US Racing / Editor / 31 August 2007 /

Street Sense's thrilling finish has me kicking myself, says Joey Alphabet

I really am kicking myself for not taking my own advice to fly out to New York last weekend for The Travers at Saratoga.

Racegoers were treated to yet another epic finish featuring that man Calvin Borel for the second week running. This time it was Grasshopper and jockey Robby Albarado, who grew up just ten miles from Calvin Borel in Louisiana, who tested the Kentucky Derby winner to the hilt. Mercifully for me and the others who backed Borel on the odds-on favourite Street Sense, the jolly got up at the finish to deny the brave runner-up who was making his Stakes debut.

Why is it every time I have a large bet on an odds-on chance I feel the need to see a cardiologist afterwards ? All I can say is thank you Calvin for not taking the summer off as you usually do.

Earlier in the day things were just as exiting as Hard Spun bravely held on in a desperate battle with First Defence in the Kings Bishop. The son of Danzig looked sure to be beaten but he refused to give in and thoroughly deserved his first Grade 1 success. The win came as a boost to Sheikh Mohammed's Darley operation as they have purchased both Street Sense and Hard Spun earlier in the year, which was previously reported in theis column. In my view this is one of the best crop of three-year-olds I have seen in a long time. Who says money cant buy success?

Now let's get cracking and preview this weekends action which comes from Spa and Del Mar. First up is The Woodward Memorial Grade 1. This is a hot renewal of a truly great race which will be landed by the capable hands of Todd Pletcher. I will be backing Lawyer Ron who was so impressive when romping home in the Whitney. As its such a strong group I will be looking for around 3.2 for the win. Both Corinthian and Political Force must be considered the dangers. They have both had a break since contesting the Suburban at Belmont Park back at the end of June, a race in which the latter prevailed but there should be little between the pair. Magna Graduate also lines up for that man Pletcher and it's nice to see Brass Hat in the field as he has been plagued with injury.

Over on the west coast later on at Del Mar the ladies take centre stage in The Palomar Handicap Grade 2. This one takes a lot of figuring out but my cash is going on Kris' Sis. This daughter of Forestry is unbeaten in two starts over the Del Mar turf course and I think she will go very close. She should be around 4.3 for the win and around 1.8 for the place so I am going to cover my stake with the place money and hopefully we will have a free ride. Price Tag who has had a small setback must rate a big danger and if you are looking for a long shot at a price you could do worse than Black Mamba who appears to have a bright future after hacking up in a Allowance race earlier in the meeting after arriving from New Zealand.

I promise I will leave this subject alone for a while but why on earth are we not sending any of our fillies and mares to contest these races to gain valuable black type? Even a placed effort in this race would boost value immensely. I suppose that would take imagination and vision wouldn't it!

That's just about all for this week folks but on a final note it really is good news for racing that Patrick Valenzuela is planning a comeback this Autumn after a lengthy absence due to a knee injury. To my mind he is one of the most gifted riders I have ever seen. Trust me when I say that as I have seen a few. Patrick over the years has fought his demons but America is known as a country that gives you a second chance and I am sure he wont let anyone down after he applies for his licence to ride before the California Horse Racing Board. At some point in life I guess we all need a second chance don't we?

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