SARATOGA – 8/18/2021
RACE 1: 6-3-8-1
#6 THE MEAN QUEEN was on her way to victory last time out before ducking in and throwing her rider. One of a few forming a strong hand for Keri Brion.
RACE 2: 6-2-5-1
#6 FREE ENTERPRISE made the drop in for a tag last time out and scored. He was somehow not claimed and now goes 2nd off a layoff in an open 32k event, where he fits well from a speed figure perspective. The lack of pace and potential for a wet track only add to his appeal.
RACE 3: 7-2-4-9
#7 CALL SIGN CHARLIE represents a red-hot barn that scored a stake win on Sunday and three wins on Friday. This filly is by 13% debut sire Mission Impazible and is out of a dam who was a 3x winner. She’s been holding her own with debut runner-up Cricket West in the mornings.
RACE 4: 2-4-3-6
It has not been a meet to remember for George Weaver, who annually feasts on the Spa offering. #2 DARK STORMcan begin a late meet surge given the class drop and fact he’s been badly pace compromised of late. This is a much softer spot than where he’s run of late.
RACE 5: 8-3-4-2
The Pick 6 starts here with a sizable carryover and the weather could dog the proceedings. #8 VAGARIES went for 160,000 pounds at the Tattersalls October sale last year and has been training with impressive debut winner McKulick. There are a number of group winners and a Group I placed runner on the damside and this barn has long been the best with 2YO firsters going long on grass. OFF THE TURF: 7-6-5
RACE 6: 1-7-4-6
#1 SAND AND SEA improved in her turf debut and ran a solid race to be second behind a runner who came back to miss in the Galway on Sunday at Saratoga. She has the speed to protect the inside and faces a weak field save potentially #7 CROWDING OUT. OFF THE TURF: 9-4-7-1
RACE 7: 5-7-3-1
#5 CHLOE ROSE is a late runner first off a claim by John Toscano, Jr. after making one start for Mike Maker. She will get some pace to run at late in here and is currently in good form. The wet track should pose no issue if the rains that are forecasted develop.
RACE 8: 5-1-6-4
There’s no doubt that #5 SEISMIC WAVE has seen better days, but he has also been badly pace compromised in his last two route races. There’s more than enough pace in here to set up his late bid and he should be a square price given the competitive nature of this field. OFF THE TURF: 2-11-5
RACE 9: 3-7-5-8
#3 DERRYNANE is a second time starter who scored on debut via a perfect trip. She will have to elevate her game to win here, but there’s an argument to be made that the speed figure could have been higher in her unveiling. If there’s pace in here then it will help her chances. OFF THE TURF: 12-11-9
RACE 10: 1-6-3-4
#1 CLEAR HUMOR is the one to catch from the inside and goes first off a claim by high percentage trainer Brittany Russell. She has the meet’s leading pilot and will be very tough to catch if she is left to her own devices on the front end.
