saturday's $750,000 CashCall Mile Invitational at Hollywood Park and prevailed by a nose. The favorite, Lady of Venice, was 2 1/4 lengths farther back in third. Diamond Diva, a 4-year-old, British-bred filly by Danehill, finished the 1 mile on firm turf in 1:34.07. David Flores had the mount for trainer James Cassidy. "That other filly went by her in the stretch and my filly looked at her and said, 'No way,'" Flores said. "She came back real gamely." Cassidy said he has lots of options. "My plan from here would be the John C. Mabee -- either that or give her a shot at maybe running in Chicago, Canada or Kentucky and then the Breeders' Cup." The CashCall was Diamond Diva's fourth start in the United States after a successful career in England. She now has won three of her four U.S. starts. She is owned by Three Chimneys Racing LLC.
Thorn Song got to the lead right out of the gate in Friday's $200,000 Firecracker Handicap at Churchill Downs and made the lead hold up under a nice ride by Kent Desormeaux. The odds-on favorite, Einstein, was boxed in much of the way and his late run fell 1 length short. Steve's Double was third. Thorn Song, a 5-year-old son of Unbridled's Song, finished the 1 mile on yielding turf in 1:36.69. "I expected him to run big today," said winning trainer Dale Romans. "Einstein had beaten us three times and we were hoping to beat him today, but not expecting it." He said to look for Thorn Song next at Saratoga.
Starry Pursuit didn't need to pursue in Friday's $100,000 Flawlessly Stakes for fillies and mares at Hollywood Park. After leading all the way, the Van Nistelrooy filly held well to win by 1 length over Ginger Pop with Runforthemoneybaby third. Starry Pursuit finished the 1 mile on firm turf in 1:35.15 for jockey Joel Rosario. "That's what happens when everybody takes back, you get an easy lead and go wire to wire," Rosario said.
In Sunday's $150,000 Locust Grove Handicap for fillies and mares at Churchill Downs, Genuine Devotion battled for the lead into the stretch, got a clear advantage, then held on to defeat the onrushing Brownie Points by 1/2 length. Bayou's Lassie finished third. Genuine Devotion, a 4-year-old, Irish-bred daughter of Rock of Gibraltar, ran the 1 mile on firm turf in 1:35.76. Alan Garcia rode for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.
Turf Sprint
Krz Exec closed sharply in deep stretch to win Sunday's $150,000 (Canadian) Ontario Damsel Stakes for 3-year-old fillies by a neck over Anne's Purse. Gloriously finished another neck back in third. Krz Exec, an Ontario-bred Bold Executive damsel, ran the 6 1/2 furlongs on firm turf in 1:14.66 with Jerry Baird up for trainer Michael De Paulo. De Paulo sounded like he doesn't yet have big ambitions for his filly. "There's an Ontario-bred stakes in a few weeks," he said. "We'll probably take a look at that … We'll take care of her the best we can and find the right spot."
Sprint
Street Boss, the odds-on favorite, trailed the field early in Saturday's $300,000 Triple Bend Invitational at Hollywood Park, rallied to the lead very wide on the turn and battled to the wire before besting Elite Squadron by 1/2 length. Tropic Storm was well back in third. Street Boss, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred colt by Street Cry, finished 7 furlongs in 1:22.42 with David Flores up for trainer Bruce Headley. "Del Mar is next," Headley said, "the Bing Crosby, after Del Mar maybe the Ancient Title. You better be dead fit to run in the Breeders' Cup." While the Triple Bend was Street Boss's first Grade I win, it was his fourth straight. In his last effort, he captured the Grade III Los Angeles Handicap, pointing to bigger things.
J Be K pressed the pace in the first furlong of Friday's $150,000 Jersey Shore Stakes for 3-year-olds at Monmouth Park, then drew off easily to win by 4 lengths over Silver Edition. Indy Joe was third. J Be K, a Silver Deputy colt, ran the 6 furlongs in 1:09.1 with Garrett Gomez up for trainer Steve Asmussen, picking up his third graded stakes win. "Going into the race, I knew I was on the best horse," Gomez said. "I really wanted to keep him in the clear and out of trouble."
