SARATOGA – 7/21/21
RACE 2: 6-4-3
#6 COPA is the one to beat on the class drop second off a claim by Robertino Diodoro. It’s never great to see a horse claimed for 40k in for just 14k two starts later, but this barn knows how to spot its horses to win and move. That’s likely the plan here.
RACE 3: 6-8-2
#6 BLUE TIMES took a decent amount of money on debut for trainer Danny Gargan and ran a credible race flashing brief speed before fading late. She now makes her second start and should be in a more realistic spot to win given what will be left in this field following the surface change.
RACE 4: 3-5-4
The right horse to take against the likely over bet favorite is #3 COINAGE, who is a third timer that improved by leaps and bounds at second asking. He is a beautifully bred son of Tapit who will appreciate more distance and looks to be quite precocious. He figures to get an ideal stalking trip as well.
RACE 5: 7-5-6
The public will back #7 RAFFINITY with both hands in this spot and she is clearly the one to beat. Trainer Rob Atras is spotting her where she can win, as MSW competition is a little too tough. She towers over this field on paper and figures to be in a prime spot turning for home.
RACE 6: 9-6-5-8
We saw trainer Kelly Breen win with a 2nd time starting 2YO here on Friday and he’ll bid to do the same thing with #9 NEXT TUESDAY. This daughter of Kantharos was a respectable 2nd on debut behind Mainstay, who came back to finish a game 2nd in last week’s Schuylerville. Breen is 29% with 2YO second timers in MSW races on dirt over the last five years ($2.00 ROI).
RACE 7: 7-5-4-9
On turf, #7 ABSAM is the one to beat given the class drop as he is in for a tag for the first time. He has been facing much better and has the tactical speed to procure an ideal stalking trip in this spot. If he duplicates his last few performances he’ll be a major player here. OFF THE TURF: 7-16-15
RACE 8: 9-12-10
The turf pedigree of #9 GANDY DANCING is enough to give him serious consideration, as his dam was a 2x turf winner for Chad Brown. This gelding was badly pace compromised last time out and that contributed to his poor effort. He should be wound tighter second off the bench and has the tactical zip to stay close. OFF THE TURF: 9-3-8
RACE 9: 2-3-7
The 2021 debut of #2 FORZA DI ORO has been much anticipated, especially given the two races he ran in 2020. Trainer Bill Mott is a very solid 20% with dirt routers off 180+ day breaks ($2.10 ROI) and this colt has landed in a perfect spot to restart his career. Here’s to hoping he can stay healthy!
RACE 10: 3-4-11
On dirt, #3 DAMILANO is the one to beat given the vast improvement he showed last time out on the Belmont main track. He has good tactical speed, an aggressive pilot and a cozy inside post from which he can get involved right from the start. All signs point to him being a major player.
