Horse Racing News by Jack Shinar

Front-running Corfu nipped Wired Bryan by a bare nose in a desperate finish to the $200,000 Saratoga Special Aug. 11, giving trainer Todd Pletcher his first win in the longstanding 2-year-old event at Saratoga Race Course.

Jockey Garrett Gomez boldly announced his return to action with a come-from-behind victory aboard 8-1 shot Dice Flavor in a dramatic finish to the $150,000 La Jolla Handicap on the grass Aug. 10 at Del Mar.

Outsider Devious Intent at 15-1 odds spoiled the comeback effort of champion Groupie Doll after 8 ½ months at 15-1 odds in the $100,000 Gardenia Stakes Aug. 10 at Ellis Park.

Heavily favored Wise Dan ran his winning streak to eight while rolling to a repeat victory in the $500,000 Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga Race Course, defeating pacesetter King Kreesa by 1 ¼ lengths Aug. 10.

Notacatbutallama, given plenty of rallying room along the inside, outfought North Slope to capture the off-the-turf National Museum Racing Hall of Fame Stakes on a sloppy main track Aug. 9 at Saratoga Race Course.

Greeley Awesome, who came within a neck of giving owner Hronis Racing and trainer John Sadler a sweep of the two Oceanside Stakes divisions on opening day at Del Mar, makes his return in the $150,000 La Jolla Handicap on the turf Aug. 10.

Tiz Flirtatious, who gave multiple Grade 1 winner Marketing Mix quite a tussle in the Gamely Stakes last time out, is the one to beat in the $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes Aug. 11 on the Del Mar turf.

Trainer Mike Puype celebrated his 47th birthday with a victory by favored Alberts Hope in the $150,000 Best Pal Stakes for 2-year-olds Aug. 4 at Del Mar.

Overlooked at odds of 10-1, Lady of Fifty found redemption as she took the overland route under Corey Nakatani to capture the $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Aug. 3 at Del Mar.

Two-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey Garrett Gomez has been cleared to ride again as soon as Aug. 7 after meeting with stewards at Del Mar, provided he tests at acceptable levels for drugs he has been taking.