News and Notes from Saratoga

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Smuggler to miss Alabama... Travers field grows... Spot found for Alinghi's North American debut... High Limit to stay on grass... Book signings scheduled.

Smuggler, likely favorite for the Aug. 20 Alabama Stakes (gr. I), will miss the race after spiking a fever. Trainer Shug McGaughey reported that the Mother Goose (gr. I) and Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) winner had a temperature of 102 degrees following a Monday jog. The trainer said the 3-year-old filly is fine after the setback he labeled minor and will now be pointed toward the Gazelle Handicap (gr. I) at Belmont Park or Philadelphia Park's Cotillion Handicap (gr. II).

Alternate racing plans have also been made for Alinghi, the Australian champion now trained in the U.S. by Bobby Frankel. The multiple group I winner Down Under was scheduled to make her North American debut in the Quick Call Stakes but that race was cancelled after drawing only four entries. Alinghi will now be pointed toward the Ballston Spa Breeders' Cup (gr. III) on Aug. 29. Frankel reported that High Limit will continue to race on grass, with the Del mar Deryb (gr. IIT) next on his agenda.

Trainer Ron Ellis reported that the Travers Stakes (gr. I) is now the likely next start for Don't Get Mad, who previously was being pointed toward the Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II). Also being considered for the Travers is Park Avenue Ball and Chekhov is now a definite for the "Mid-Summer Derby."

The authors of two books recently published by Eclipse Press will sign their new books on Wednesday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Eclipse Award-winning photographer Barbara Livingston will sign "Barbara Livingston's Saratoga" and Peter Winants, former director of the National Sporting Library, will sign"The Sporting Art of Franklin B. Voss."

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