Saratoga Diary: New York Showcase Day

by Dick Powell

Beautiful weather continued and the times on the turf courses are beginning to get faster as the wet turf has firmed up in the sun. Like yesterday, we had a main track listed as fast and both turf courses were good and the racing was on the hedge.

All races today were for New York-breds so I will not list it every race.

Race 1 was a turf sprint for juveniles. Kendrick Carmouche, as he is wont to do, gunned ANALYZETHISANDTHAT to the front right from the start and the third-time starter never looked back for Russell Cash. If you want the lead, Kendrick is your man.

Race 2 was a first-level allowance dirt sprint going six furlongs for three-year-olds and up. Favored H Man broke poorly for Irad Ortiz Jr., and guess who was already three in front at the half-mile pole…Kendrick Carmouche aboard BLUEGRASS EXPRESS. Not only can Carmouche quarter horses from the start, but he’s adept at staying steady on them when they might be tiring. Samay, coming off the long layoff, rallied for second at long odds for Dylan Davis, whose mounts continue to outrun their odds. The Carmouche early Daily Double paid $94.

Race 3 was the Albany Stakes for three-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles on the dirt. There has been a pronounced speed bias in these two-turn dirt routes and SEA FOAM gunned to the front for Joel Rosario and held on despite racing awkwardly in the final 100 yards. The winner of the New York Derby at Finger Lakes last out, he raced the nine furlongs in 1:50.24.

Race 4 was a maiden special weight for juvenile fillies going 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf course. Joel Rosario tried to steal it when he sent Shak’s Hidden Gem to the front and had a clear lead to the top of the stretch, but weakened when challenged by eventual winner SHADY SHADY SHADY, who went on to win by almost five lengths. The post-time betting favorite got a good ride from Johnny Velazquez, who overcame post 10. First-time starter Mensa Member, not named after me, got up for second.

Race 5 was a terrific two-horse battle between Bankit on the inside and DUGOUT on the outside. They battled every step of the way, and each time if looked like Dugout would draw clear, Bankit would battle back to make it close at the wire with only a nose separating them.