SARATOGA – 8/16/2024
RACE 1: 1-7-5-6
#1 HALO CITY is a major player from off the pace today entering off a try against better for Michelle Nevin. The inside draw should afford her a ground-saving trip, and this late running daughter of Commissioner has performed well at the Spa in the past. If things were to heat up on the front end, she’ll be in line to benefit.
RACE 2: 6-3-2-1
The upset can be in order here with #6 RAISE THE BAR, who debuted against MSW runners at Keeneland in the spring and won handily setting the pace. He now moves to turf for trainer Wesley Ward and figures to have plenty of speed. The 2nd dam here was Pure Clan, a Grade I winning turfer, so there’s reason to believe the grass could be greener.
RACE 3: 3-4-1-5
#3 LIBERTY CENTRAL is back off a brief break for trainer Patrick Quick and was in good form before being sidelined. He has enough speed to stay within range early, but can also sit back and make one run today. The best races this colt has run make him a major threat and the 6-1 morning line is plenty attractive.
RACE 4: 7-1A-5-6
#7 ALLIED ATTACK is the one to catch from an outside post today for trainer Mike Maker. This barn has heated up of late and this colt has the zip to get command on the surface switch. This is also the first time he’s been in for a tag, so there’s reason to believe he can be set for his very best today.
RACE 5: 7-9-10-4
#7 FROM HELLO had no real excuse last time out, but likely faced better horses that afternoon. She is a late threat once again with a good pace expected here, and the price should be fair. There’s contention throughout this field, especially given the likely favorite has knocks. If the pace heats up, this daughter of Carpe Diem is more than capable of late noise.
RACE 6: 6-1-3-8
It’s hard to believe this race was even carded at the Spa, but #6 BRACA gets the nod second off a claim. He was a 5thlast time out after breaking somewhat slowly then angling in after losing position. The lead is likely his for the taking given the dearth of speed in this field, and that would make him a big player.
RACE 7: 5-7-3-4
#5 SON OF HONOR worked :10 at the OBS April sale earlier this year and now debuts for Juan Avila. This is a very dangerous barn and this colt has pedigree being by 12% debut sire More Than Reay and out of a mare who won 4x on turf. The worktab shows he should have speed, and that’s one thing the experienced runners in here didn’t have in prior outings.
RACE 8: 6-1-2-7
#6 ELOUNDA QUEEN is a threat from off the pace dropping in class for trainer Brad Cox. Her rider had the best intentions last time out in a stake race at Horseshoe Indy, but the traffic she encountered late wrecked her chances. This is a more reasonable spot class-wise, and very little separated her and #1 TAX IMPLICATIONS when they met two starts back.
RACE 9: 7-5-4-3
It seems as if it’ll be tough to beat #7 LEELOO this afternoon. She comes in off a strong run in the Dancin Renee and should be in a good spot from the start today. Her best races have all been way too good for her rivals today and her price will drift under even money. Look for her to stalk and pounce when ready.
RACE 10: 10-3-2-9
#10 MIXOLOGIST had a poor go of it last time out, breaking slowly then rushing up to chase a pace that collapsed late. She needs to revert back to the tactics that were used on debut as she cruised home from well off the pace to win that afternoon. If she can lay back and make one run she’s a threat at a nice price.
RACE 11: 9-12-1-10
#9 SHAKREVENGE made a big middle move last time out at Laurel before tiring late. She is a threat right back on the move up to NY for a barn that has had some success here. The best races this filly has run on turf put her within range to boot. If she can time her move a bit better here her chances will improve.
SARATOGA 2024 STATS: 252-70-49-26 $467.80
