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Champagne d’Oro got the job done yesterday as my top pick in the feature, returning $12.40, but we missed the exacta.

Blame was my fourth choice in the Whitney, and I thought Quality Road could have won if jockey John Velazquez would have ridden the colt more aggressively, trying to open up a clear lead turning for home.

Instead he spent most of his time as they came around the far turn and into the stretch looking behind him for his competition.

He got more than I think he bargained for.

We are fast and firm for Sunday, with six races carded for the grass this afternoon.

There is a $253,084.24 Pick 6 carryover.

 

SPAbabies

 

SAR Race 4 Md Sp Wt (2:39 ET)

#7 Summer Laugh   5/2

#5 Sovereign Crisis   4/1

#1 Sassy Strike   12/1

#6 Hey Valentina   12/1

 

Analysis: #7 Summer Laugh makes her debut for the Pletcher barn that is 20% winners with first time starters. This gal has a nice pedigree, by Distorted Humor (17% winners with debut runners) out of the Grade 1 winner Summer Colony ($1.4 million). The mare has dropped two other foals to race, one winner, full sis Summer Humor (1 for 6, $35K). The filly has a couple of quick works on the morning tab.

 

#5 Sovereign Crisis is a $140K Ocala purchase making her debut for the red hot Chad Brown barn, who is 9 for 21 at the meeting with five firsters scoring so far at this meet. The filly is a half to a pair of winners, Sir Silver Fox ($413K) and Elusive Lady ($358K).

Wagering

WIN: #7 to win at 2/1 or better.

EX: 5,7 / 1,5,6,7

TRI: 5,7 / 1,5,6,7 / 1,2,5,6,7

 

Spa Featured Race of the Day:

 

SAR Race 9 The Alfred G. Vanderbilt Hcp G1 (5:30 ET)

#5 Majesticperfection   3/1

#6 Bribon   5/2

#4 Big Drama   3/1

#1 Gayego   4/1

 

Analysis: #5 Majesticperfection is riding a four-race win streak and ran huge last out winning the Iowa Sprint ‘Cap. The colt battled through sharp early fractions and had plenty left, earning a 117 Beyer. Tough to get a read on how legit that number may be, only one runner has come out of that race to run back. That was last place finisher American Classic, who returned to finish sixth here on July 25 against Alw-2 optional claimers, his Beyer going from 69 to 77. The Asmussen runner owns solid early and mid pace numbers and looks quick enough he may get the jump on #4 Big Drama. If the colt regresses to his figs he earned two and three back, that still would put him in the mix here.

 

#6 Bribon cut back to six furlongs last out in the True North (G2) and I did not give him much of a shot. He rolled in the stretch going from last to first in a good looking effort. Things may set up nicely for him here.

 

Wagering

WIN: #5 to win at 2/1 or better.

EX: 5,6 / 1,4,5,6

TRI: 5,6 / 1,4,5,6 / 1,4,5,6,7

SPAshots for Saturday

Horses to toss in your exotics at generous prices:

R3: #9 Almooriq   12/1

R3: #4 Mill Bay   8/1

R3: #10 Top Top Secret   15/1

R4: #1 Sassy Strike   12/1

R4: #6 Hey Valentina   12/1

R6: #4 Solari Island   15/1

R7: #1 Frances Gardner   8/1