RACE 7: 6-9-8-7
#6 UNIQUE INSIGHT is a first timer by Gun Runner, whose progeny hit on debut at a 19% clip. The dam here produced Drake’s Passage, a stakes winning NY bred who actually runs later on this afternoon. The dam was mainly a turf horse but began her career on the dirt and showed some ability.
RACE 8: 4-1-9-8
#4 SARATOGA GAZE spent the majority of her last start down towards the inside and that was not the place to be once the rails came down on the Mellon turf at the Spa. This Mark Hennig trainee ran well in both of her Saratoga outings and should get an excellent trip just off the pace this afternoon.
RACE 9: 7-4-2-1
#7 PRINCIPLED STAND is a threat to wire this field as he drops in class out of a try in the Red Bank. He is quick enough to get well clear early and trainer Chad Brown’s barn has heated up noticeably of late. Should he get to the front without any challenges he’ll prove very tough to run down.
RACE 10: 2-6-1-7
#2 DRAKE’S PASSAGE is clearly the one to beat and is a good bet at the morning line of 8/5. He towers over this field on paper based on his last two outings and should get an excellent trip stalking #1 MISTICAL CURLIN. A repeat of either of his last two would make this son of Tonalist impossible to beat.
RACE 11: 7-2-3-8
This spot represents serious class relief for #7 STONE OF DESTINY, who last tried turf against better for trainer Dave Donk. She was close to the pace in the opening day outing where she ended up fifth at 7/2. The sprint distance likely suits her better, even if the cutback gives you some pause.
