Go for Wand Handicap (G1)

Past Performances -

Whitney Handicap (G1)

Commentator: Zito gelding won this race 3 years ago, earning one of the highest recorded Beyers in some time; he's since been focused on one turn racing and has really only proven to be able to handle overmatched opponents; he's got sharp early lick and he draws the perfect post to best put it to use, but he hasn't tried 2 turns since last winning this heat and he figures to face some early pressure from Tasteyville; fan favorite will offer little value and is probably worth trying to beat.

Solar Flare (ARG): While it's a bit of a concern that he couldn't outgame Frost Giant in the Suburban, that was some effort in just his second start in the country; he's returned to work well at his Fair Hill base and he could find himself sitting the garden spot behind Commentator; barn is having another excellent year and their go to rider comes up to take the return call; quite capable of pulling it off.

Notional: Got back on track with the impressive score at Monmouth, his first conventional dirt try since his runner up effort in last year's Florida Derby; pace should be honest enough for his liking, but after being given a good month off following each of his prior efforts this season, the fact he returns in just 18 days gives the indication they are rushing him back for this; off a career best Beyer and on the stretchout to the furthest trip he's attempted this season, he may be feeling his last effort late today.

Cowtown Cat: Pletcher colt has been a disappointment since taking the Illinois Derby last year, having failed to visit the winner's circle in 7 tries since; his last was better and he'll get a nice rider switch to Bejarano, but these legitimate stakes runners are quite a bit better than the foes he met last time; distance may be a bit beyond his scope as well.

Merchant Marine: This guy tries hard every time and he wasn't beaten by all that much in his graded stakes debut, but unfortunately 2 of the guys who finished in front of him return here as well; he'll get a new pilot and he's worked well over the main track in the interim, but he'll need to take a big step forward to contend for the top spot and his Gulfstream route try earlier this year gives the indication he's not going to prosper back at 2 turns.

Tasteyville: This guy proved his class late last year and he may just have been a little short off the huge Beyer when chasing Lucky Island last time; problem is that speed is his best game and the presence of Commentator on the rail all but eliminates the chance of him settling on the front end; last 2 turn try came at Monmouth in the Iselin and the result, without the benefit of the lead, was not good; provides the pace heat that gives the late runners hope.

Rising Moon: Could now be set for his best third time back from the year layoff; he wasn't getting tired late in the 10 panel Suburban and he jogged in both of his 2 turn main track routes so he should be right at home here; Dutrow runner could be the value play in this heat.

Grasshopper: Returns to the scene of last year's Travers runner up effort to Street Sense which put him on the national map; he's been off his game in his last couple, but he's had excuses both times and these surroundings certainly perked him up last year; expecting an improved try with Albarado back aboard today.

A. P. Arrow: Pletcher's second, uncoupled entrant in here was a poor favorite in the Suburban, his first start since returning from Dubai; he should appreciate the return to 2 turns, but he also runs better with time between his races and he's being turned quicker than usual for this; although he's a multiple local winner, we'd prefer to limit his use to underneath.

Student Council: Six year old has been all over the country in the past year , earning several nice checks along the way; took a weak renewal of the Pimlico Special in the mud from well off the pace back in May, his second career victory over a wet surface; just wasn't good enough behind the front running Mast Track at Hollywood last time and we're thinking he's just a notch below the better ones in here.

Timber Reserve: Offered plenty of promise follwoing the nice figure score in the Pennsylvania Derby last Labor Day, but he's run just once since and was sent to the bench immediately after that fade; he's working as if he's ready for his return, but he draws a terrible post while spotting G1 foes a big recency edge; looks to have his work cut out for him.

Go for Wand Handicap (G1)

Ginger Punch: The defending BC Distaff and Go For Wand champ looks difficult to beat; Bejarano has options out of post 1 but could elect to show the way through moderate splits as much speed isn't signed on in the 2008 renewal; the topweight exits facile best last Beyer Belmont triumph over Mistical Plan, who came back to upset Calder's G1 Princess Rooney with 108 Beyer; formidable on any type of footing.

Inside Passage: This filly has been sharper for Tagg as a 4-year-old but has yet to exhibit the necessary class to threaten in a graded stakes; came up a bit shy in the lane following wide trip in 1st level allowance here last August; initial score came in the Kentucky mud and she did concede weight during convincing May 30 downstate win; others get the nod in this spot.

Indescribable: Ever-dangerous Mott/Desormeaux team saddles filly who nearly hit the triple-digit Beyer mark in G3 Polytrack triumph; chestnut appears much-improved than when weakening in the Spa mud in maiden special affair last August; could relish the added distance after failing to get involved in Chicago 7 furlong race although still seeking 1st score on conventional dirt; exotics possibilities in Go For Wand not running terribly deep in contention.

Moon Catcher: Maryland-bred could attempt to get involved earlier than she did when stumbling in the 1-turn Phipps; Prado keeps the faith aboard lass who captured the G2 Delaware Oaks from close range over then 3-year-old peers; .500 lifetime batter hasn't been that consistent lately and lost lone off track start; leaning elsewhere.

Copper State: Asmussen-trainee earned career-best Beyer in 1st try for new barn; tactically-inclined filly snagged the place vs. 3-5 favored G1 winner Unbridled Belle around 2-turns; apparently has never been better but remember we are dealing with a runner who was still contesting Illinois-bred allowance events as recently as October; in the money in all 4 off track outings sans a victory; chance for a slice from stalking range.

Runway Rosie: Southern California transplant responded to respite with convincing victory over deep closer Scooter Girl and Inside Passage; Contessa could well secure a G1 placing with consistent gray who is versatile in terms of running style and footing she can handle; sheds 9 lbs. in Saratoga debut; not out of exotics consideration but it will take a lifetime best performance to challenge the likes of Ginger Punch.

Over Under: Filly began career with 5 successive losses but she's now come along with 3 wins in last 5 outings; Prairie Meadows victress over Miss Atlantic (later a distant 2nd to Fancy Fusaichi in the $125K Iowa Distaff) could lose important ground out of wide post in graded stakes debut; came up wanting in the stretch of only off track try, although it was a key race; siding with others at this juncture.

Spring Waltz: Ginger Punch's mate could well be the 2nd most talented individual in the Go For Wand; member of the triple-digit Beyer club earned those figures during pair of 2-turn Gulfstream Park wins; gray was glad to escape the Polytrack of Woodbine, only recently suffering 1st conventional dirt defeat against 108 Beyer winner (and narrow BC Distaff runnerup ) Hystericalady; capable mare may be the right one if Ginger Punch isn't her normal self although the pair will race coupled as the odds-on favorite.

Good Luck Bitchas - Will post my picks tomorrow

I am sure our Saratoga King (NYSTROOPER) will be posting also

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