Rick Francis
Staff writer
Tracksideview.com

Labor Day offers graded stakes at America’s three most beautiful racing venues. First up is Saratoga and the Grade 1 Three Chimneys Hopeful for two-year-olds at seven furlongs

SETTLE FOR MEDAL (3), garnered the lowest Beyer figure of the group, but finished in impressive time for his six furlong win. Another inside trip today, which has proven to be the most dominant route, he’s going to be trouble. WINE POLICE (5), what more could trainer Steve Asmussen have asked for from this son of Speightstown. Set the tempo and had jockey Bridgmohan hand riding him the last quarter, one of three that will be close at the wire.  STAY THIRSTY (6), sire Bernardini had the attitude of “don’t mess with me today.” Maiden win came with a bobbled break, he caught up to look them in the eye, then said, good-bye. Will be shoulder to shoulder down the stretch. BOYS AT TOSCONOVA (7), win at Belmont in early July has to remind trainer Rick Dutrow of another “Big Brown” colt he’s trained. He’s been away since that win, probably to cool his hooves off after that 102 Beyer. That speed figure as a two-year-old has proven to haunt Kentucky Derby runners, but not now. That type of effort Monday secures his second win. Like him to win, and hold off Settle For Medal. Rick’s picks: 7,3.

Next we move on to the Windy City and beautiful Arlington Park and the Grade 3 Pucker Up for three-year-old fillies at nine furlongs on the turf.

DADE BABE (1), nice work on Aug. 6 equated to a head victory here a week later. Nice work here last Monday, can the same hold true today. Trainer Danny Miller is hitting at 25 percent with a limited stock and this one offers real value. MOURETTE (2), has been almost a couple of times here since maiden win back in May. Don’t think she gets that close today. MADDIE’S ODYSSEY (3), through late spring and early summer, she was as hot as anyone on the lawn. Class step up in last two have cooled her off. Kitten’s Joy daughter has grass for blood, so regardless of this step up, now’s the time to show it. I wouldn’t play her below her morning-line odds.

DUNDALK DUST (4), two for two on this lawn, including a DQ upgrade to place in the Arlington Oaks. The two better in that race aren’t here, so I look for her to continue to move forward. BESTIOS (5), her roll down the lane in last might have led to victory with today’s distance. Going longer and being a little light in the speed department won’t serve her well today. CAVE CREEKER (6), former owner of the Fair Grounds Louie Roussel has had this girl in the money since March. Langfur filly has turned in some works for her graded stakes debut and connections are feeling pretty about her chances. Money finish not out of the question.

LA CLOCHE (7), it took her daddy, Ghostzapper, a little while to find it, but when he did, he really found it. She’s starting to find it. Broke her maiden at a sixteenth shorter, then, turned around at sixteenth longer for a similar score. Very possible for three in a row. KILMORE QUAY (8), Irish bred makes her third start in North American cycle. Place finish in the Virginia Oaks last out a real positive sign. Although I think she’s better suited for a tad longer, she’s very formidable today. SILENT CANDY (9), three for four on this grass, including back to back. This is a good spot for her step up. She appears able to handle the early pressure, and look for her to be around at the end.

Recent success here is a big plus, but the Euro’s have always done well on this lawn. Therefore, I’m going to take Kilmore Quay over Cave Creeker, followed by Silent Candy and Dundalk Dust. Rick’s picks: 8,7,9,4.

Finally, we move on to where the surf meets the turf, Del Mar, and the 59th running of the Grade 2 Palomar for three-year-olds and up at eight-and-a-half furlongs on the turf.

GO FORTH NORTH (1), broke her maiden, then two weeks later notches her first stakes win. Now, two weeks later jumps to graded stakes company, too much too soon. YOU LIFT ME UP (2), that nose loss at Santa Rosa, well that one hurt. Think that’s the best you’re going to see from her. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer has his graded stakes eggs in a different basket. LILLY FA POOTZ (3), this is Jerry’s basket. Ten straight money finishes, with four wins and that many near misses. One of those near misses was in the Grade 2 Mabee, which justifies the quick turnaround. Cut back in distance, sets up a nice stretch duel with outside foe. GOTTA HAVE HER (4), returning ’09 champ has spent the year running against a very heady group. Retains jockey Mike Smith and this is where he’s at his best he will get her up quicker and off the rail. Like her for the win. PRYTANIA (5), having a so-so year against allowance and optional claiming company. Would be a major upset.

Rick picks: 4,3,1.