Lucky Island led all the way to a convincing, 4 1/4-lengths victory over the favorite, Tasteyville, in Friday's $200,000 Tom Fool Breeders' Cup Handicap at Belmont Park. Premium Wine finished third. Lucky Island, a 4-year-old, Argentine-bred colt by Lucky Roberto, ran the 7 furlongs on a muddy track in 1:22.73. Alan Garcia rode for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. "He's a very, very, very nice horse. We are so happy with him," McLaughlin said of Lucky Island, who now has won four straight races. He said he plans to run the colt back in the Forego Handicap at Saratoga on Aug. 30.
Filly & Mare Sprint
Indian Blessing got back on the winning track after two tough losses, winning Saturday's $250,000 Prioress Stakes at Belmont Park by 5 1/4 lengths over By the Light. Indian Way finished third. Indian Blessing, undefeated until she finished second in the Fair Grounds Oaks this spring, also got home second in the Acorn last month. Saturday, cutting back to 6 furlongs for trainer Bob Baffert, the Indian Charlie filly rated nicely early and finished well, stopping the timer in 1:09.36 under John Velazquez. Baffer noted Indian Blessing "broke slow and she was forced to rate. Johnny just sat her back there and let her run her race. So, now we know she can rate and that is a dimension you always want to see." He said he plans to take Indian Blessing to Saratoga for the Test Stakes, at 7 furlongs, on Aug. 2.
Any Limit was pressed to the limit at the end of Friday's $150,000 First Flight Handicap at Belmont Park. After leading all the way, the 5-year-old Limit Out mare just held on to win by a neck over Wild Gams, who ran from last to just miss. The favorite, Rite Moment, ran evenly to finish third. Any Limit, with Cornelio Velasquez up for trainer Allen Jerkens, got the 7 furlongs on a muddy track in 1:23.86. Coming back from a serious injury more than a year ago, Any Limit won for the first time in three tries this year. "That really made me feel good," Jerkens said. "She could have been retired. (Owner Jerry) Shields said, 'It's fun to have a horse running,'"
Juvenile
Screen Your Friend got his picture taken after a front-running, 1 1/4-lengths victory in Saturday's $150,000 Bashford Manor Stakes at Churchill Downs. With Calvin Borel up for trainer Bernie Flint, the Kentucky-bred Friends Lake colt scampered through quick fractions, then held well at the end to post an 18-1 upset. Lyin' Heart was second, Segal third and the favorite, Theregoesjojo, fourth. The 6 furlongs on a fast track took 1:10.84. Screen Your Friend now has two wins from four starts. "We've got the whole rest of the year with him," Flint said. "I was looking over at Saratoga and planning on going up there, but I haven't made up my mind what we're going to do with him." The win was Borel's 4,500th.
Bucephalus, last of six early in Saturday's $150,000 (Canadian) Clarendon Stakes at Woodbine, rallied four-wide into the stretch and proved best by 1/2 length over El Brujo. Silver Rocket finished third. Bucephalus, an Ontario-bred colt by Cape Canaveral, ran the 5 1/2 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:04.73 with James McAleney up. It was his second race and first win. "This is just a wonderful colt," McAleney said. "He's a big colt and he's still learning where his legs are going."
Juvenile Fillies
Juliet's Spirit shot right to the lead in the $150,000 (Canadian) My Dear Stakes at Woodbine on the eve of Fête du Canada and ran on to win by 2 1/2 lengths over stablemate A Day For Dancing. Georgia Song finished third. Juliet's Spirit, a Florida-bred daughter of Exchange Rate, ran the 5 furlongs in 57.82 on the all-weather track. Steve Asmussen saddled the exactor. Asked about the winner's potential, jockey Jim McAleney said, "Right now, the sky's the limit."
Shining Moment pressed the pace early in Friday's $50,000 Prairie Gold Lassie at Prairie Meadows in Iowa, rallied five-wide into the stretch and won by a neck over Western Drama. Miss Fontana finished third. Shining Moment, a Florida-bred Yes It's True filly, got the 5 furlongs on a fast track in 58.70 seconds. Terry Thompson rode for trainer Steve Asmussen.
