The SAR Special (Grade 2)- $150.000 Purse
SAR- For Two Year Olds
Six Furlongs on the Dirt
August 7, 2020

On Saturday, the biggest names of the three year old division will be at the Spa for the Travers. A year ago, a couple of them were seen right here in the SAR Special, which will be run on Friday. Right now, we see a field of twelve, some more accomplished so far then others, but all of them with plenty of potential. We’ll see them run six furlongs today, but we’ll be watching closely to see who is able to stretch out, or who settles in as a great sprinter. Last year, the race was won by Orion Nebula, one of two from that field that is running in the Travers. The other is Sexy Back, and also deserving the mention is Spirited Stride, a great three year old who ran here last year that is not in the Travers. Let’s meet our field that highlights Travers Eve!

#1- Raunchy Bay (Estero Farms, ridden by J Lezcano)- Alot was spent to acquire this colt, who opened some eyes on DMR trails day when he placed third. Estero actually spent this $275.000 on him after a work at LA on the 15th, likely hoping to get the voucher pot. He had to settle for the third place bounty there, but still has himself a good prospect. Works as well at six furlongs as he does at five.

#2- Leas Chance (Mb Stables, ridden by M Franco)- Great pedigree on this one, being out of Lea, who was a very successful race mare in her day, with the Grade 2 Test being one of the races that she won in her career. That’s another race going here on Saturday. Sire Z One Chance sometimes doesn’t get enough credit for all that he has produced. So far, Leas Chance is 2-for-2, and probably going to be follow the lead of her dam as a sprinter as of now, but that’s quite alright.

#3- Abominable (Mb Stables, ridden by J J Castellano)- He has done his racing north of the border, winning one of his three starts at WO. Most recently, he attempted the $100.000 Victoria Stakes, a race that is often sneaky good every year, and placed sixth. May be one to watch as the distances increase, but he can get a piece of this as well.

#4- Jinxed Authority (Smokey Stover, ridden by E Cancel)- Another horse with strong pedigree, being out of Jinxed Queen, a mare that has two Grade 1 wins at SAR during her career, including the Personal Ensign. In fact, she never lost at the Spa, so Jinxed Authority has plenty of pressure on him to continue that legacy. Sire Good Authority is a proven star as well.

#5- Afterburner (Fractious, ridden by D Cohen)- Comes into this race off of breaking his maiden at WO last month in what was his second career start. Looking to make his presence known in the division, so it is important for him to step up here. Works are in line with the rest of the field.

#6- Burning Red Hooves (TwinTowersRacing, ridden by J R Velazquez)- This is the only horse in the field to attempt a graded stake thus far, and it worked out well for Burning Red Hooves, as he won the Bashford Manor, scoring a 93 SRF in the process. That experience will be quite valuable for him, and he is a promising 2-for-3 in his career so far.

#7- Turbocharged (Aer Stables, ridden by K Carmouche)- Based on name, there should be a good race within the race between Turbocharged and Afterburner. Which will prevail? The Lil King Devil colt was last seen in the $100.000 Victoria Stakes, and placed third, finishing within half a length of the winner.

#8- Accountant (D J C Racing Stables, ridden by D Davis)- This Que Niagra gelding only knows how to win, going two for two in his young career. His last win came up at WO last month in an allowance, so now he is going to try stake company for the first time. The numbers add up for that, with strong works, so expect to see him with a great shot in this one.

#9-Brave Companion (Nakamura Stables, ridden by T Gaffalione)- This is another one in the field coming into the race after breaking his maiden. For him, that was about six weeks ago at CD. What stands out about the most to him are his mile works, not that it matters here, but it probably makes him one to watch in the TC hunt as long as he continues his progress. We know that Nakamura will have several good ones again, after all!

#10- Dial It Chuck (Arindel, ridden by L Saez)- The only horse in here that has four career starts, and two of them have resulted in wins. After breaking his maiden, he tried the $150.000 Tremont at BEL at the start of June, and did well enough to be fifth. However, he was dropped into an allowance after that, which he did manage to win. Perhaps the trainer needed just a little more confidence in him, so he should have that now.

#11- Into Pieces (Mb Stables, ridden by I Ortiz Jr)- The third of three in the field from Mb Stables. The colt has won twice in his career thus far, and he comes off a win in the $75.000 Hoover at BTP in his last start. He’s not used to starting on the outside, and might not even realize there are posts way out here. We’ll see if that is a factor.

#12- Smokin Luka (Night Rider Stables, ridden by J Rosario)- A horse that the trainer is very high on, and he has given good reason for that excitement to this point. He has two wins, including the $150.000 KY Juvenile, a stake that is run too early to determine talent. His third place effort in the $150.000 Tremont actually excites me a lot more than that win. The biggest problem for him is the post, but he still may get this done.

Prediction: 6-12-2-1

— NS

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES