SARATOGA – 8/11/21
RACE 1: 5-7-1-4
#5 CASTLE LEOCH is a second timer who showed serious ability on debut. This colt reached the front in midstretch of his first start before being outfinished. Any improvement would make him tough to handle in a race that doesn’t feature a great deal of strong turf pedigrees.
RACE 2: 1-6-2-4
#1 EXTRA EFFORT is the one to catch from the inside as she drops in class off a claim by Rob Atras. This filly showed good speed last time out before getting caught right on the wire and ran a winning race two back at this level at Belmont. This is the best barn she’s been in for quite some time as well.
RACE 3: 1-3-2
#1 DANNY CALIFORNIA loves Saratoga and is back on short rest after scoring against open company last time out. He figures to get a terrific setup this time around with three speedsters immediately to his outside. Trainer Rudy Rodriguez’s barn is heating up of late and this one will be in position to pounce late.
RACE 4: 4-1-2-6
If ridden properly, #4 GOTTA GO MO should not lose this race. The lead is hers for the taking, but a cat and mouse game with #1 RICHIES GREAT GIRL is certainly possible given the presence of both Ortiz brothers. Look for this filly to get command early and she’ll be a tough customer if so.
RACE 5: 1-4-6-3
#1 TIVOLI TWIRL goes third off a layoff and is the one to catch from the inside today. He stretches out in distance and that should not be an issue, especially if he maintains a clear advantage from the opening bell. The other option for P6 players appears to be #4 BLITZ TO WIN.
RACE 6: 3-5-4-2
#3 MS PENELOPEPITSTOP is the one to beat at second asking with blinkers being added after she showed speed and faded late on debut. This filly is training forwardly since and gets some key class relief after debuting against MSW foes at Monmouth. She is spotted realistically now for a barn that has gotten things rolling.
RACE 7: 11-4-1-9
The pace held together tremendously well in the Tepin and #11 TOWN AVENGER was one of the few who made a meaningful off the pace move. She goes an additional furlong today and should be moving well late under Javier Castellano. The promise she showed in her debut was backed up in her 2nd start as well.
RACE 8: 4-3-5-2
#4 TRINNI LUCK bids for two straight wins after scoring in wire-to-wire fashion when she set a hot pace on July 10. This filly can sit just off of #6 HONEY MONEY if Manny Franco so chooses, and she can set the pace if that opportunity presents itself.
RACE 9: 8-3-1-7
#8 ARREST ME RED ran races as a 2YO that would make him competitive here and returns off a layoff for new trainer Wesley Ward. The reports are that he is training strongly and the versatility shown last year only adds to the appeal. Look for him to be in stalk and pounce territory today.
RACE 10: 4-10-5-12
#4 CLEVER FELLOW is simply supposed to win this race on the class drop for Chad Brown. The horses he has been facing are much better than these and he has the right running style for this affair given he will be positioned just off the pace. All signs point to this being graduation day.
