Horse Racing News on August 7, 2011

Creative Cause won his stakes debut in Sunday's $150,000 Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar to remain perfect in two starts, and the colt's performance was as flawless as his record.

Experience prevailed in Sunday's "Battle of the Exes" at Del Mar between former fiancees Mike Smith and Chantal Sutherland.

Tizway and Flat Out, the one-two finishers from Saturday's Grade 1 Whitney Invitational Handicap at Saratoga, will likely renew acquaintances in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational at Belmont Park on Oct. 1.

Preakness winner and Haskell runner-up Shackleford will most likely make his next start in the $1 million Travers Stakes here on Aug. 27, trainer Dale Romans said Sunday.

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.