August 24, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Reign Supreme
It’s Sovereignty’s world, we’re just living in it.
The marvelous sophomore colt was untouchable yet again in a dominant 10-length triumph in Saturday’s $1.25 million Travers (G1) at Saratoga.
Operating out of post four, Sovereignty made quick work of four rivals to further tighten his foothold on the 3-year-old division.
Now standing at 5-1-0 with nearly $5.7 million in prize money collected across six starts this season, the Bill Mott trainee is the season’s leading earner by more than $2 million.
Sovereignty’s latest conquest paid $2.60.
Book It
Book’em Danno completed a sweep of Saratoga’s major summer sprints with an impressive one-length victory in the $500,000 Forego (G1) on Saturday.
Entering the seven-furlong dash with the Alfred G. Vanderbilt (G2) and True North (G3) already in hand, Book’em Danno was able to ward off 11-1 rival Scotland for his second career top-level tally (2024 Woody Stephens).
Outside of a fourth in the Churchill Downs (G1) on May 3, the Derek Ryan charge has been perfect, rattling off four wins for $817,300 in winnings.
Book’em Danno’s 10th career trip to the winner’s circle paid $3.80.
Winning Move
After a strong, yet winless, three starts this season, Hope Road finally pirouetted her way to the top of the line in Saturday’s $500,000 Ballerina (G1) at Saratoga.
Out for more following a third in the Winning Colors (G3) and a pair of seconds in the Derby City Distaff (G1) and Santa Monica (G2), the Bob Baffert trainee found a clear path to the wire as the 2-1 choice.
While the day started a little rocky with Hope Road reluctant to load into the gate, it all worked out in the end, as the now three-time graded stakes winner paid $6.10.
Thorpe! Thorpe! Thorpe!
While not in her typical overpowering fashion, Thorpedo Anna still came out on top in Saturday’s $500,000 Personal Ensign (G1) at Saratoga.
Running alongside familiar foe Dorth Vader, who three months ago was part of the contingent that handed Thorpedo Anna her heaviest defeat in the La Troienne (G1), the champion filly fought valiantly to maintain the upper edge this time around.
The tally by a nose stood as Thorpedo Anna’s 12th in 15 lifetime tries and pushed her career earnings total over $5.4 million.
The Ken McPeek charge paid $3.50.
I Ain’t Afraid
Dr. Venkman got back on the board Saturday at Del Mar, ending a four-race dry spell with a half-length decision in the $250,000 Pat O’Brien (G2).
Mulling over a pair of fourths (Grade 1 Bing Crosby and last year’s Grade 1 Pacific Classic) and and seconds (Grade 3 Kelly’s Landing and Grade 3 Triple Bend), Dr. Venkman showed formidable spirit to prevail over fellow 5-2 contender Stronghold.
The Mark Glatt pupil had secured his first graded triumph – and most recent win – last July in the San Diego Handicap (G2), also at Del Mar.
In the win column again, Dr. Venkman paid $7.40.