In other racing:
Woodbine
Executive Flight surged to the lead on the turn in the $100,000 (Canadian) Sweet Briar Too Stakes for fillies and mares on Dominion Day, then held off My List to win by 1 1/4 lengths, finishing the 7 furlongs in 1:22.12 on the all-weather track. Chantal Sutherland rode the winner, a 5-year-old daughter of Bold Executive.
Belmont Park
Runway Rosie ran away in the stretch to win Wednesday's $75,000 Proud Delta Stakes for fillies and mares by 4 3/4 lengths over Scooter Girl. The even-money favorite, Inside Passage, had to take an outside detour at the top of the stretch before closing to finish third. Runway Rosie, a 4-year-old Include filly, finished 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:51.81 under Rajiv Maragh.
Chestoria, engaged in a three-way tussle for the lead on the turn in Saturday's $75,000 Mariensky Stakes for fillies and mares, edged clear coming down the lane and won by 3/4 length over Paris Winds. Carriage Trail finished third. Chestoria, a 4-year-old, New York-bred filly by Chester House, ran the 1 1/16 miles on the yielding inner turf in 1:44.49 for Eibar Coa.
Banrock came from off the pace to win Sunday's $75,000 Thunder Puddles Stakes for New York-breds by 1 3/4 lengths over Gimme Credit. Classic Pack finished third. Banrock, a 5-year-old Go for Gin gelding, got the 1 1/16 miles on "good" turf in 1:42.27.
Hollywood Park
Lang Field led all the way to a 1 1/4-lengths victory in Thursday's $75,000 Ferdinand Handicap. With Jon Court in the irons, the 5-year-old Langfuhr gelding was never seriously challenged and finished the 1 1/16 miles on the all-weather track in 1:42.67. Tiz Afire was second, a head in front of Tissy Fit.
Presque Isle Downs
Summer Doldrums saved ground early in Friday's $175,000 Presque Isle Mile, got through along the rail turning for home and went on to win by 3/4 length over Forty Grams. Archers Alyancer finished third. Summer Doldrums, a 4-year-old Street Cry colt, finished in 1:35.97 on a fast track under Dale Beckner.
Evangeline Downs
Juvenile colt/gelding and filly divisions highlighted Friday night's Legends IV card for Louisiana-breds. In the $100,000 colt/gelding division of the D.S. "Shine" Young Memorial Futurity, Not Grounded led all the way to an upset win, beating Heavens Passage by 1 3/4 lengths in 59.34 seconds. Shutupanddance captured the $100,000 filly division, also leading all the way and winning by 1 3/4 lengths over Reckon in 58.76 seconds.
Ide Like a Double won the $75,000 B.B. Sixty Rayburn Memorial for 3-year-olds by 3 3/4 lengths over Star Production, running 1 mile in 1:37.22. Superior Storm captured the $75,000 Frank A. "Buddy" Abadie Memorial for sophomore fillies by 3/4 length over Bidauadeau in 1:38.5.
Castle Berry Road led from gate to wire in the $100,000 Pola Benoit Memorial, winning by 1 1/2 lengths over Magic Sunset and covering the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.27. Sammie Sam rallied from just off the pace to take the $100,000 J. Archie Sebastien Memorial for fillies and mares by 4 1/4 lengths, in 1:42.82.
Killing Me made all the pace in the $100,000 Junius Delahoussaye Memorial Sprint and won by 3 1/2 lengths over Tortuga Straits in 1:03.07. And Coach Mike hustled to the lead and went on to win the $100,000 Pierre LeBlanc Memorial Sprint for distaffers by 3 1/2 lengths over Smitty's Sunshine in 1:03.23.
Monmouth Park
Maddy's Lion rallied from last of seven to win Saturday's $75,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes by a neck over Joey P. Mr. Umphrey finished third. Maddy's Lion, a 6-year-old, Maryland-bred son of Lion Hearted, got the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:09.34 with Carlos Marquez Jr. aboard.
