Top Two-Year-Olds

With two of Saratoga's big freshman stakes in the books (Schuylerville and Sanford) you might be asking yourself did I see a rising star in the game?

Yes and no.

Hot Dixie Chick, who won the Schuylerville on Wednesday by 6 1/2 lengths, earned a 103 Beyer Speed Figure. She's undoubtedly the best 2-year-old in the country. And, oh by the way, she's trained by Steve Asmussen who has superstar Rachel Alexandra set to run in Sunday's Haskell at Monmouth.

The next day, Backtalk earned a hard fought neck victory in the Sanford. His Beyer - 82. Not nearly as impressive.

What makes Backtalk's race even more unimpressive is the fact that a maiden race for fillies earlier on Thursday's card saw a faster time and faster Beyer figures (Kinsey - 86). What's worse is both 2-year-old maiden race winners on Wednesday also had faster Beyers with one of those races being restricted to New York State breds (Come From Behind - 85).

This doesn't mean that Backtalk will not develop into a really nice horse but despite his unbeaten record, you can't be overly impressed with him.

Meanwhile, Hot Dixie Chick is the best freshman in the country. Will she take a similar path to her superstar stablemate and run against the boys? Right now, looks like she could beat her male counterparts.

Isn't this a great time of year?

Beyer Speed Figures are courtesy of Daily Racing Form
Photos courtesy of Eclipse Sportswire