Saratoga Report #6: Arrogate Brings the WOW Factor

Three Stars of the Week

– 1st Star: ARROGATE – Just when you think you’ve seen it all…your jaw drops to the floor and it takes an hour to pick it up!! Wow…Arrogate turned the “evenly matched” Travers Stakes into a laugher, and earned an eye popping 122 beyer for the victory. He also set a Travers Stakes record as well as a track record with his final time of 1:59.36. This performance came out of left field as he went off at 11-1, and had never even competed in a stakes race until the Travers. Much credit should be given to trainer Bob Baffert as he avenged last years crushing defeat with American Pharoah. If he can get Arrogate to run this sort of race again in the Breeders’ Cup Classic I don’t think anyone can beat him. There is a new sheriff in town in the 3 year old division.

https://youtu.be/carUcUxy1-8

– 2nd Star: FLINTSHIRE – This horse is quickly becoming one of my all time favorites as his turn of foot on the turn is so fun to watch. His rivals in the Grade 1 Sword Dancer Stakes were no match for him once again as he won this one about as easy as you possibly can. His explosive and powerful kick when turning for him is going to be extremely tough for anyone to hold off…especially in the United States. It will take a very classy horse from overseas to take this monster down.

https://youtu.be/pulzNC4UkH0

– 3rd Star: A.P. INDIAN – What a sprinter this guy has turned into as he came to Saratoga and dominated in two grade 1 races. His latest win in the Forego Stakes was a race that he turned into a one horse show as I believe seven furlongs is his absolute best distance. The road will get tougher for A.P. Indian if they decide to take him to the Breeders Cup, but right now his connections shouldn’t be afaird to run against anybody.

https://youtu.be/OGceN1K4q_Q

Flop of the Week

– EXAGGERATOR – The three time Grade 1 winner was pretty much a no show for the Travers Stakes. He trailed early, and just never got into the race. Perhaps his critics are right…he needs a sloppy track OR perhaps he just has an off day. He still leaves the summer as the number one ranked three year old.

Trainer Standings	Jockey Standings
1. Chad Brown – 34	1. Jose Ortiz – 49
2. Todd Pletcher – 26	2. Irad Ortiz Jr. – 46
3. Kiaran McLaughlin – 12	3. Javier Castellano – 43
4. Rudy Rodriguez – 11	4. John Velazquez- 40
5. David Jacobson – 9	5. Luis Saez – 27
5. George Weaver – 9	6. Joel Rosario – 25
5. Mike Maker – 9	7. Manuel Franco – 18
5. Jeramiah Englehart – 9	8. Jose Lezcano – 16
9. 4 tied with 8	9. Ricardo Santana Jr. – 13

Preview to Next Week

Wednesday, Aug 31	With Anticipation	II	$200,000	2YO	Turf	1 1/16
Thursday, Sep 01	P. G. Johnson		$100,000	F2YO	Turf	1 1/16
Friday, Sep 02	Evan Shipman (NYB)		$100,000	3&UP	Dirt	1 1/8
Saturday, Sep 03	Glens Falls	III	$200,000	F&M 3&UP	Turf	1 3/8
Saturday, Sep 03	Saranac	III	$300,000	3YO	Turf	1 1/8
Saturday, Sep 03	Woodward	I	$600,000	3&UP	Dirt	1 1/8
Saturday, Sep 03	Spinaway	I	$350,000	F2YO	Dirt	7 Furlongs
Sunday, Sep 04	Prioress	II	$300,000	F3YO	Dirt	6 Furlongs
Monday, Sep 05	Hopeful	I	$350,000	2YO	Dirt	7 Furlongs
Monday, Sep 05	Bernard Baruch Handicap	II	$250,000	3&UP	Turf	1 1/16