July 19, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Formidable Foe
If Leslie’s Rose (5-1) is the Buffalo Bills circa 1991-1994, then Thorpedo Anna (1-2) is the Lombardi Trophy.
The pair will meet for the third time in this Saturday’s American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga where the race within the race is just as intriguing as the $500,000 purse.
Following a disastrous 13th in their first matchup, the Kentucky Oaks (G1), Leslie’s Rose appeared to gain some ground in her next tilt with Thorpedo Anna, finishing second in the Acorn (G1) on Jun. 7.
The result, however, was still a 5 ½-length loss.
Despite her struggles with Thorpedo Anna, who’s scored three consecutive graded titles, Leslie’s Rose has put together a formidable career of her own.
In six starts, the Todd Pletcher trainee is 3-1-1 with an Ashland (G1) trophy and over $580,000 in earnings.
Will the third time finally be the charm for the 3-year-old filly?
No Place Like Home
Vive Veuve’s path to the pro ranks started on an unusual note. Unlike most talented competitors, who venture to the UK after a successful run in North America, Vive Veuve did the exact opposite.
The 3-year-old filly returned to home soil last November after a fruitless three-race tenure overseas (eighth, fifth, and fourth).
In four starts since, the Jack Sisterson trainee has gone 2-0-2 with a stakes score (Sanibel Island).
Vive Veuve’s (8-1) fifth start back home will come this Saturday at Saratoga for the $175,000 Lake George (G3T).
In what’s expected to be a larger field for the one-mile affair (10 horses), the Lake George represents Vive Veuve’s second opportunity to achieve graded glory.
The Ramon Vasquez mount finished a close third (one length behind the leader) in the Wonder Again (G2T) last time out on May 27.
Back up the Brink’s Truck
Reigning Belmont (G1) champion Dornoch (5-2) eyes a second straight seven-figure winner in the form of this Saturday’s $1 million Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park.
Coming off a mesmerizing effort in last month’s Belmont at 17-1, the Danny Gargan charge is entering his next conquest in excellent form.
The multiple graded stakes winning performer (Grade 2 Remsen and Fountain of Youth) got off to an uneven start in 2024, first claiming the Fountain of Youth before dropping to fourth in the Blue Grass (G1) and 10th in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Dornoch showed no ill effects in the Belmont, running out to the score of a lifetime when the odds said otherwise.
The 3-year-old colt, who heads into the Haskell with $1.75 million in lifetime earnings, can fly by the $2 million mark with a successful trip around the track.
Path, Forged
Fresh off a successful Monmouth (G3T) conquest on Jun. 15, Fort Washington returns to the site of his victory this Saturday for the $600,000 United Nations (G2T).
The 5-year-old colt will try to replicate the success he found last month when he traversed 1 1/8 miles against eight foes for a dead-heat win at 35-1.
While another ‘crossing the Delaware-esque’ performance shouldn’t be required in the United Nations, it’s reassuring for bettors to know what the Kendrick Carmouche mount is capable of should the tides turn against him.
Fort Washington is perfect through two appearances at Monmouth. Before the valiant Monmouth S. win, the Claude McGaughey III trainee captured the Tale of the Cat on Jun. 6, 2022.
Running Bee, co-winner of the Monmouth, is also competing in the United Nations.
Flying out of the Gate
Del Mar kicks off its 2024 meet this Saturday with the $200,000 San Clemente (G2T) for 3-year-old fillies.
The one-mile contest, which is expected to feature a deep field, includes an undefeated competitor by the name of Medoro.
Sporting a perfect 4-0-0 lifetime record, the Peter Eurton protégé burst onto the California racing scene as a rookie in 2023 and has had no trouble keeping the train rolling in 2024.
Medoro captured her first stakes win on Dec. 29, 2023 (Blue Norther) and followed that up with a second stakes score in March’s China Doll.
Fresh off her most impactful tally to date (Grade 3 Providencia), the Antonio Fresu mount can stay perfect with another strong performance on Saturday afternoon.
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