SARATOGA – 8/12/2021
RACE 1: 8-2-1-5
#8 CONVERTIBLE FREEZE is by 17% debut sire Connect and is the first foal to race out of an unraced dam. This one went a furlong in :10 and 3/5 at the OBS Sales in March and is training forwardly for Brad Cox according to workout reports.
RACE 2: 1-7-4-3
The underrated barn of Horacio DePaz has scored a couple of wins at this meet and #1 FLASHING RED looks to be the main speed first off the claim. This one ran well going shorter when last seen and is a threat to go the distance if left alone under an aggressive rider.
RACE 3: 5-1-2
#5 MRS. ORB looks better than her rivals in this affair as she bids for a second straight win. She has been effective at this distance and is the steady, grinding type that excels at the 9 furlong trip here at the Spa. Look for her in the latter half of the race.
RACE 4: 1-5-4-7
#1 CHOCOLATE COOKIE was unlucky last time out given that she had no pace to run at whatsoever after breaking slowly from the gate. She figures to get a far better setup here with real pace signed up, and she herself can be closer early with a cleaner break from the gate.
RACE 5: 7-9-2-5
#7 COZZY’S ATTITUDE looks to be in position to improve with a race behind him after showing late interest in a debut largely dominated on the front end. This Charlton Baker trainee retains Joel Rosario and lands in a race that lacks a formidable first time starter. He can be a major threat with any improvement off the unveiling.
RACE 6: 6-7-10-9
#6 CITIZEN WEST is a firster by Majestic City and is the 3rd foal to race out of a dam who won on turf. Trainer Jorge Abreu has amassed inordinately strong numbers with firsters in turf sprints (20%, $3.11 ROI last 5 years) and the worktab here looks solid.
RACE 7: 4-12-2-1/1A
#4 TRAFFIC LANE got mixed up in a white hot pace last time out before weakening late and now goes 2nd off a break for trainer Todd Pletcher. She figures to be a major pace threat in this spot and obviously has oodles of back class. This is a winnable spot for a barn looking to get rolling.
RACE 8: 6-4-2
#6 CHOCOLATE BAR made his dirt debut last time out and ran a credible race to finish third in an event taken off the turf. He has good tactical speed and should be within range in a race completely devoid of pace. Look for Jose Ortiz to take advantage of his favorable outside post.
RACE 9: 1-10-8-6
#1 UNCLE’S GEM faces winners for the first time and will look to get control of this race from the start. She improved at second asking when victorious in wire-to-wire fashion and now lands in a N1X that is short on speed. Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. really needs to take advantage of it.
RACE 10: 3-4-9-12
#3 AMANO returns from a layoff in for a tag for Chad Brown. This gelding showed life against tougher last year and is now spotted realistically off the bench. The pace should be there to set up his late run and he just needs to avoid any traffic trouble.
