Chilean-Bred Wild Spirit Finds Home in the U.S.

When she won the Delaware Handicap by six lengths July 20 at Delaware Park, Wild Spirit was the 4-5 favorite.

The 4-year-old Chilean-bred filly will probably be an even shorter price today as she tries to remain unbeaten in the U.S. in the $400,000 Personal Ensign Handicap at Saratoga.

Trained by Bobby Frankel for the Sumaya Us Stables, Wild Spirit has won both of her races in this country by daylight and has eight victories and three seconds in 12 starts.

If Wild Spirit, who will break from the rail under jockey Jerry Bailey, wins the 1 1/4-mile Personal Ensign, it will give Frankel 19 Grade I victories this year, three shy of the record of 22 set by Wayne Lukas 16 years ago.

Also entered is Summer Colony, the defending champion in the race named after the mare who retired undefeated and won the Breeders’ Cup Distaff in a photo finish over 1988 Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors.

Summer Colony is the only horse to beat Azeri.

Race of the day: Johar, who was injured after winning the San Marcos on Jan. 20 at Santa Anita, makes his comeback for trainer Richard Mandella in today’s $75,000-added Harry F. Brubaker Handicap at Del Mar. The race is not part of a pick six with a carry-over of $144,945.

One for the road: Just Fun adds Lasix and switches to the dirt for her second U.S. start in today’s eighth at Arlington Park. The Dehere filly is out of the stakes-winning mare Arewehavingfunyet. Curt Bourque will ride in the $32,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles.

Exotically speaking: A pick three singling The Lawyer in the third, using Dr. Dubai and Kimon in the fourth and Trickinthepark, New Course, Iza Big Star, Quartz Movement, Gem of a Day and Turn To Victory in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/59. Money: Previous day/meet total: $11.60/$341.60. Total money bet: $442.