With Richard Migliore back aboard Artie Schiller, trainer James Jerkens is hoping that a familiar rider will bring familiar results in Monday's $150,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap (gr. IIT) on the Saratoga grass course.The event for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles drew a field of eight in which probable favorite Artie Schiller will carry top weight of 122 pounds. Artie Schiller spots his rivals from three to nine pounds.Artie Schiller has won one of three starts this year, all under jockey Edgar Prado. The 4-year-old El Prado colt's two defeats so far this year were by a nose in the Dixie Handicap (gr. IIT) at Pimlico and by a half-length in the Manhattan Handicap (gr. IT) at Belmont Park. His lone win came in the Maker's Mark (gr. IIT) at Keeneland in April."They've all been good," said Jerkens of Artie Schiller's 2005 races. "The last one was a little disappointing."
Jerkens, Migliore, and Artie Schiller will look to get back to the Saratoga winner's circle. They teamed to win the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Stakes (gr. IIT) last season. Artie Schiller won that nine-furlong race easily by better than four lengths.In 2004, Migliore and Artie Schiller combined for four wins, including three graded stakes victories, and a second in the Virginia Derby (gr. IIIT)."I'm real happy to get back on him," Migliore said. "Obviously, because he has a lot of ability and a good chance to win, but more so because I really like the horse. I've always had a great affection for him, and I'm looking forward to riding him again."Prado took over for Migliore after the NetJets Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) when Artie Schiller finished a disappointing 12th at Lone Star Park. One of Artie Schiller's top competitors will be America Alive, trained by Neil Howard and ridden by Robby Albarado.
America Alive won the Turf Classic (gr. IT) at Churchill Downs on May 7 and most recently ran a close third to Kitten's Joy and Old Forester in the Firecracker Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. IIT) also at Churchill Downs."He ran good," said Howard of his colt's performance in his last race. "It was a very tough race, and we were very pleased for him to run that well against a horse like Kitten's Joy."Howard is hoping for a strong pace. America Alive, who will carry 119 pounds, has had most of his success coming from off the pace."The more pace the better, that's the way he runs," said Howard. "It'll be a tough race, and I think he'll run good." $150,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap (gr. IIT), 3 & up, 1 1/8 miles (turf)
PP. HORSE, TRAINER, JOCKEY, WGT.
1. Del Mar Show, D. Wayne Lukas, Gary Stevens, 115
2. America Alive, Neil Howard, Robby Albarado, 119
3. Artie Schiller, Jimmy Jerkens, Richard Migliore, 122
4. Not Phone (ARG), Juan Rodriguez, Edgar Prado, 113
5. Golden Commander, Phil Serpe, Javier Castellano, 114
6. Seeking Answers (IRE), Chuck Simon, Rafael Bejarano, 114
7. Silver Tree, Bill Mott, Jerry Bailey, 117
8. Willard Straight, Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, 115