Dyna's Lassie rolled from near the back of the 11-horse field to win Sunday's $70,000 Miss Liberty Stakes for fillies and mares and won by 1/2 length over Rasta Farian. Bachata, the favorite, lacked room and settled for third. Dyna's Lassie, a 4-year-old Dynaformer filly, got the 1 1/16 miles on "good" turf in 1:42.62 under Marquez.
Mountaineer
Place Your Bet circled the leaders five-wide on the turn in Saturday's $75,000 Mountain State Stakes and opened up to win by 2 3/4 lengths over Bernie Blue. So So was third. Place Your Bet, a 4-year-old, Florida-bred Out of Place gelding, got the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.96 under Jennifer Stisted.
Jungle Fighter took charge in the stretch run of Saturday's $75,000 Independence Day Stakes, drawing off to win by 4 3/4 lengths over Puppeteer. Buckeye Buddy finished third. Jungle Fighter finished the 1 mile on firm turf in 1:36.79. Willie Martinez rode the 7-year-old, Ontario-bred Wild Rush gelding.
Si Si Mon Ami drew clear in the stretch run of Saturday's $75,000 Firecracker Stakes for distaffers, winning by 6 lengths over Green Door with Beautiful Venue third. Si Si Mon Ami, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred filly by El Corredor, finished the grassy 1 mile in 1:36.88 with John McKee riding.
Delaware Park
Cash's Girl won Friday's $100,000 Sweet & Sassy Stakes for fillies and mares by a head over Your Flame in Me. The 4-year-old Northern Afleet filly ran the 6 furlongs on a fast track in 1:10.58 under Pablo Morales, improving her career mark to six wins from 13 starts. She has won all three tries at the Delaware oval.
Arlington Park
Dreaming of Liz led all the way to win by a neck in Saturday's $50,000 Sweetest Chant Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. Temper Temper ran last of eight until the stretch, then closed to just miss. Choragus also ran well late to finish third, 4 3/4 lengths farther back. Dreaming of Liz, a Kentucky-bred daughter of El Prado, got the 1 1/16 miles on the all-weather track in 1:46.45 under Earlie Fires. She is owned and handled by Frank Calabrese and Wayne Catalano, who also have Dreaming of Anna.
Calder Race Course
Zoobstick took charge in the stretch run of Friday's $36,000 Mecke Stakes, drawing off at the end to win by 2 1/4 lengths over Otis Ridge. Marnesia's Big Boy finished third. Zoobstick, a 4-year-old, Florida-bred Groomstick gelding, ran the 9 furlongs on a fast track in 1:53.74 for jockey Juan Leyva.
Emerald Downs
Firetrail stalked the pace in Friday's $50,000 King County Handicap for fillies and mares, then opened up in the stretch to win by 4 lengths over the favorite, Shampoo. Eclatante finished third. Firetrail, a 4-year-old, Washington-bred daughter of Defensive Play, ran the 1 mile on a fast track in 1:36.8 for Kevin Radke.
Prairie Meadows
My Dominick James stalked the pace in Saturday's $50,000 Prairie Gold Juvenile, came three-wide into the stretch to take the lead and went on to win by 2 lengths over Retap. Getchamotorrollin finished third. My Dominick James, an Illinois-bred Dance Master gelding, completed the 5 furlongs on a fast track in 57.61 seconds under Tim Thornton.
Canterbury Park
Cherokee Triangle edged clear in the stretch run of Saturday's $50,000 Come Summer Stakes for 3-year-olds, winning by 1 length over Snoose Goose. Free Fighter was third. Cherokee Triangle, a Kentucky-bred colt by Cherokee Run, ran the 1 mile on firm turf in 1:35.61 with Jason Lumpkins up.
Louisiana Downs
Candy Ball rallied smartly through the stretch to win Saturday's $50,000 Independence Stakes by 2 3/4 lengths over Beta Capo. T.C. Champ finished third. Candy Ball, a 6-year-old, Kentucky-bred mare by Lemon Drop Kid, ran the "about" 1 mile on firm turf in 1:35.08 under Francisco Torres.
