Milady Is Missing Azeri

For the first time since 2001, the winner of the Milady Breeders’ Cup Handicap will not be Azeri.

One of five females -- joining Paseana, Bayakoa, Adored and A Gleam -- to win the Milady twice, Azeri is pointing for a race at Saratoga in which she will try to end a three-race losing streak.

In her absence, Victory Encounter will try to complete the same Vanity-Milady sweep Azeri has pulled off the last two years when she takes on Star Parade, Pesci and four others in the Grade I at 1 1/16 miles.

Claimed for $32,000 by trainer John Sadler for owner Tom Mankiewicz on April 16, 2003, Victory Encounter has won six of nine since, including graded stakes victories in the Vanity and Santa Anita’s El Encino Stakes.

Unbeaten in three starts on Hollywood Park’s main track, the 4-year-old Victory Speech filly will leave from the inside post under jockey Alex Solis, who leads all riders in Inglewood with 12 stakes victories.

Third behind Victory Encounter in the Vanity, Star Parade is a threat to go wire-to-wire and she will be more comfortable at today’s distance. Victor Espinoza will ride for owner Gary Tanaka and trainer Darrell Vienna.

Mike Smith, who was Azeri’s regular rider for most of her career until being replaced by Pat Day, will be aboard Pesci, who is seeking her first graded stakes victory for part-owner and trainer Wesley Ward.

Race of the day: The Cliff’s Edge will make his first start for owner Robert LaPenta and trainer Nick Zito since finishing fifth in the Kentucky Derby in today’s $150,000 Dwyer at Belmont Park. Shane Sellers will ride the 3-year-old Gulch colt in the Grade II at 1 1/16 miles.

One for the road: Serendipitous drops into an easier spot for trainer H. James Bond in today’s sixth at Belmont after having a troubled trip in the Sands Point, a Grade III, on June 13. Edgar Prado takes over on the 3-year-old Pleasant Tap filly in the $45,000 allowance at 1 1/4 miles on the turf.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Commercant Vic and Love That Man in the fourth, Melanyhasthepapers, Cozy Guy and Patriot’s Pass in the fifth and Daytime Event in the sixth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/146. Money: Previous day/meet total: $13.40/$839. Total money bet: $1,018.