Azeri Gets a Lift at Saratoga

After consecutive subpar performances at Belmont Park, Azeri was rejuvenated at Saratoga.

In an effort that ranks among the best of her brilliant career, the 6-year-old Jade Hunter mare went wire-to-wire, upsetting favored Sightseek in the Go For Wand Handicap on Aug. 1.

Now 16 for 21 lifetime, Azeri will try something new today when she takes on four opponents in the $400,000 Personal Ensign Handicap at Saratoga.

The Grade I will mark Azeri’s first try at 1 1/4 miles as she faces Storm Flag Flying, Nevermore, Roar Emotion and Board Elligible.

Owned by Allen Paulson and trained by Wayne Lukas, who has won two of five since replacing Laura De Seroux, Azeri will break from post 2 under jockey Pat Day and will carry 122 pounds, meaning she’ll have to spot her rivals from six to 12 pounds.

Race of the day: Wild Babe, who won the first division of the Oceanside Stakes at 8-1 on July 21, will take on older horses in today’s seventh at Del Mar. The 3-year-old Wild Again colt, who has won three of 10 for owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and trainer Jerry Dutton, will be ridden by Tyler Baze in the $68,000 optional claimer at a mile on the turf.

One for the road: Point Prince, who won a Grade II at Gulfstream Park last year, shows up in a $50,000 claimer for his first start of the year in today’s 10th at Saratoga.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Easy Elegance and General Expression in the fifth, Deputy Lee in the sixth, Royal Price, Van Rouge and Father Thames in the seventh and Cynical, Live In The Dash and Fierceinterrogator in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/81. Money: Previous day/meet total: $9.40/$431. Total money bet: $544.