The Spa Spot: Morning Breeze
The second full week of the 2012 season and the second quarter of the 40-day meet launches today with a 10-race program. The first post is 1 p.m.
- A two-day carryover of $239,114 in the Pick Six will draw plenty of attention to the wager and will have a positive impact on the handle for the day.
- A pair of $100,000 New York-bred stakes are the feature races. First up is the Fleet Indian, the eighth race of the day. The Fleet Indian, a seven-furlong test on the dirt for fillies and mares, is named for the New York-bred, who won an Eclipse Award in 2006. A field of eight was entered. Sanford Bacon's Risky Rachel, a six-time winner during her career, is the 8-5 morning favorite. The ninth race is the $100,000 John Morrissey at 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track. Saginaw, winner of five of seven starts this year, is the 8-5 morning-line favorite. The gelded son of Peruvian has won 11 times in his career, but he is winless in five starts at Saratoga.
- Entries for Saturday's Grade 1 races, the Whitney and the Prioress, will be taken today. NYRA will hold the post-position draw for the $750,000 in the paddock. A field of nine is expected for the Whitney and 10 are likely to be entered in the Prioress.
- Ramon Dominguez is the leading rider at the meet with 21 victories in 10 days. Chad Brown of Mechanicville is the leading trainer with eight winners.