Horse Racing News by Jack Shinar

With the 2-year-old filly division in California far from settled, trainer Peter Miller thinks his charge Woebegon has every chance to rebound in the Grade 1, $250,000 Del Mar Debutante Sept. 3.

Without Shoemaker Mile winner Courageous Cat to contend with, the Grade 2, $200,000 Del Mar Mile Handicap Aug. 27 became a much more competitive, though still compact, affair.

As good as she's been during her current five-race winning streak, Romacaca will need to step it up a bit to keep her string alive in the Grade 2, $200,000 Ballston Spa Stakes on the Saratoga turf Aug. 27.

Already a dual grade I winner this year, Sassy Image can keep it going for brothers Jerry and Dale Romans in the Grade 1, $250,000 Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga Aug. 27.

Awesome Gem, the richest horse to ever race in Washington, was too much for local star Noosa Beach in the Grade 3, $200,000 Longacres Mile Handicap at Emerald Downs Aug. 21.

Summer Soiree came west in pursuit of a first grade I victory and the front-running favorite had just enough left in the final jumps to nip a fast-closing Star Billing and Nereid in the the $250,000 Del Mar Oaks Aug. 20.

Cozi Rosie used a splendid rail-skimming ride from Garrett Gomez to capture the Grade 2, $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes by a half-length on the Del Mar turf Aug. 14.

A yielding turf was just fine with favored Cape Blanco, who registered his second straight grade I score on North American turf in fine style for Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien in the Arlington Million (gr. IT) Aug. 13 at rainy Arlington Park.

Front-running Tar Heel Mom overpowered her four rivals in the Grade 2, $150,000 Honorable Miss Handicap, drawing off in the stretch for a 5 3/4-length romp at Saratoga Aug. 7.

Front-running Sean Avery, under all-out pressure from jockey Joe Bravo, nosed prohibitive choice Trappe Shot to produce a 17-1 stunner in the Grade 1, $250,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga Aug. 7.