Lone Star Park
Joe Move moved right out of the gate in Saturday's $50,000 Lone Star Park Turf Sprint Handicap and kept on moving. Opening a comfortable lead, the 8-year-old, Texas-bred son of Moving Shoulder held on well at the end to win by 1 length over Distinguish. Chamberlain Bridge finished third. Joe Move, with Eguard Tejera up, got the 5 furlongs over firm turf in 55.39 seconds.
Colonial Downs
Mint Slewlep came from well back to win Saturday's $60,000 Da Hoss Stakes by 3/4 length over the favorite, Salinja. Bastille finished third. Mint Slewlep, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred colt by Slew City Slew, got the 1 mile on the firm inner turf course in 1:37 under Malcolm Franklin.
Hastings Racecourse
Spaghetti Mouse stalked the pace in the $100,000 (Canadian) Lieutenant Governor's Handicap on Dominion Day, got the lead on the turn and won by 1 length over late-running Lord Avalon. Pace-setting Winter Warning finished third. Spaghetti Mouse, a 6-year-old Archers Bay gelding, ran 1 1/8 miles on a fast track in 1:49.62.
Lady Raj caught pace-setting Yoorock Gal in the stretch run of Saturday's $50,000 (Canadian) Vancouver Sun Handicap for fillies and mares and went on to win by 2 lengths over that rival with Starlite Strike third. Lady Raj, a 5-year-old, Florida-bred mare by El Prado, ran 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:45.92.
Remarkable Miss got to the fore at midstretch in Saturday's $50,000 (Canadian) Supernatural Handicap for 3-year-old fillies and held on at the wire to win by a head over Juvee Hall. Remarkable Miss, a British Columbia-bred filly by Finality, got the 1 1/16 miles in 1:47.34.
Krazy Koffee rallied strongly in deep stretch to win Sunday's $50,000 (Canadian) Loseth Handicap for 3-year-olds by 2 1/2 lengths over Star Prospector. Royal Hudson finished third. Krazy Koffee, a British Columbia-bred Regal Intention gelding, ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.75.
Northlands Park
Lecturing Lynn got the lead at the quarter pole in Friday's $50,000 (Canadian) Chariot Chaser Handicap for 3-year-old fillies and won by 1 1/4 lengths over Testy Hussy. Briar's Flash was third. Lecturing Lynn, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Pulpit, ran the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.
Teagues Fight stalked the pace in Saturday's $50,000 (Canadian) Spangled Jimmy Handicap, then won a three-horse battle to the wire, scoring by a neck over Footprint with Hurricane Tiki third. Teagues Fight, an Alberta-bred gelding by Devonwood, ran 1 mile on a fast track in 1:37.
Suffolk Downs
Nijinsky Bullet came to challenge pace-setting Salty Response at the top of the stretch in Friday's $50,000 My Fair Lady Stakes for distaffers and, after exchanging bumps, just got up in the final jumps to win by a nose. Nijinsky Bullet, a 5-year-old, Florida-bred Silver Charm mare, ran 1 1/16 miles on a muddy track in 1:44.58 with Deudis Pena-Mora aboard.
Pleasanton
Scrumpy rallied from last, got through on the rail in the stretch and won Friday's $50,000 Sam J. Whiting Memorial Handicap by 1 1/4 lengths over Magic Texan. Cause to Believe was home third. Scrumpy, a 5-year-old, Cal-bred gelding by Taskmaster, ran 6 furlongs in 1:09.1 on a fast track for Kyle Kaenel.
She's Sensational rallied from last of six to win Saturday's $50,000 Alameda County Handicap for fillies and mares by 8 lengths over Double Dip. Andover the Cash took show. She's Sensational, a 4-year-old, Kentucky-bred filly by Point Given, got the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:43.37 with Joe Castro up.
Finger Lakes
Rises the Phoenix won a spirited stretch duel with Brocco Valley in Friday's $50,000 Wadsworth Memorial Handicap, scoring by a nose at the wire. Tommasi finished third. Rises the Phoenix, a 7-year-old, New York-bred son of Lion Cavern, ran 9 furlongs on a "good" track in 1:50.86.
