Barn Tour: Mike Maker updates on 11 horses, Saratoga plans
- Mark Casse (7/12)
- Phil D'Amato (7/8)
- Rodolphe Brisset (7/5)
- Brad Cox (7/1)
- Al Stall Jr. (6/30)
- Steve Asmussen (6/25)
- Michelle Lovell (6/23)
- Kenny McPeek (6/22)
Like many trainers, he is in the process of making plans for the summer meets at Saratoga, where he will be have 44 horses, and at Del Mar. The Churchill Downs-based trainer discussed those plans with Horse Racing Nation on Tuesday.
Somelikeithotbrown. His second-place finish in the Wise Dan (G2) followed a win in the Dinner Party (G2) at Pimlico in May. Maker expects his next start to be in the West Point for New York-breds at Saratoga in August.
Army Wife. The winner of the Iowa Oaks (G3) and the Black-Eyed Susan (G2). Her next start most likely will be in the Alabama (G1) at Saragota.
Field Pass. The fourth-place finisher in the Wise Dan is headed to the Baltimore-Washington International Turf Cup (G3), Maker said.
Fire at Will. The winner of last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf is 0-for-2 this year, finishing third in the Transylvania (G3) last out in April. Maker said he is "on the farm for a bit" after a minor injury.
Mo Mosa. His win over C Z Rocket in the Steve Sexton Mile (G3) was his second straight score. He will start Saturday in the San Diego Handicap (G2) at Del Mar.
Last Judgment. He is injured after his second-place finish in the Cornhusker Handicap, Maker said, and will be rested. Maker declined to disclose what the injury is.
Special Reserve. "Still up in the air with him," Maker said of the 5-year-old, who has a 5: 4-1-0 record and most recently won the Iowa Sprint Stakes. "A lot of options. Maybe Del Mar, maybe Saratoga."
Tide of the Sea. Last seen finishing second in the Grand Courturier Stakes, he might run in the Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup at Ellis Park on Aug. 8.
Zulu Alpha. The 8-year-old gelding will make his first start this year in Saturday's Arlington Stakes. His record was 5: 3-1-1 last year, with wins in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1), the Mac Diarmida (G2) and the Elkhorn (G2).
Asked about his promising 2-year-olds, Maker mentioned two: Barese, a Laoban colt who won his debut at Belmont in May, and Run Curtis Run, a Summer Front who won his first start at Belmont on July 2. Both are pointed to the Rick Violette at Saratoga on July 21.