SARATOGA – 8/5/21
RACE 1: 1-2-7-9
#1 MYSTIC EYES is a firster by Maclean’s Music, whose progeny win on debut at a 20% clip. The dam here was a 2x turf winner who has dropped 1 turf winner from 3 to try it. The turf works here reportedly are outstanding and this field looks short on real prospects.
RACE 2: 2-8-3-5
#2 MOON OVER NY is a firster by Air Force Blue, whose progeny win on debut at a 9% clip. This filly is the first foal of a dam who won on turf, and trainer Jeremiah Englehart is 23% with first timers in maiden claiming races on the dirt ($2.54 ROI). There’s little to no talent in this field whatsoever amongst the experienced ones.
RACE 3: 6-4-7-9
When a trainer sports the kind of stats that Rob Falcone, Jr. does with #6 MYSTERY MESSENGER, you have to take note. This barn is 38% with turf sprinters first off of claims ($3.85 ROI) and this son of Point of Entry comes in off a bang-up race. He has the tactical zip to stay in range from the outset as well.
RACE 4: 3-2-10-4
The main speed in this affair is #3 BAR FOURTEEN, who figures to be well clear of this bunch in the opening stages. He wired a field of NY breds last time out and the runner-up has since returned to win. Though this is a tough objective going two turns for a horse with stamina issues, the quickest way to get there is on the front end.
RACE 5: 5-1-8-7
You have to search for alternatives to #1 WARTIME HERO and the best of them is #5 CHASE TRACKER. There are real excuses for the latter, given that he has been facing better competition and has spent the majority of his career sprinting. If the favorite is incapable of performing more, this one is a viable upsetter.
RACE 6: 1-4-3-7
#5 NO TIME ALONE is the only experienced runner in this field and has put forth the best effort of any participant on the turf. She was a game second last time out tracking a hot pace and figures to be within range from the outset today. Trainer Wesley Ward has had a very strong run in 2021 in NY and this one should keep it going.
RACE 7: 9-7-5-4
Trainer Chad Brown picked up a couple of wins on Wednesday afternoon and #9 LIFE ON TOP is interesting off the layoff. He found some traffic in his last start and wound up being taken in hand late. He returns in a similar event class-wise that lacks a standout. There should be enough pace to set up his late run.
RACE 8: 6-5-1-8
So many 9 furlong races at Saratoga become wars of attrition and #6 BUSTIN THE RULES is a horse who can undoubtedly get the distance. He goes 3rd off a layoff and should be within range from the start. If he can run continue to improve, he is capable of winning this race at a square price.
RACE 9: 3-1-4-6
#3 LONE ROCK has been on a tear since being claimed by Robertino Diodoro. He won the Brooklyn authoritatively last time out and figures to only benefit from going a tad farther this time around. He has tactical speed, loves to win and faces a weak bunch in this affair.
RACE 10: 9-3-10-6
#9 ESCAPEWITHFRIENDS is a second timer who’s stretching out in distance for trainer George Weaver. This filly made up serious late ground in a slow-paced race and figures to improve with a race behind her. You’ll get a decent price here to boot.
