Before the first Breeders' Cup in 1984, not many grass horses shipped across the Atlantic for big races in America. Now it's commonplace to see European turf runners come to the States throughout the year.
The New York Racing Association began staging the 1 3/16-mile Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes (G1) for 3-year-olds in 2019, and twice its winner came from across the ocean.
Saturday's renewal drew three colts from the Old World, and another one, New Century, began his career in England.
The 7-5 morning-line favorite, Hotazhell, is from Ireland, and he's been chasing superstars Delacroix, Field of Gold and Ombudsman in England.
Hotazhell needs give in the ground, however, so consult weather.com for the forecast in Saratoga Springs.
“We don't want firm ground for him, that's all,” trainer Jessica Harrington said.
H. Graham Motion trains Test Score, the top American-based 3-year-old turf horse beyond a mile. He's the 7-2 second choice.
“It was not my plan to go into the Saratoga Derby, but it just made sense,” Motion told nyra.com. “It's a Grade 1 and he just won up here on the course. I also think the added distance will help.”
For those who bet horse racing, here's a horse-by-horse analysis. The field from the rail out, with jockey, trainer and odds in parentheses:
Son of perennial top sire Into Mischief came flying late at odds of 20-1 to be second to standout miler Zulu Kingdom in the mile Manila Stakes (G3). Ran an even fourth the only time he tried 1 3/16 miles. That was only his third start, so maybe he can handle the distance this time. Pedigree says yes, because his maternal grandsire, Smart Strike, is a stamina influence. Price will be right.
He's as international as it gets, based in France and trained and ridden by Italians. Won a Group 3 in Germany last time, a 1 1/4-mile prep for his Grade 1 debut. Fine distance pedigree but light on credentials.
Deep closer rocketed the final furlong in under 11 seconds when fifth last time in the Belmont Derby (G1). Still, he's 0-for-2 and never been close on grass. Gets overbet because of marquee connections and needs a hot pace he probably won't get.
Was 2-for-2 on grass last summer at Kentucky Downs, then went 1-for-7 on dirt. Career best came in 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby, so the farther the better. Flopped as 7-5 favorite in listed stakes last out in return to grass; seems up against it.
Gifted, consistent colt zipped the final furlong in about 11 seconds to take the Belmont Derby. He's 6-for-8 in the exacta on grass and handles any kind of ground. Beat him to win.
Don't be surprised if opportunistic Irad sends him to the front in a race without much pace. Showed speed in the 1 1/8-mile Belmont Derby but faded to fifth as the 2-1 favorite. Former English colt is 0-for-3 around two turns and winless beyond a mile, so 1 3/16 is a major ask.
The name of the son of Too Darn Hot describes the recent weather at Saratoga. Ireland-based Harrington hopes that changes, because this colt thrives on soft turf. There's rain in the forecast but probably not enough to help. Another issue: his 7-5 morning line screams underlay. Has the field's best class lines and could win if he gets his preferred footing.
Irish colt is 0-for-4 on grass and winless since winning his debut on synthetic. However, he ran a close third in March to subsequent Group 1 winners Delacroix (Coral-Eclipse) and Lambourn (Epsom Derby, Irish Derby) going 1 1/4 miles. Odds will be higher than 15-1, so maybe he's a not so obvious overlay.
Needed three grass starts to break his maiden, then ran first and second in stakes. Finished well for second to Test Score in Belmont Derby; never off the board in five turf tries.
Post time for the Saratoga Derby is 4:28 p.m. ET. It is one of four Grade 1 stakes on Whitney Day – the others are the $1 million Whitney Stakes and the $750,000 Fourstardave Stakes, both part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In’’ Challenge Series, and the $500,000 Test Stakes.
The picks for the Saratoga Derby ...
