Frankel Keeps an Eye on Isidore

Like many trainers, Bobby Frankel is watching out for Tropical Storm Isidore, which is dumping rain on Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. That system is forecast to bring wet weather into the New York area Thursday through Saturday morning.

Wet weather is unlikely to affect the plans of Frankel's Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) starters Lido Palace and Milwaukee Brew, however, since neither was nominated to the Meadowlands' Cup next week.

"Milwaukee Brew ran over a wet track once and he was second," said Frankel, who was not the horse's trainer for that start. "Lido Palace is 1-for-1 on a wet track."

Lido Palace's wet-track win came in Chile when he won the Group 1 Tanteo de Potrillos over a muddy surface in June 2000.

By prevailing over Gander, Lido Palace won the Woodward (gr. I) in consecutive years. Although Lido Palace had to work hard to win the race, Frankel was not discouraged.

"Lido puts them away when he gets to them, but sometimes it takes him a while to get to them," Frankel said.

Milwaukee Brew has had a strong year for Frankel. Breaking from the 13 post, he rallied to win the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I), then won his next start, the Californian (gr. I) at Hollywood Park.

Frankel will also saddle Starine Saturday. She will go in the $750,000 Flower Bowl (gr. I), a race she finished third in last year.