Ballston Spa Handicap
August 19, 2008
Ballston Spa Handicap (Grade 2)
#1 Wait A While- Todd Pletcher and Garrett Gomez won this race with this magnificent mare last year. She has two wins from two starts at the distance. Her win in last years Ballston Handicap began a streak of four consecutive 100+ ESF’s. Look for her to stalk the early pace and pounce at the ¾ pole as the 8/5 morning line favorite.
#2 Valbenny- Grade 2 winning filly hasn’t returned to her top form in her two starts in 2008. The distance shouldn’t be a problem for her. I don’t think she will contend for the win, but she may be able to run third, and perhaps second.
#3 Sharp Susan- The lethal combination of Kent Desormeaux and Bill Mott will hook up for this filly. Sharp Susan is owned by IEAH. She was moving away from Valbenny when winning last out after overcoming a poor trip. She seems to be on the improve. While the win is not out of the question, I think she is more likely to run second.
#4 Rutherienne- The French connections of Christophe Clement and Julien Leparoux will bring this filly to the track. She is optimal at this distance of 8.5 furlongs, but has been running at the 9 furlong distance of late. I don’t think she has enough early speed to stay with the eventual winner, but she should be able to pick up third.
#5 Carriage Trial- Edgar Prado and Claude McGaughey saddle this filly for an attempt at her first Grade 2 victory. She hit the board in the Grade 1 Humana Distaff last year, so I don’t know why they haven’t continued to sprint her. She is going to have to stay close early to have a shot at contention in this one.
1st- Wait A While (8/5)
2nd- Sharp Susan (3-1)
3rd- Rutherienne (2-1)
Plays:
$25 WIN on Wait A WHILE