Weekend Watch: Trio of graded stakes headline Saturday's races
Each weekend, Horse Racing Nation previews the top races to tune into coast to coast and runs down the main contenders. Post times are all in Eastern Time.
Red Smith draws an oversubscribed field
Aqueduct’s Grade 3 Red Smith Stakes at 1 3/8 miles on the turf drew a full field of 10, plus three also eligible and three main track only entrants. The Mike Maker-trained Zulu Alpha, acquired by Calumet Farm since winning Keeneland's Sycamore (G3), was installed as the 5-2 favorite. The 5-year old gelding has been on a tear recently, winning three of his last four starts while dropping the fourth by just a neck. Luis Saez picks up the mount. Maker will also send out Bigger Picture. The 7-year old gelding has raced exclusively in graded company since January 2017 and won this race two years ago. Although he has been competitive, he has not won a race since January. Chad Brown will send out Call Provision, who has not been terribly productive this year but is 8: 4-3-0 at the Red Smith distance. Also in with a good chance is Inspector Lynley, who was most recently third in the Knickerbocker (G2). Post time is 3:47 p.m.
Brad Cox sends out two in River City Handicap
Trainer Brad Cox has the Grade 3 River City Handicap favorite in Mr. Misunderstood and will also saddle Big Changes. Mr. Misunderstood is dropping in class after finishing sixth in the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) last out. The gelding was nearly perfect in 2017 but has been inconsistent this year at age 4. While the 1 1/8-mile distance may not be his best, Mr. Misunderstood is a perfect 3-for-3 over the Churchill Downs turf. Big Changes, on the other hand, has been nothing but productive this year. The Midshipman gelding was given an extended layoff and is 5-for-5 since returning to the races in June. Millionaire Oscar Nominated will be seeking his first win since January and has been off the board in his last three starts. Stablemate Sir Dudley Digges will join him in the starting gate. Post time is 5:36 p.m.
Mucho Macho Man colt favored in Bob Hope
It should come as no surprise that Bob Baffert has the favorite in Del Mar’s Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes, a seven-furlong sprint for 2-year olds. Mucho Gusto ran a huge race in his debut, wiring the field while earning a 96 Equibase speed figure. Sparky Ville matched that number in winning the Sunny Slope, but Extra Hope surpassed that with a 101 in his maiden-breaking fourth start in which he added blinkers for trainer Richard Mandella. Baffert had also entered Metropol in the short field, but that one will miss the race due to an elevated temperature. It’s a fairly wide-open race if you don't believe Mucho Gusto to be a superstar. They'll head postward for the Bob Hope at 7 p.m.
Also happening this weekend...
• Former claimer Monte Man looks to stay hot at Fair Grounds
• Del Mar's Cary Grant features on Sunday in California
• My Boy Tate can show "affinity for Aqueduct" in NYSS
• Avie's Flatter begins quest for Queen's Plate at Woodbine