‘Hawk Makes Right Move

Unable to finish better than seventh in his first three starts on the turf, Republican Hawk has turned things around in a big way of late.

A 4-year-old Peintre Celebre gelding owned by breeder Dion Recachina and trained by Neil Drysdale, Republican Hawk has won two in a row on the lawn. He beat maidens by two lengths on June 11 at Hollywood Park, then was far more dominant in his first against winners on June 26.

Stretched out to 1 1/2 miles, Republican Hawk won by 14 1/2 lengths against four opponents, running the distance in 2 minutes 25 seconds.

This afternoon, the rapidly improving gelding will try to continue his roll as he makes his Del Mar debut in the second, a $65,000 optional claimer at 1 3/8 miles. Garrett Gomez, who was aboard for the last win, retains the mount. The race is not part of a pick six with a carry-over of $118,879.

The rest of the field includes Star Pupil, who was disqualified out of a victory at 10 furlongs on June 23; Deputy Lad, who is returning to the turf after an ill-advised start in the Hollywood Gold Cup; Cold Cold Woman, who is also trained by Drysdale; Leprechaun Kid and Sublet.

Race of the day: Master Of Disaster, one of the most impressive 2-year-old debut winners of 2005, will make his stakes debut in the $150,000 Saratoga Special at Saratoga. Jerry Bailey will ride the son of Dance Master for trainer Steve Klesaris, who co-owns the colt with Puglisi Stables. Master Of Disaster won his first start by 13 1/4 lengths as the 2-5 favorite on May 10 at Delaware Park. Six others, including Henny Hughes, entered the Saratoga Special, a Grade II at six furlongs. Henny Hughes, a son of Hennessy, has won his first two starts by a combined 21 lengths.

One for the road: Sweeping Glance debuts for trainer Neil Howard and tries New York breds for the first time in her second career start in the fourth at Saratoga. Robby Albarado will ride the 3-year-old daughter of Precise End, who was a troubled fourth in her debut at Woodbine on June 25, in the $45,000 affair at six furlongs. The race begins a pick six with a carry-over of $53,542.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Honeeluv Drop in the third, American Prophecy, Speed Rouser and Bargain Basket in the fourth and In The Clutch, Sunrise Event and Smokey White Eyes in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/20. Money: Previous day/meet total: $3.80/$111.20. Total money bet: $120.