Saratoga Record Could Fall

Two days after tying Syl Veitch’s 49-year-old record for most victories at a Saratoga meet, trainer Todd Pletcher will have three shots to break it as the track begins the second half of its 36-day season.

When School for Scandal won Monday’s second race, it gave Pletcher 24 victories in only 18 days, tying the mark set by Veitch, the father of Alydar trainer John Veitch, during a 24-day meet.

Pletcher, who began his career as an assistant to Wayne Lukas, looks to be live with all three of his entrants, especially the undefeated Limehouse in the $150,000 Saratoga Special.

A Grade II at 6 1/2 furlongs for 2-year-olds, the Special attracted seven others, but Limehouse, a son of Grand Slam owned by Cot Campbell’s Dogwood Stable, will be favored.

He won all three of his races in Kentucky, including the Three Chimneys and Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs. Robby Albarado retains the mount.

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Race of the day: Belleski, who has won four of five on turf for trainer John Sadler and owners Jerry and Ann Moss; Spring Star, a Group II winner in France; and Southern Oasis are among the nine fillies and mares scheduled to run in the $75,000 Osunitas Handicap today at Del Mar.

The race, the seventh on the card, is at 1 1/16 miles on the grass.

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One for the road: Baby Shaq had a troubled trip July 24 at Saratoga and could rebound in today’s fourth, a $20,000 claimer at 1 1/8 miles. The 6-year-old Mercedes Won gelding keeps the hot-riding John Velasquez and also will be better if the track comes up fast.

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Exotically speaking: A pick three using Boonesboro Beach and Miss Tropics in the second, all in the third and singling Love That Lion in the fourth.

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Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/41. Money: Previous day/meet total: $32/$239.40. Total money bet: $308.