West Point heads into the final weekend of the Saratoga and Del Mar summer meets with eight runners in four days, looking to keep the momentum going after Christel Clean’s 7 1/2-length victory Thursday at Del Mar.
Driftingandreaming will try to keep the momentum going Friday at Del Mar when he steps into a Cal-bred “one other than” allowance at 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt. The John Sadler trainee overcame a slow start to win his career debut by 1 1/4 lengths last month and was not claimed from the $50,000 maiden claiming race. Joel Rosario retains the mount from post six in Friday’s eighth race.
Five West Point runners will take the stage Saturday at Saratoga, including two races in which the black and gold will be represented twice.
Flightress returns for her second start in the fifth race, a seven-furlong maiden special weight on the dirt. The Shug McGaughey-trained filly drew post nine and will be ridden by Edgard Zayas.
Grunge and Brightline Bullet give West Point two chances in the ninth race, a 5 1/2-furlong turf allowance. Grunge will break from post two with Paco Lopez, while Brightline Bullet drew post eight and will have Manny Franco aboard for trainer Miguel Clement.
West Point will double up again in the 10th race, a “one other than” allowance at nine furlongs on the dirt. Saratoga meet winner Preside returns for Steve Asmussen with Dylan Davis from post five, while Brad Cox sends out Lion of Justice from post four with Franco.
The final West Point starter of the weekend will be Miles Finch in Sunday’s first race at Del Mar. John Sadler drops him into a $50,000 claiming race for non-winners of two at five furlongs on the turf, with Rosario aboard from post 10.
Saratoga and Del Mar both conclude their summer meets Monday, giving West Point runners one last opportunity to add to productive seasons on both coasts.
