SARATOGA – 7/21/2023
RACE 1: 9-4-10-1
#9 FOXHOLE gets into this spot on the surface switch for trainer Todd Pletcher and debuts with a strong worktab showing. This colt is kin to four winners and draws well on the outside over what should be a racetrack with plenty of moisture.
RACE 2: 6-3-1-5
You might as well jump on the Linda Rice express as she brings in #6 HEADLAND off the claim having taken the veteran mare for 50k at Ellis Park last time out. She is a hard knowing old gal who should get some pace to run at here and her price will be fair. Rice has done tremendous work off the claim, including with Gun It, who she took off of Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen.
RACE 3: 7-5-3-4
#7 CLASSIC MARK scored off the claim for Rice last time out and now lands in a pillow soft spot for 25k. She’s playing the claiming game brilliantly running this one for a tag after getting out on the win last time out. The outside post is no issue given the clear lack of pace in here and the tactical zip this gelding possesses.
RACE 4: 4-3-2-5
#4 SCOTLAND was up in time to get the win last time out against N1X competition. He’s gaining experience and makes his first foray into stakes company here, a meaningless restricted stake that features a horse who was a nose away from winning the Preakness. The lack of speed in here can help this son of Good Magic, as he is capable of being forwardly placed.
the_ad_group id=”684827932″]
RACE 5: 2-5-9-14
#2 WOODSIDE WARRIOR ran against maiden claimers last time out for the first time and showed speed before fading late. He is now a new gelding on short rest and will be able to blitz this field from the start. The lead is his for the taking from this inside draw and he will be tough to catch if loose early.
RACE 6: 8-3-13-11
#8 O CAPTAIN is a dirt horse and this race is short on them after the surface change. He will benefit tremendously from the move to the dirt and he is capable at longer distances such as this one. He will be a deserving favorite and should be hard to beat.
RACE 7: 11-9-6-2
#11 CREATE TROUBLE has improved with experience for trainer Brendan Walsh and now goes 2nd off a layoff. He showed big speed last time out through strong fractions and stayed on well to the finish. If he can get loose in this affair his chances will improve, and this barn hit with a price on Thursday afternoon.
RACE 8: 3-7-6-2
#3 THE REDS has always hinted at having serious ability and now changes barns to that of Chad Brown. He is training well for this engagement and should be sitting back off of what shapes up as a hot pace on paper. The price here will be attractive and Brown’s barn is due to get rolling at this meet.
RACE 9: 10-7-5-3
#10 SECRET MONEY is an interesting price play stretching out in distance as this daughter of Good Samaritan is undoubtedly bred for success going a route of ground. She was stuck in traffic last out before wheeling out wide on the course to make a final bid. This is a spot where she can be forwardly placed ready to pounce late.
RACE 10: 6-1-9-14
#6 PASCHAL MOON is a first timer by Majestic City, whose progeny hit at a 7% clip on debut and has been training well for Jose Camejo. This race will be a crap shoot after the surface switch and there’s no reason not to try a price.
