SARATOGA – 7/16/21
RACE 1: 1/1A-2-5
The entry of #1 GIROLAMO’S ATTACK and #1A SMOOTH B looks to have a major edge in the opener as the controlling speedsters. There’s precious little pace signed on and both have enough early foot to get command in this field at once. They should offer value too at or around 5/2.
RACE 2: 6-8-3-4
#6 CLEAR HUMOR is a second timer who debuted against tougher and ran respectably. There was no pace to speak of in that field and the 1-2 finishers are both very solid NY breds. He should benefit from the class drop for a barn that perennially overperforms at the Spa.
RACE 3: 2-7-6-3
#2 GIACOSA is back home in Saratoga where she has done her best work and now goes 3rd off a layoff. This is a softer N2X than the one she exits, as the winner last out is a solid NY bred with open company victories. She should be in position from just off the pace today.
RACE 4: 5-7-1-8
#5 FLAMING ROUGE did all the dirty work last time out stalking a hot pace before getting overhauled late. She should have no issue with today’s 11 furlong trip and is likely to offer value given the presence of the over bet #1 BALLACOLLA. This daughter of Kitten’s Joy is in the right spot to score today.
RACE 5: 2-5-6-1/1A
#2 YES I’M EVIL returns off a layoff for Bentley Combs and takes an enormous drop in class. This mare is sure to be popular at the claim box and should get an ideal inside stalking trip today. She is a true distance type who’ll want every bit of the demanding 9 furlong trip here.
RACE 6: 7-5-10-4
The experience edge in this bunch goes to #7 NOVEMBER REIN, who was a solid 2nd on debut for trainer Kelly Breen and figures to be a major factor from start to finish today. She has speed and an ideal outside post from which she can get involved early. Upstart firsters #5 TOUGH STREET and #10 SARATOGA CHROME merit consideration.
RACE 7: 5-10-2-3
#5 SPIN A YARN is the main speed in this turf sprint and has pedigree for the lawn. Her dam was a turf winner who broke her maiden on the lawn by over 7 lengths, and she has one sibling that won on the lawn. If she is able to get command here, she just might forget to quit.
RACE 8: 3-8-6-4
#3 POLISHED GEM didn’t have the cleanest of trips last time out when she finished 2nd against slightly tougher and now looms a serious stretch threat for Ian Wilkes. The Kentucky dirt racing is simply much stronger than that of NY and this filly ran consistently throughout the summer.
RACE 9: 3-1-7-9
The last outing for #3 VALUE PROPOSITION showed that he might be ready to start putting everything together. He was erratic in prior races in terms of turning his head and lugging in or out in the stretch, but he looked much more professional last time and is now a potential graded stake horse.
RACE 10: 4-6-9-1
#4 U SHOULD BE DANCING is the one to beat getting Lasix for the first time second off a runner-up effort at Belmont. This filly has run well in all three turf starts, and showed clear improvement last time out. She has the speed to get more involved early in this spot as well.
