SARATOGA – 8/26/2021
RACE 1: 1-2-3
#1 LET HER INSPIRE U is the one to beat at second asking for Todd Pletcher after getting bet down to 3-2 on debut. She showed speed before fading and now figures to be an early threat from an inside post in a race largely made up of firsters.
RACE 2: 4-10-8-9
#4 SPIRIT ANIMAL looks to keep the good times rolling for Chad Brown after a five-win Wednesday as he takes an enormous drop in class. This son of Lemon Drop Kid has been in for a tag before and was actually claimed before it was voided. The barn is looking to win a training title and that’s why this guy is taking this drop.
RACE 3: 4-2-1-5
#4 ORCHESTRATION got going late in his debut and roared home when he figured things out. He wil benefit if he has more speed this time around and should improve with experience. The fact he’s gotten called up to the big leagues at the Spa signals that he’ll be ready.
RACE 4: 5-3-7-2
The 16k-12.5k drop being taken by #5 JESSICA is significant. The 16k she exits was very tough and she showed speed before fading late that afternoon. She’s now in light with the triple bug aboard and she can be a major threat from start to finish in this spot.
RACE 5: 6-8-4-3
In a race that will be very demanding from a distance perspective, #6 DOWAGIAC CHIEF looks interesting. He was a non-threatening 6th on debut but went wide in a race dominated towards the inside. He has gone long before, albeit on turf, but that could provide a stamina edge.
RACE 6: 2-4-7-5
#2 JAZZ TIME GIRL is by 9% debut sire Temple City and worked impressively at the OBS April sale earlier this year. She is out of a 7x turf winner and hails from a barn that has hardly missed at this meet. The inside post is less than ideal, but she appears to be training well.
RACE 7: 4-9-8-7
I should probably give up on #4 LIFE ON TOP, but he had enough trouble last time in a race where a rival fell in the stretch. He can show the tactical speed necessary to stay close in here and there is no speed in this field at all. If he can get that stalking spot, he’s a threat to go the distance.
RACE 8: 4-6-5-7
#4 WHISPERING PINES is the one to beat dropping in class for trainer Horacio DePaz. She was a game 4th in the Shine Again and figures to be within range early today. There’s very little speed in this field and that will work in her favor.
RACE 9: 9-10-7-11
#9 AMY C never got into a comfortable spot late last time out and was given only token pressure by her rider. She can rebound here with a jockey change in a race that should have some early speed. Her upside is vast given the strength of her performance in her North American debut.
RACE 10: 6-3-2-9
#6 ENCRYPTED was off to a poor start last time out and now re-surfaces with Lasix moving slightly up the class ladder. He has the speed to get control in this field, especially if he can get out of the gate in one piece. You’re going to get real value here as well.
