This Could Be Jockey’s Big Day

Horse racing could have a new all-time earnings leader today.

Jockey Pat Day could surpass Chris McCarron with a victory in either the $500,000 Sword Dancer Handicap aboard With Anticipation or the $600,000 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park aboard Pass Rush.

McCarron, who retired after riding Came Home to victory in the Affirmed Handicap on June 23, finished with $264,351,679 in career earnings and Day trailed by less than $115,000 entering Friday’s races at Saratoga.

With Anticipation, a 7-year-old gelded son of Relaunch out of the California-bred mare Fran’s Valentine, is the one to beat in the Sword Dancer, a Grade I at 1 1/2 miles on the turf.

Owned by Augustin Stable and trained by Jonathan Sheppard, With Anticipation is the defending champion. Ridden by Day, the Pennsylvania-bred led throughout at 6-1 and beat King Cugat by three-quarters of a length last Aug. 11.

It was the 11th of 13 career victories for With Anticipation, who gamely held off Denon and eventual Eddie Read Handicap winner Sarafan to take the United Nations Handicap at Monmouth Park in his most recent race on July 6.

Denon, who is trained by Bobby Frankel, is also in the Sword Dancer lineup. Other top contenders include Volponi, English import Hawkeye, 1998 Sword Dancer winner Cetewayo and Startac, who is trying to end a six-race losing streak.

While the Sword Dancer could go a number of different ways, the $125,000 Straight Deal at Laurel looks like a one-horse race.

Xtra Heat, who suffered a rare defeat when beaten by Gold Mover in the Princess Rooney at Calder on July 13, should win for the 22nd time in 29 starts.

Race of the day: The West Virginia Derby attracted, besides Pass Rush, local shippers Captain Squire and Calkins Road along with Lone Star Derby winner Wiseman’s Ferry.

Who’s hot: Cornelio Velasquez. The jockey is running away with the title at Calder, winning with about 26% of his mounts.

Who’s not: Guadalupe Macias and Carlos Montalvo. The jockeys are a combined five of 158 at Arlington Park.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta keying Adalgisa on top with Painted Lady and Kelli’s Ransom in the two hole and all in the third spot.

Winners (through Thursday): Previous day/meet total: 1/30. Money: Previous day/meet total: $5.60/$181.20. Total money bet: $238.