July 15, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Laser-Like
It took a laser-focused effort from Whitebeam (GB) to hold off Canadian Horse of the Year recipient (2022) Moira in Saturday’s $500,000 Diana (G1T) at Saratoga.
With the win by three-quarters of a length, Whitebeam was able to successfully defend her Diana trophy.
The Flavien Prat mount scored last year’s edition of the 1 1/8-mile affair in even more heart-pounding fashion with a narrow separation by a nose over 1-5 choice In Italian.
Leading the pack from the gate this time around, Whitebeam (GB) made the most of her second run at Saratoga in as many starts.
The 5-year-old mare has excelled on the North American circuit after joining last May (7: 3-2-0 in NA; 14: 6-4-1 overall).
At 9-2, Whitebeam paid $11.60.
Dyna-Mo
Mo Plex had no trouble navigating the graded stakes ranks for the first time.
Making just his second career start, the 2-year-old colt led gate-to-wire in Saturday’s $175,00 Sanford (G3) at Saratoga.
Under the steady hand of leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr., Mo Plex shined amongst the sea of six other rookies.
Leaving from post seven, the Jeremiah Englehart trainee proved that a 10-length romp in his pro debut on Jun. 20 was no fluke.
Already stamped as a graded champion with $137,500 in purse earnings, Mo Plex appears primed for a stellar rookie campaign.
Saturday’s Sanford score paid $5.70.
I’m Alright
No need to worry about Carl Spackler (IRE) after the 4-year-old colt found his groove in the $175,000 Kelso (G3T) on Saturday at Saratoga.
Following a tough outing in last month’s Poker (G3), also at Saratoga, Carl Spackler rebounded nicely to capture his third career graded title in five attempts.
Prior to Saturday’s triumph, the Tyler Gaffalione mount reached the winner’s circle in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes (G2T) and Saranac (G3T).
Now sporting a strong 5-1-0 line through eight starts, the accomplished competitor already finds himself within $300,000 of the $1 million lifetime purse earnings mark.
Carl Spackler paid a modest $3.50 for the Kelso.
Pinch Me
Charlene’s Dream was a bettor’s dream in Saturday’s $150,000 Horseshoe Indianapolis Stakes.
The 3-year-old filly stole the show at Horseshoe Indianapolis with an odds-defying one-length triumph at a whopping 36-1.
Closing as the board’s third-longest shot, Charlene’s Dream bounced out to an early lead never to relinquish it at any point in the one-mile and 70-yard contest.
The Ed Moger Jr. charge’s remarkable trip around the track resulted in her third career stakes win (Dancer and Debutante). Neither, however, holds a candle to what the Texas-bred accomplished over the weekend.
Charlene’s Dream magical performance returned a delightful $74.80.
Thing 5
Star of Mystery (GB) didn’t waste any time avenging a third in her North American debut with a first-class performance in Sunday afternoon’s $175,000 Quick Call (G3T) at Saratoga.
Locked in as the board’s 3-5 choice, Star of Mystery and rider Flavien Prat endured minimal resistance from the field of six en route to a clear X-length victory.
The 3-year-old filly’s first voyage on this side of the Atlantic came on Jun. 8 in the Jaipur (G1T). Star of Mystery had trouble breaking through in the 12-horse affair, which also happened to run at Saratoga.
That wasn’t the case 36 days later, as the Charles Appleby charge used in a drop in class to her advantage.