In this latest Turf Ten, the horse’s name is accompanied by the trainer, jockey of last start, and owner listed with the previous edition’s ranking next to the horse (NR=Not Ranked).

1)      WEBSLINGER (3)

M. Casse, J. Castellano, D.J. Stable LLC.

In defiance of the theory that head-to-head matchups means more, Webslinger ran a closing effort in the $600,000 Saratoga Derby (G1) against the best talent and ran second a head to Program Trading after briefly taking the lead.  He’s proven to be a consistent win threat at different distances, tracks and surface conditions.

2)      NAGIRROC (6)

G. Motion, F. Prat, Little Red Feather Racing, et. al.

Perhaps a change of tactics for another consistent competitor when he ran second last in the backstretch of the Secretariat Stakes in lieu of the lead as he had in his prior start.  With a little more turf course, it might have worked against Gigante.  If he runs in the Virginia Derby, he’ll get that.  Gigante’s big outside move on the turn might have caught him, like everyone else, by surprise.

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3)      GIGANTE (NR)

S. Asmussen; J. Castellano; Iapetus Racing and Diamond T. Racing

It wasn’t exactly the way Gigante won the Kitten’s Joy last year, the Ceasar’s this year or had shown in any race in the past…except his last start in the Edward P. Evans at Colonial Downs when he rallied for third.  Three of his four career wins have been at Colonial Downs for the Virginia-bred by the Backers’ Smitten Farm in The Plains.  He’s expected to be back for the $500,00 Virginia Derby (G3).

4)      CARL SPACKLER (NR)

C. Brown; T. Gaffalione: e Five Racing Thoroughbreds

Benefiting from a break after an illness that set in after finishing eighth in the American Turf on Kentucky Derby day, Carl Spackler was something of a Cinderella story in the $500,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes (G2) – or would have been if he hadn’t come into the race with solid morning showings.  The win is redemptive of the form he showed at Gulfstream this winter when he ran even with Far Bridge in his debut and won by over eight lengths to break his maiden. 

5)      PROGRAM TRADING (NR)

C. Brown; F. Prat; Klaravich Stables, Inc.

The performances were certainly there before the Saratoga Derby, but the class really wasn’t, so when English-bred came back on Webslinger in the $600,000 Saratoga Derby (G1) near the end of his third start, it was eye-catching.  He needs a little more on his resume to move up the list, yet we haven’t seen a ceiling on this three-year-old yet.

6)      THE FOXES (NR)

A. Baldwin, O. Murphy, King Power Racing Co., Ltd.

Would like to see back The Foxes back in North America before the end of the year, but the next start for the second-place finisher in the Belmont Derby will be in England August 23 in the Juddmonte International at a little over a mile and a quarter should the going be firm.  If not look for a start in Leopardstown on September 9^th.

7)    WADSWORTH (7)

B. Cox; F. Geroux; Godolphin, LLC

After chasing Two Phil’s and the Triple Crown on the dirt and synthentic, Wadsworth’s first start on the turf was a second-place finish in Gigante’s Caesar’s Handicapping at Horseshoe Indianapolis.  Since then he’s won two solid turf stakes at Ellis Park, both times a little off the pace and as a favorite.  Like Gigante, he’s got a little Virginia in him too, being sired by Virginia-bred Quality Road.

8)    FAR BRIDGE (1)

T. Pletcher; J. Ortiz; LSU Stables, LLC

The biggest and likely most unkind drop in the Turf Ten without dropping out is Far Bridge, who ran third by just under two lengths in the $600,000 Saratoga Derby (G1) in early August after winning the $1 million Belmont Derby (G1) in early July.  Like many on the list, he can move forward quickly based on his competitive past.

9)    MORE THAN LOOKS (4)

C. DeVaux; J. Velazquez; Victory Racing Partners

A little slower pace could have compromised the closing bid of More Than Looks in the $500,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes (G2), where in the Manila the first half mile went in 45.97, both races being at a mile.  Extra distance could be a boast for the More Than Ready colt who won twice before finishing third behind Carl Spackler and Appraise.

10) APPRAISE (NR)

C. Brown; F. Prat; Klaravich Stables, Inc

A reinforcing second-place finish in the $500,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame validates a seven-furlong win in early July at Belmont.  The second Klaravich Stables and fourth overall newcomer to the Turf Ten was also a Secretariat Stakes nominee.  Going more than a mile may not suit this Irish-Bred, who was no match for Carl Spackler late and nearly was caught by More Than Looks.