He Will Try to Turn It On

Commentator, a New York-bred son of Distorted Humor, is perfect in races around one turn.

Owned by Tracy Farmer and trained by Nick Zito, Commentator has won his six races between seven furlongs and one mile by a combined 58 3/4 lengths, including a 16 1/2 -length stroll June 29 at Belmont Park.

The only time Commentator has been beaten was when he stretched out to 1 1/8 miles in the Hal’s Hope Handicap this year at Gulfstream Park. After being part of a wicked pace early, he faded to seventh at odds of 5-2. He came out of the race with an injury, which is why he was sidelined for nearly six months.

Commentator will give nine furlongs another shot this afternoon when he takes on favorite Saint Liam and six others in the $750,000 Whitney Handicap at Saratoga. The Whitney is one of two Grade I stakes races on the card. Earlier, a quality group of 10 3-year-old fillies will run seven furlongs in the $250,000 Test.

The likely pacesetter in the Whitney, Commentator will be ridden for the first time by Gary Stevens and be coupled in the betting -- because of common ownership -- with Sir Shackleton.

Trained by Rick Dutrow Jr. for a partnership, Saint Liam has won two of three in 2005 and was an easy winner of the Stephen Foster Handicap in his most recent appearance on June 18 at Churchill Downs. Edgar Prado has the mount.

Race of the day: Indian Breeze, who has won her two starts for owner Bill Peeples and trainer Adam Kitchingman, will seek her first graded stakes victory in the $250,000 Sorrento today at Del Mar.

Tyler Baze will ride the 2-year-old daughter of Indian Charlie in the Grade III at 6 1/2 furlongs. The other top contenders are Bully Bones, Diplomat Lady, Tiger On The Loose and Hystericalady.

One for the road: Western Mindy gets a positive jockey change to Shaun Bridgmohan as she debuts for trainer Jerry Gryczewski after a claim in today’s fourth at Arlington Park.

The gray daughter of Western Borders disappointed as the favorite in her latest on July 14, but switches to the meet’s leading rider and gets a confident two-level boost in class.

Taken for $14,000, she shows up in a $25,000 claimer at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta keying Giant Shift on top in the 10th with Fire Wood, Jelly Bean King and Conceptual in the two hole and all in the third spot.

Winners (through Thursday): Previous day/meet total: 3/41. Money: Previous day/meet total: $15.20/$241.20. Total money bet: $240.