SARATOGA – 8/21/21
RACE 1: 8-6-1/1A-3
#8 RAYMOND is a firster by Into Mischief, whose progeny win on debut at a 16% clip as 2YOs. The dam here was a graded stake winning earner of 464k and she has dropped two winners from as many to race. The outside post is ideal, and all reports are that he is training well for the unveiling.
RACE 2: 2-5-4
Her accomplishments on the racetrack aside, #2 ZAINALARAB is the one to beat given her recent training and the trouble she ran into at 2nd asking. Her debut was impressive, and she still has plenty of upside given the trouble encountered at Churchill. A cleaner run would make her tough to beat.
RACE 3: 1-2-4
#1 ROBIN SPARKLES is the one to catch as she looks to improve off a 3rd place finish in the Caress. This daughter of Elusive Quality got a clear lead that day and stayed on gamely before tiring late. She will be as free and clear as jockey Jose Ortiz so chooses and she is dangerous if left alone early.
RACE 4: 4-6-11-3
#4 ESCAPOLOGY is a third timer who endured a troubled trip at 2nd asking earlier at this meet. This daughter of Marsh Side was breaking from the far outside that day and was away slowly before rushing up to contest the pace. If she can get out of the gate cleanly, her chances will undoubtedly improve.
RACE 5: 6-3-7-9
The recent runner-up finishes from #6 TOO EARLY show a lack of willingness to win, but he’s facing a drastically weaker field here than he has of late. The wet track last time out likely worked against him, and the return to a fast trip will help. Look for him to be in range right from the start.
RACE 6: 7-1-5-10
#7 THE IMPORTANT ONE has had a limited number of outings on dirt in her career, and she can be dangerous based on her September 2020 try on this strip. She faced stakes company that day and closed well to snag the show dough. The MTOs here are hardly overwhelming, so give this one a long look.
RACE 7: 9-8-2-6
The sale workout of :20 and 3/5 at the OBS April sale signals the ability of #9 COGBURN. He is by 23% debut sire Not This Time and is out of a dam who was a 5x turf winner. He drew favorably on the outside and is training well, so look for him to come out swinging.
RACE 8: 8-4-2-5
#8 AMERICAN RULE is a potential upsetter in a race that should have plenty of early speed. He was in gradually improving form before a respite for trainer Peter Tournas and appears to be training respectably for the return.
RACE 9: 2-5-3
#2 TECHNICAL ANALYSIS won the Lake George in fine fashion last time out and now bids to make it two straight. She was given a tremendous ride last time out, stalking the pace from the beginning before pulling clear late. The setup should be similar in here and she is now beginning to realize the potential shown right from the start in her career.
RACE 10: 6-5-3-4
#6 MALATHAAT wound up setting the pace on the inside last time out and that is simply not where she wants to be in the early stages. She will be in a more ideal spot this time around and figures to stalk and pounce similar to the way she did so in the Kentucky Oaks. Her best races are obviously much too good for her foes in this field.
RACE 11: 12-8-3
#12 PERFECT GRACE is a daughter of 2011 Horse of the Year Havre de Grace who has shown serious ability in the past. She is the one to beat on the surface change and figures to be a very heavy favorite. Anything close to her last would lead her to the winner’s circle.
