This Year, a Memorable Whitney Stakes
By: Michael Mills, ThoroFan Member
There have been many memorable Whitney Stakes over the
years. The most memorable for me was
August 5, 1973 when my mom brought me with her from our lake house to meet
other family members for the Whitney “to see Big Red win” as she put it. It was my first time to the racetrack and a
big deal as I watched Secretariat win the triple crown on TV a few months
prior. Long story short, we watched the
race at the finish line standing just outside the winner’s circle. Just prior to the race I asked my mom to bet
Onion for me, I liked the name and his look.
She would not make the bet saying, “we are here to watch Big Red
win.” Well I think you all know how that
worked out. I remember as the horses
crossed the finish line with Onion in front the place became so silent you
could hear a pin drop. That was the day
my love for horse racing began.
This year’s Whitney Stakes day also promises to be a
memorable day as NYRA, the City of Saratoga Springs, and Racing Fans honor the
legacy of Marylou Whitney with Marylou Whitney Day. It goes without saying that Marylou Whitney
was Saratoga. Mrs. Whitney’s commitment
to racing and improving the Saratoga community has positively impacted everyone
in some form and will continue to for years to come. On behalf of the ThoroFan family and my
family, I thank you Marylou and wish you and your family peace.
On to the race.
1) Imperative 30-1 – A. Quartarolo/J. Bracho
This 9-year-old has had a great career but each time he
steps into Graded company he seems up against it. Stone cold closer will have too much to do
when they turn for home.
2) Forewarned 30-1 – U. St. Lewis/D. Davis
Trainer knows how to surprise at big odds. Runs an honest race most of the time but the
step up in class here is too steep to see this one makes any impact at all.
3) Monongahela 12-1 – J. Servis/J. Lezcano
Winner in his last, the Iselin (G3) at Monmouth Park. Has the one graded win and several seconds in
pretty good stakes company but he is another taking a big step up in
class. Should be able to sit just behind
the pace and could get a slice.
4) Thunder Snow 3-1 – S. bin Saeed/C. Soumillon
Has earned $16 million. Yet to win in America in 4 starts
(all Grade 1’s). Could be the main speed
but also fits just behind the pace if others are more aggressive and then get
first run on the leaders. Has a lot to
prove but if he shows up with his A game, he takes this field down.
5) Vino Rosso 6-1 – T. Pletcher/J. Velazquez
For the most part was disappointing as a 3-year-old but
seems a bit more confident now at 4.
Prepped well for this spot with a victory in the Gold Cup (G1) in his
last. His two previous runs over the
Saratoga ground were not good. He should
be running in the early stages, but can he last?
6) McKinzie 7-5 – B. Baffert/M. Smith
Had a troubled trip in last in the Met Mile (G1). Has as only one win since he started facing
horses older than 3. Has the running style
to be in a great spot for success turning for home. Finishes in the top two but will the price be
too short.
7) Yoshida 12-1 – W. Mott/J. Ortiz
Last victory came at Saratoga in the 2018 Woodward
(G1). Hasn’t show much in three starts
this year while running against top competition. Needs big turnaround in performance in here
to hit the board.
8) Preservationist 3-1 – J. Jerkens/J. Alvarado
Lightly raced 6-year-old has won three in a row and has
never finished off the board in eight starts.
This will be only his second time he has run three races without a
layoff. Shows up each time he runs and
with strong backing at the windows. To
their credit the connections have been very patient with this guy and maybe he
is now ready to take over the older division.
Selections
This is a wide-open race.
Questions abound on the pace and who shows up to run. My top three contenders are the three
shortest on the morning line, McKinzie, Thunder Snow, and Preservationist. Looking for Monongahela to fill out
the super.
#6 McKinzie (7-5)
#4 Thunder Snow (3-1)
#8 Preservationist (3-1)
#3 Monongahela (12-1)
Handigambling
$40 Win #6
$10 Exacta Box 6/3-4-8
Cost $100
Have A Day!
No comments:
Post a Comment