3 minute read

Presuming that weather, smoke and assorted catastrophes don't befall these venues.

Centre of attention as usual is split between Del Mar and Saratoga and this Saturday we can add Monmouth where the Haskell and the United Nations will be run.

Del Mar has the San Clemente Gr 2 for 3yo fillies over 1600m turf with 15 to run.  There seems to be a number of horses named after favourite tipples of late and here's another one – Anisette by Awiaad with Umberto Rispoli riding for L. Powell.  Delight and Justique are on 5/1.  Justique was originally an "also eligible" but there's a scratching so she should be in.

Monmouth starts with the United Nations Gr 1 over 2200m turf with Maker's Red Knight on 5/2 with Gaffalione riding.  The Brazilian-bred Planetario is on 3/1 for West Coasters Richard Mandella and Mike Smith and of course the resident feline will be putting some of his Whiskers money on Catnip 4/1 – Stidham-Rosario.

The Haskell Gr 1 is over 1800m with a very strong field of 3yos.  Bob Baffert has won this race on several occasions and is sending Arabian Knight, an Uncle Mo colt who is favoured in the Morning Line ahead of Kentucky Derby winner Mage.  It should be an interesting contest.  Tapit Trice is also in the mix so it is a star-studded field.

At Saratoga it's the Coaching Club America Oaks Gr 1 with just 6 runners so it looks like being between Gambling Girl and Hoosier Philly, about whom we know little other than they are on 5/2.