What we learned: McKinzie, Covfefe both go the distance

Proving this writer wrong, McKinzie and Covfefe turned in two smashing performances Saturday at Saratoga. The former captured the Whitney Stakes (G1) by 1 ¾ lengths over Yoshida and erased doubts about his ability at nine furlongs. The latter won the Test Stakes (G1) at seven furlongs by half a length after a stretch battle with Serengeti Empress.

Starting with McKinzie, the son of Street Sense broke well and let Monongahela take the lead, before taking the initiative and hitting the front.

But Preservationist, who had a bad first turn going four wide, could not settle and went straight to the lead. McKinzie kindly let him go.

On the far turn, McKinzie made his way to the front again. But Vino Rosso and Yoshida ranged up on the outside and both of them had clear shots.

Vino Rosso did not go on with his bid, though, and Yoshida only could secure second. At least Yoshida ran better than in his recent starts.

Preservationist folded and noticeably ran on his wrong lead.

Suddenly, McKinzie looked like the true nine-furlong horse as the others spun their wheels and failed to seriously threaten him late.

Does this race answer the question of whether McKinzie can win the Breeders' Cup Classic at 1 ¼ miles? No.

But it is obvious McKinzie put in a good performance and now owns two Grade 1 wins at nine furlongs. It is logical to expect another sharp effort from McKinzie in the Woodward Stakes (G1) or Awesome Again Stakes (G1).

Also, Yoshida suddenly looks like a contender to hit the board again in the Breeders' Cup Classic after floundering for most of the year.

As for Vino Rosso, those who commented that he did not like Saratoga are possibly right. He ran flat in the 2018 Travers (G1) and in this race.

Covfefe's talent not fake news

As for Covfefe, she drew an advantageous post position outside of Serengeti Empress. But if Serengeti Empress went to the front, Covfefe still figured to endure a hard pace dueling with the inside speedball. She also lacked proven success at distances longer than 6 ½ furlongs.

But instead of dueling, Covfefe sat about a length off Serengeti Empress.

By doing this, Covfefe's jockey Joel Rosario opened the possibility that Serengeti Empress could become too comfortable and draw off.

Serengeti Empress did separate from most of the field on the turn. Unfortunately though, Covfefe stuck beside her and they battled.

The outside horse holds the advantage in a stretch duel, and Covfefe inched clear by half a length on the outside approaching the wire.

Bellafina ran a flat third, 8 ¾ lengths behind Serengeti Empress, while the low-priced Royal Charlotte never fired and finished a distant sixth.

I actually praised Covfefe's losing effort in the Roxelana Stakes at Churchill Downs in June, and then went against her yesterday anyway. With Covfefe's win at seven furlongs, there is little reason to doubt her in the seven-furlong Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, as long as she draws well.

Serengeti Empress' connections still hold more options, as she could prove competitive in either the Breeders' Cup Distaff or Filly & Mare Sprint.

To touch upon Bellafina for a second, she runs like a shadow of herself east of the Rockies. The slow start is noted, but breaking well is part of racing.

Lucky for Bellafina, the Breeders' Cup is remaining in California.

Mr. Money continues winning

Mr. Money continued his domination of Midwest 3-year-old races by winning the West Virginia Derby (G3) by six lengths after a pressing trip.

Oddly, Mr. Money pressed Plus Que Parfait, who runs as a stalker in most of his races. Nonetheless, Mr. Money enjoyed the trip and put him away.

What makes Mr. Money difficult to defeat is his tactical speed. He does not want the lead, but settles close and ensures the best position on the far turn. Once he passes the leader and creates separation, the race is over.

Chess Chief managed to clunk in late for the runner-up position at 35-1, while Plus Que Parfait hung on decently for the third spot.

As for Math Wizard, he appeared lifeless. The Ohio Derby (G3) runner-up flundered in eighth through the initial stages and only made up enough ground for sixth. This run was far worse than his most recent starts.

As for Mr. Money, he also proved himself at nine furlongs and erased any doubts about his capabilities up that distance. While this race does not answer whether he could win at a 1 ¼ miles, win or lose, he deserves a shot at facing better 3-year-olds in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) or Travers.

Looking back, the right opinion on the West Virginia Derby was to pass the race.