Sightseek Will Go For It Again

Sightseek, who dominated Azeri last month at Belmont Park, will go for her 11th lifetime victory and try to defend her title in today’s $250,000 Go For Wand at Saratoga.

The 1-10 favorite in last year’s Go For Wand, a Grade I at 1 1/8 miles, Sightseek prevailed by 11 1/2 lengths.

Since winning her first race of 2004 in her first start for trainer Wayne Lukas, Azeri has lost three in a row and hasn’t come close in her last pair. She was eighth in an ill-advised start against males in the Metropolitan Handicap on May 31 at Belmont Park, then finished fourth -- and last -- in the Ogden Phipps Handicap won by Sightseek on June 19.

Storm Flag Flying, who was second in the Phipps and who broke her maiden in her career debut at Saratoga nearly two years ago; Mayo On The Side, who defeated Azeri in the Humana Distaff Handicap on May 1 at Churchill Downs; Board Elligible and La Reason round out the field.

Race of the day: Patriot’s Pass, an improving 3-year-old Quiet American colt, will try for his third consecutive win in today’s seventh at Del Mar. The race is the fourth leg of a pick six with a carry-over of $717,342.

Victor Espinoza will ride for owner-breeder Janis Whitham and trainer Ron McAnally in the $63,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

One for the road: Polish Jewel gets a big trainer change to Rick Dutrow Jr. in today’s sixth at Saratoga and the 4-year-old Polish Pro colt also gets his favorite distance -- seven furlongs -- in the $35,000 claimer, part of a pick six carry-over of more than $86,000.

Edgar Prado will ride Polish Jewel, who has picked up three of his four victories at the distance.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Miss C Continental and Gone To College in the sixth, Patriot’s Pass, Wixoe Express and Vallarta in the seventh, Pleasantly Perfect in the eighth and Cyclotron, Golden Souvenir and Whata Soldier in the ninth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/22. Money: Previous day/meet total: $16/$121.40. Total money bet: $172.