From the Spa: July 13 Midlantic-breds in Saratoga stakes
by Joseph Aiello “From the Spa” returns to keep you up-to-date on horses bred in the mid-Atlantic racing in Saratoga stakes
The first Saturday at the Spa in 2024 is a big one, featuring three graded stakes races which include four Midlantic bred entries who take a swing at Saratoga. After yet another massive upset to start the meet in the Schuylerville, these Midlantic outsiders seem even more likely to pull off wins against tough fields. Crossing the wire first is always challenging, but with more recent success for these shippers the past few summers, nothing is unexpected for our racers of interest.
Starting in the second race in the Grade III Kelso, Virginia bred Repo Rocks enters as a main track only runner in a field of six. Slated to go off at a mile on the turf for older horses, the Kelso is unlikely to come off, but NYRA has been more willing to change surfaces in past years in the instance of rain. At 7/5 on the morning line, Repo Rocks would have the clear leg up on this group if he draws in with all his wins coming on the dirt in thirty-eight career tries. By Tapiture – Hawaiian Love, by Not for Love, Repo Rocks begins in the barn of Richard Dutrow who took him in last summer. Even if he may appear to be a bit past his racing prime at six years old, this gelding owned by Double B Racing Stables is still working in top form and would be the main threat if he reaches the gate in this small group. Repo Rocks was bred by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin III and does not have an assigned rider at this time.
Going to the feature race of the day in the Grade I Diana Stakes, Pennsylvania bred Neecie Marie starts from the eight hole with morning line odds of 12/1. Considering the bevy of Chad Brown entries as well as a few more accomplished runners in this group of ten, sitting at “only” 12/1 for Robert Reid demonstrates her upside with some of her best running coming this year. This filly by Cross Traffic – Lode Lady, by Posse closed to within two lengths of Didia in the Grade I New York at Saratoga a month ago on Belmont weekend, after starting nearly eight lengths back in the mile and three-sixteenths distance. Now going nine furlongs on the grass here, Neecie Marie gets another shot at Didia who will likely challenge Chili Flag for favoritism, and can prove that she is in the same class as the top older turf fillies and mares in the country. Typically closing from well back, this filly bred by Jon A. Marshall picks up the aggressive Luis Saez in the irons who may have her more forward than usual, which may be advantageous in a field that has a lone pace setter. With a sparkling record in the money for her career on the turf, Neecie Marie is every bit as capable as the top choices in this race to finish in the mix and give owner Michael Milam his first win this meet.
In the following eleventh race, the attention turns back to the two year olds in the Grade III Sanford. Going six furlongs on the dirt, this group of eight is just starting to find their footing in their racing careers, all flashing enough early potential to warrant a spot here. With a Pennsylvania bred and Maryland bred entering, the Midlantic is well represented in this one, both carrying different expectations yet similar upside.
From the three post is Baby Dukes, a 12/1 morning line long shot by Maximus Mischief – Flatter’s Secret, by Flatter. Bred in Pennsylvania by Dr. & Mrs. William E. Riddle Jr., it is appropriate that this bay colt began at Parx, winning his debut by four lengths. At just four and a half furlongs, that maiden try is tougher to gauge as these two-year-olds stretch out in distance, but the impressive margin of victory alone shows his potential. Sold for $130,000 as a yearling to LC Racing LLC, now sharing ownership with Cash is King LLC, Baby Dukes has only scratched the surface for trainer Robert Reid who enters his second Pennsylvania long shot for the day. Even if it appears that this colt will need to improve to be able to keep up with the speedier Mentee, getting another race under his belt with an experienced rider in Jose Lezcano should only prime him for the future.
As the second choice on the morning line at 7/2, the six breaking Studlydoright is the only entry here with two wins, both in closing fashion. In his debut, this colt by Nyquist – Peach of a Gal, by Curlin started second to last by six lengths only to pass two runners in the stretch for an easy win at Laurel. Last time on Belmont weekend at Saratoga, this Maryland bred runner won the Tremont Stakes at 14/1 with a similar start and furious late charge in the stretch to pick up over five lengths of ground. If that race was any indication, this spot may be the perfect step up for him, especially if the early pace is contentious. Trainer John Robb will keep regular rider Xavier Perez in the irons for owner David R. Hughes who looks for his first graded stakes win as a sole owner. Bred by Glenangus Farm LLC, Studlydoright is starting to come into his own and is a top contender with real win expectations in the Sanford. Whether he or any of the other Midlantic bred runners are able to get it done this weekend, it should shape up to be an exciting meet for these northern shippers as they compete in some of the most prestigious stakes races in the country this summer.
