Horse Racing News on September 1, 2011

Handled with confidence by Ramon Dominguez, front-running State of Play repelled the onrushing Optimizer to win the Grade 2, $151,000 With Anticipation Stakes on the Saratoga turf Sept. 1.

As versatile as Sidney's Candy is, the options for WinStar Farm and Todd Pletcher are virtually limitless. For his next start, the connections decided to sprint him on dirt in the Grade 1, $250,000 Forego Stakes Sept. 3 at Saratoga.

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor DUI charges resulting from his July 20 arrest hours after winning the opening-day stakes race at Del Mar.

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.

Quiet Giant, off a strong victory at Monmouth Park a month ago, looms a tough customer in the Sept. 3 Hill 'n' Dale Molly Pitcher Stakes (Grade 2), but the race lured a solid field of nine.

The New York Racing Association announced Sept. 1 a menu of 21 potential capital improvement projects for Saratoga Race Course designed to secure the historic nature of the race track while enhancing the facilities and overall fan experience.

Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux was arrested by Saratoga police Wednesday and charged with reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor, after nearly hitting a Pinkerton with his car following the races.