SARATOGA – 8/16/2025
By Nick Tammaro | @NTamm1215
SARATOGA SELECTIONS AND ANALYSIS BROUGHT TO YOU BY @BUCCHEROSTUD | LEARN MORE AT http://IHSTALLIONS.com
RACE 1: 3-6-4-1
#3 NORWICH is interesting shipping in off a claim by Mike Maker and should be in a good position just off the pace. He has enough tactical speed to stay close in the opening stages and has trained well for Mike Maker since he was taken for 40k. Having Ricardo Santana, Jr. aboard is a positive.
RACE 2: 6-1-4-7
#6 BELLORO is a second timer for Jeremiah Englehart after getting bet down to 19-10 on debut. She should improve with a race behind her and will be more involved early with the addition of blinkers. The first time starters don’t look like they’re the most robust bunch and that makes the experienced ones more intriguing.
RACE 3: 5-1
#5 UNCLECHARLIESGIFT is the one to beat and the best bet of the day, even after a couple of scratches in this sextet. He was wide chasing the pace last time out against a better field last time out. The class drop will bring out his very best and trainer Nick Zito is long overdue to get a Spa win.
RACE 4: 4-6-5-7
#4 NONNA TERESA is a firster by Gun Runner, a 20% debut sire and is the 3rd foal to race out of a multiple graded stakes winner. The worktab is strong according to the clockers and her trainer is in the midst of a strong run with 2YO first timers at the meet. Tab the tote action to get a line on her readiness.
RACE 5: 5-2-4-6
The middle move by #5 IL SICILIANO was ill-advised and he paid the price when beaten a nose in that affair on July 19. This is a spot where he can bounce back at a square price in a competitive heat. Luis Saez getting aboard feels like a positive given the success they’ve had together before in South Florida.
RACE 6: 2-3-8-7
#2 SANTINA is bred well for turf success and she is reportedly training very well for Wesley Ward. The inside draw is not ideal, but she should have plenty of speed to offer in the unveiling. #3 KETO DRINK is dangerous as a second timer who got rolling late behind the ultra impressive Cy Fair.
RACE 7: 4-8-6-2
#4 HERO DECLARED gets Jose Ortiz for a debut run that will get a lot of support from the public. This colt is reportedly training very well and the conditioner mentioned him specifically in reference to his impressive debut winner last week.
RACE 8: 4-5-6-1
#4 CICCIOBELLO was over his head last out in a particularly tough edition of the John Morrissey last time out. He wound up doing little to no running while being stuck inside that afternoon and will improve on a dry racetrack. I’ll use him and #5 ROCK THE WEEKEND whose Thorograph pattern looks very interesting for a barn that will receive no support at the windows.
RACE 9: 8-3-4-6
#8 SPIRIT OF NEW YORK was impressive on debut, albeit against NY breds. He should get some pace to run at this afternoon and everything trainer Adam Rice has started at Saratoga has been live over the last few years. The scratch of the morning line favorite opens the doors for more in this field.
RACE 10: 2-6-4-5
#2 GOOD CHEER is going to bounce back after a poor effort in the Acorn where she broke slowly and got stuck behind a moderate pace on a speed-favoring racetrack. She has trained better for this engagement and will be in a good spot just off the pace, as she was in the Fair Grounds stakes wins earlier this year.
RACE 11: 10-1-2-5
The jockey switch on #10 KID KREESA is significant, as Ricardo Santana, Jr. can put this gelding on the lead and moderate the pace. He has been at his best up here and should be sent hard with the outside draw. His best races put him squarely in the mix at a price.
RACE 12: 6-2-1-7
#6 BUSTIN AWAY ran on the main track last time out and did no running but now goes back to turf. There’s a real argument that he is a turf horse given the strength of his lone prior grass outing. The speed is a weapon and should help him get right into the mix from the outset.
