SARATOGA – 7/15/21
RACE 1: 4-5-8-7
#4 WAGON BOSS has the right running style as a true grinder for this 9 furlong affair which figures to be run at a strong early pace. He enters in good form and upstart trainer Michelle Gianguilio has had success from a limited sample of recent claims dating back to February.
RACE 2: 9-4-8-6
#9 SPEEDOMETER exits a strong MSW event where the eventual winner scored in gate-to-wire fashion and is now one of the choices in the Schuylerville later today. This filly has trained forwardly since and hails from a barn that does very well with 2YO second time starters.
RACE 3: 9-12-4-6
The ability shown by #9 ST. JOE LOUIS in his debut was significant, and he eventually put everything together to win at 2nd asking. He now faces winners for the first time and is a likely strong favorite for Chad Brown. His early foot is an asset, as it keeps him from losing significant ground in the opening stages.
RACE 4: 1-12-7-9
Though her recent form in Florida shows a great deal of cheap races and horses, #1 CLADDAGH’S RUN came to hand quickly and has now been freshened for Saratoga. It wasn’t long ago that this barn was Saratoga’s best kept secret, but you’ll get less value here. The inside post is ideal for a ground-saving trip.
RACE 5: 3-6-7-5
Having experience at this stage of the game in 2YO racing is a major edge and #3 LADY SCARLET brings forth the best of it in this field. She was a good second on debut to an impressive winner and now looks to be spotted where she will win. A big effort by a firster, or no move forward from this filly is all that could derail her.
RACE 6: 11-5-7-2
#11 JAZZY LADY was an impressive winner when last seen at Churchill despite a less than ideal trip. She eventually got clear and won that N2L event from which Ray Handal claimed her for 30k. He began the Saratoga meet strongly last year and looks to have spotted a claimer with upside in this filly.
RACE 7: 4-2-1/1A-3
Pace often makes the race in these 9 furlong events and #4 DACK JANIEL’S is interesting given that he will be forwardly placed and comes in with good recent form. If you excuse his poor outing two back, this son of Tonalist has been solid against non-stakes runners and looms the inside speed under the 2021 leading rider at Belmont.
RACE 8: 3-8-9-1
#3 GOLDEN PAL turned heads in a brief, but powerful, 2020 campaign that included a Breeders’ Cup win. This colt comes back off a layoff here as the one to beat, and faces a particularly weak group from top to bottom. Only a regression could keep him from winning, as his 2YO races are much faster than his rivals’ best in this bunch.
RACE 9: 8-9-7-1
#8 EAGLE EXPRESS is a Texas-bred son of Eagle who gained a ton of experience from her debut, then returned to win a restricted stakes race. The appeal with this filly is her ability to sit off the pace and make one run, as it looks like the pace in this affair will be scorching. That should help her cause and she’ll be a square price at the windows.
RACE 10: 8-12-3-11
#8 CLEVER FELLOW is the one to beat in the nightcap as a likely heavy favorite. He ran into a tough winner last time out and was no factor, but the blinkers going on should sharpen him up and he has the tactical speed to stay close early.
