From the Spa: July 29 Midlantic-breds in Saratoga stakes

by Joseph Aiello “From the Spa” returns to keep you up-to-date on horses bred in the mid-Atlantic racing in Saratoga stakes

After a few tough tries for Midlantic breds in Saratoga stakes, Pennsylvania bred Roses for Debra was able to capture the Grade III Caress Stakes at the Spa last week. A visually impressive effort, that win put Roses for Debra on the map and cements her as a real contender in the four year old and up filly and mare sprint class on the turf. With plenty of long shots and unfamiliar names so far for our Midlantic entries at Saratoga, a more well-known contestant aims at this Saturday’s Grade II Jim Dandy Stakes as a prep for the Travers in late August.

Also a Pennsylvania bred, Arkansas Derby winner Angel of Empire began his three year old campaign with high hopes entering the Kentucky Derby, going off as post time favorite after the late scratch of Forte. Closing from a bit too far back in that effort, Angel of Empire continued by skipping the Preakness and running a solid fourth in the third leg of the Triple Crown at Belmont Park. Trainer Brad Cox now has this colt by Classic Empire – Armory’s Angel, by To Honor and Serve pointed towards the Midsummer Derby, first facing off against some of the top three year olds in his division in Forte and up-and-coming stablemate Saudi Crown among others. In this nine furlong Dandy, it appears as if Saudi Crown will take the lead with four other closers in the field, giving Angel of Empire a pace target to aim at. As a 5/2 morning line second choice, Angel of Empire will need to be positioned within striking range by jockey Flavian Prat to have a chance to out-kick other strong closers like Forte and Disarm in the stretch. This may prove to be a tough spot for Angel who has yet to pick up a signature win since his Derby prep, but owners Albaugh Family Stables LLC should be confident that a return to a mile and one eighth might be the best thing for their horse. Angel of Empire was bred by Forgotten Land Investment Inc & Black Diamond Equine Corp, and breaks from the outside five post in the tenth race on Saturday’s card.