SARATOGA – 8/6/21
RACE 1: 4-3-1/1A-5
#4 ARTIE’S ANGEL has the best turf pedigree in the field being by 12% turf sire We Miss Artie and out of a dam who was a turf winner. She has dropped 3 turf winners so far and this colt possesses some experience. That is still significant at this part of the season.
RACE 2: 7-6-8-2
#7 ROAMING UNION is dropping in class for Charlton Baker and they seem to have found the right spot. This is a soft 12.5k event with a modicum of early speed, and that should work to the advantage of this veteran son of Union Rags. This combo picked up a win Wednesda with an aggressively ridden charge and the same tactics would really help here.
RACE 3: 7-5-4-2
In deep stretch of her last start, #7 CREATIVE CAIRO was kept inside and she was a tad reticent to do so. An outside trip may have made a difference and she is now in a spot where she can show speed for trainer Christophe Clement and Joel Rosario. There’s upside here given she is still lightly raced.
RACE 4: 1-4-5-2
The speed in here is #1 JALEN JOURNEY, who figures to get command in this race right from the start. He ran a solid race two back when conservatively ridden early, but will be most dangerous if allowed to run right from the start. The rivals in here simply cannot keep up with him early.
RACE 5: 6-1/1A-5-7
Given the positive workout reports and the fact that #6 THEGODDESSOFSNAKES was entered in a stakes race on debut, she is clearly good in the morning. Whether that can translate to afternoon work remains to be seen but she gets class relief and Lasix for a new barn. She need not be much to contend here.
RACE 6: 1-4-3-7
In an absolute skull-buster of a race, #5 VALUE ENGINEERING gets a second look given that he made the only legitimate off the pace move in his last start, the Belmont Stakes day nightcap. He figures to get a solid pace to run at going what is likely his favorite trip. You’ll get a square price here too given the competitive nature of the field.
RACE 7: 2-4-8-3
#2 PUBLIC SECTOR ran a bang-up race to narrowly miss in the Manila last time out rallying into a glacial pace on a course that had plenty of moisture. This colt seems to have an affinity for softer going, but ran a strong race on debut here last year on a firm course. He should get plenty of pace to run at this time around.
RACE 8: 4-6-8-7
#4 ART COLLECTOR is strictly the one to catch and had no chance last time out after breaking slowly in a slow-paced race. Luis Saez being on board should ensure this one is forwardly placed and he is a Grade II winner going this trip. If he gets control early, his chances only improve.
RACE 9: 11-7-8-2
Even though Casa Creed ran by him late, #11 BOUND FOR NOWHERE arguably ran the best race in the Jaipur given the way the pace completely collapsed. He contested it from the start and can now be more of a stalking type in this bulky field. His best races have come at 5.5 furlongs and his worktab looks stout.
RACE 10: 1-8-6-4
#1 DIGITAL SOFTWARE is taking yet another class drop after a claim was voided for him last time out for 50k. He has a cozy inside post and faces a weak field, so the expectation is that he’ll be tough to handle as a heavy favorite. These connections are well represented for the afternoon.
