Can She Make a Go of It?

Andujar, who disappointed as the favorite in her first start in a Grade I in the Vanity Handicap on July 3 at Hollywood Park, will take on Society Selection, Ashado and two others in the $250,000 Go For Wand Handicap today at Saratoga.

The 7-10 favorite in the Vanity on the strength of easy wins in her first two races on the main track, Andujar, a 4-year-old daughter of Quiet American, had to settle for third, beaten by three-quarters of a length by Splendid Blended.

Owned by J. Paul Reddam and Mark Schlesinger and trained by Doug O’Neill, Andujar, who was purchased privately before her victory in the Milady Breeders’ Cup Handicap early last month, will race without blinkers for the first time in the U.S. Corey Nakatani retains the mount.

If Andujar is to be successful in the 1 1/8 -mile Go For Wand, she’s going to have to beat a couple of Saratoga specialists. Ashado, the champion 3-year-old filly of 2004, is two for three over the track and Society Selection hasn’t lost in three races. John Velazquez rides Ashado, who beat Society Selection in the Ogden Phipps Handicap on June 18 at Belmont Park in her last start; Eibar Coa will be aboard Society Selection.

Race of the day: Trainer Cole Norman, who won the Bing Crosby Handicap with Beau’s Town in 2003, is back for another try in the Grade 1 this year with Top Commander. Garrett Gomez will ride the 5-year-old Kingmambo gelding today at Del Mar as he faces Pt’s Grey Eagle, Areyoutalkintome, Greg’s Gold, Battle Won, Storm Wolf, Stormin’ Lyon, Pico Central and Taste Of Paradise in the six-furlong race.

One for the road: Sagitta Ra figures to get a firm course today after struggling over yielding ground at Colonial Downs two weeks ago and can win for the third time in 11 starts in the eighth at Saratoga. Javier Castellano will ride the 4-year-old Run Softly filly for owner-trainer Bobby Frankel in the $50,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Kreeker, Cave Creek Queen and Hidden Beauty in the first, Smarmy Charm, Sea Kris and Dutchman in the second, Megabyte and Crocker Road in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/28. Money: Previous day/meet total: $34.20/$164.40. Total money bet: $172.