He’ll Try to Get to the Point

There have been few highlights for Private Emblem since he won the 2002 Arkansas Derby. That 4 1/2-length victory over Wild Horses nearly 16 months ago at Oaklawn Park was the last graded stakes victory for the son of Our Emblem.

Owned by James Cassels and Bob Zollars and trained by Steve Asmussen, Private Emblem has won two of nine races since the Arkansas Derby and he’ll try for another in today’s $100,000 West Point Handicap at Saratoga. A 1 1/8-mile turf race restricted to New York breds, the West Point attracted 16 entrants, but only 12 will be allowed to start.

In two starts on turf, Private Emblem has a win and a third. He won the Black Gold Handicap on Jan. 4, 2002 at the New Orleans Fair Grounds, then finished behind Gretchen’s Star and Play It Out in an allowance at Churchill Downs in his most recent appearance July 6.

Pat Day will ride Private Emblem for the first time against a field that includes Celtic Sky, Haggs Castle, Finalty, Statement and No White Flags.

Celtic Sky is the defending champion in the West Point and is unbeaten in two races on the Saratoga turf.

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Race of the day: Firth Of Lorne, second in a Group 1 at Longchamp in France in her last start on May 12, 2002, will make her U.S. debut for Darley Stud Management and trainer Eoin Harty in today’s seventh at Del Mar. David Flores will ride the 4-year-old Danehill filly in the $63,000 optional claimer at one mile on the turf.

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One for the road: Go Girl Go is moved up in class and tried in a two-turn turf race in her second start for sharp trainer Don Mills in today’s seventh at the Bay Meadows Fair. The 5-year-old Glomar mare won by daylight in her first for this barn, and although she is winless on the turf, she has run well on the grass in the past. Chance Rollins will ride.

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Exotically speaking: A pick three using The Borg Queen in the second, High Alert, Ransom The Krooner and Destined To Win in the third and Tombstone, Elan and Hecandigit in the fourth.

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Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/24. Money: Previous day/meet total: $7.40/$139.20. Total money bet: $238.