Today’s feature is the Adirondack - $150,000 for 2-year-old fillies. As with all “baby” races, there’s not much to go on as far as past performances are concerned.
We know that A to the Croft broke her maiden at six furlongs in winning style, but the brief notes next to her name simply acknowledge “waited, turn.”
We also know that Passion broke her maiden at the same distance, but her win was by 7 1/2-lengths when she “drew off” and was “ridden out.”
I Promise comes into this race after finishing second by a nose at this racetrack July 25, but she “dug in gamely on rail.”
The cryptic information gives little insight, simply because there isn’t much insight to be had into the abilities of these youngsters.
So we turn to other factors – the purchase price (More Happy is the most expensive in this field, a $1 million purchase at Fasig-Tipton's Florida sale of 2-year-olds in training), or the trainers (Todd Pletcher, Steve Asmussen, Bob Baffert are all known for their skill with young starters), or the jockey’s win percentage (Kent Desormeaux is riding at a 19.15% clip here at the Spa).
Go with your favorite sire, favorite mare. Pair them up. Hash them out. Try to pick a winner.
It just might be easier to throw a dart at the program – but then cashing your wager wouldn’t be half as satisfying. Or would it?
