Turf Appeal for Englehart filly

Animal Appeal has hit the board in 7-of-8 since claim

SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Animal Appeal goes for her third straight victory as she makes her stakes debut in the Smart N Fancy at Saratoga on Sunday. The $100,000 race for fillies three years and older is at 5 ½ furlongs on turf.

Trainer Jeremiah Englehart claimed her for $25,000 out of her career debut on Jan. 11, 2015, on the inner dirt track at Aqueduct.

In eight starts since, Animal Appeal has been on the board in seven starts, with earnings of $156,140.

“Yes, I was thinking predominantly turf,” said Englehart of the claim. “I have an infatuation with Valid Appeal mares and we did think she would move up a little bit on the grass.”

Animal Appeal’s mother, Appealing Card, is a daughter of Valid Appeal.

Her sire is turf champion Leroidesanimaux, winner of the Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga in 2005.

Owned by Neal M. Allread, she is ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., who has been aboard for her last three outings.

“I think the thing that comes out the most is how well she gets along with Irad,” said Englehart. “He knows her style and he has kind of figured her out, and how she wants to do it. He thinks very highly of her and that is an accolade for me, giving her a chance in the stake.”

Animal Appeal has been a frontrunner in her last two wins, including a victory at this meet on July 25 at 5 ½ furlongs on turf in which she set blistering early fractions.

“I don’t know if the lead for her is essential,” said Englehart. “The biggest thing I want to see is for her to run her race, and Irad knows how to do that.”

Animal Appeal may find some company on the lead in Sanctifica, who led all the way on July 27 to post her second consecutive turf sprint victory.

She has drawn the inside in this field of ten.

The next two to her outside, Nite Delite and Miss Ella, are also quick from the gate.

Nite Delite is coming off a narrow loss in the Blue Sparkler Handicap at this distance at Monmouth on Aug. 14.

Miss Ella, although winless in four tries on turf, nonetheless has kept very good company in turf sprints, including a second in the Coronation Cup at Saratoga last year.

Yet another speedster is Momameamaria, who makes her turf debut after a good second in the Shine Again Stakes here on Aug. 3 to the top class Wavell Avenue.

Completing the field are West Coast Chick, Harp N Halo, Means Well, Fair Point, Pretty Perfection, and Lost Raven, who is entered for main track only.