3 minute read

As usual at this time of the year good races on both sides of the US.

At Saratoga there are two Gr 1s – the Test and the Whitney.  The Test is for 3yo fillies over 1400m and Godolphin's Matareya looks a standout which means she's odds-on.  Flavian Prat rides the Brad Cox trained daughter of Pioneer of the Nile.  Hot Peppers may keep her honest – she's on 5/1.

The Whitney is over 2100m and has 6 runners.  Life is Good has a strong fan club and comes in as favourite on 5/4.  Olympiad is also considered to have a good chance and is on 4/1.  However everyone who was in Dubai this year fell I love with Hot Rod Charlie and he finished ahead of Life is Good in the Dubai World Cup and at 11/2 we like him even more.

The Invitational has two raiders in the 11 runner field – Godolphin's Nation's Pride Appleby-Buick is on 3/1 and Aidan O'Brien's Stone Age who will be ridden by John Velazques and is backable at 9/2.  Annapolis is the current favourite on 9/4 for Todd Pletcher and Irad Ortiz.

At Del Mar its' the Clement Hirsch Gr 1 for f&m over 1700m with 7 starters.  Shedaresthedevil won this last year and is in good form so the 10/11 quote is not surprising.

Private Mission Baffert – J-J Hernandez is the main rival on 5/1.