SARATOGA – 8/24/2024
RACE 1: 8-6-1-7
#8 GEOPOLITICS has had some narrow misses so far, checking in 2nd in 5 straight to begin her career. She has plenty of speed and now adds blinkers, which should keep her more involved early. If able to get clear, she is a major threat to go the distance at what should be a very short price.
RACE 2: 5-3-1-9
#5 GREEN LIGHT is the horse to beat as he drops in class for trainer Rodolphe Brisset. He was last seen facing stakes company at Ellis Park where he received a questionable ride en route to a 3rd place finish at 7/5. His versatility is remarkable, as he can set the pace or sit just off of it if necessary. Look for him to be in position from the start.
RACE 3: 3-4-5-9
#3 TOPIC CHANGER is a certainty to get the distance given his past exploits include a few steeplechase efforts. He was in a merry-go-round race last time out where the pace held together significantly, and he should be able to sit just off the pace today. If we get the 7/2 morning line, he’ll be a great bet.
RACE 4: 3-5-6-2
The trainer switch on #3 BANISHING is notable given that David Jacobson is 3 for his last 9 with dirt routers first off of trainer changes ($5.94 ROI). This son of Ghostzapper has been at his best setting the pace but is unlikely to get to the top spot here. He can sit just off it and be dangerous, as his recent workouts signal he’ll be ready off the bench.
RACE 5: 6-1A-4-7
#6 RUNNINGWITHSCISSORS surged late last time out to finish a good second but was disqualified for interference in deep stretch. He will be heard from late again today and gets a good jockey switch to Joel Rosario. His price will be appealing in this competitive affair as well and he came out of his last to work well for this engagement.
RACE 6: 8-4-1-7
#8 THUNDER ROLL debuted on dirt and showed some early speed before fading. He is major player to improve at 2ndasking moving to turf based on pedigree. The sire here is Hard Spun, whose progeny hit at a 9% clip in their turf debuts and the dam was a 4x winner on the weeds. Speed plays well in these races and he should have plenty of it after showing some on debut.
RACE 7: 2-6-3-8
#2 ROOKIE CARD is a first timer from a cold barn, though Danny Gargan did have a good 3rd place finisher in the Friday nightcap. This colt is by Adios Charlie, a 12% debut sire, and is out of a dam who won as a 2YO. She has dropped 4 winners from 5 to start and the worktab is very strong here. He worked two back with Travers morning line favorite Dornoch and should be ready on debut.
RACE 8: 5-8-7-10
There’s no reason to take a big stand against #5 RHETORICAL, who was a smashing debut winner against a woeful field. This son of Not This Time walloped that bunch as he sat just off the pace following a slow break and rolled clear when ready. He now gets Lasix for a barn that has 4 wins at the meet from limited starters.
RACE 9: 2-3-4-1
The play here is to try and split the Godolphin pair as #2 MEASURED TIME bids to make it two straight Grade Is. He won the Manhattan gamely going 9.5 panels last time out and now figures to be the main speed today. His lone prior try at 12 panels came on the synthetic and he ran a credible race. He’s a better horse now and looks like a major player here.
RACE 10: 5-3-2-7
The stats Bill Mott possesses with cutbacks on dirt in graded stakes (44%, $4.15 ROI) makes #5 SCYLLA very interesting today. She showed more speed when 2nd last time out at Del Mar and should be in a good spot to reel them in late this afternoon. There’s an abundance of pace in here that should set the table for a late runner like this daughter of Tapit.
RACE 11: 1-5-6-8
#1 GUN PILOT was wide last time out when saving ground was ideal and he can rebound today. His Grade I win two back was solid, and is the lone Grade I score in this field. He should be rolling late from just off the pace and can get into a good spot from the rail. The price will be solid as well if he goes off the 3-1 morning line.
RACE 12: 3-11-8-5
#3 DOMESTIC PRODUCT is a Grade III winner who comes in off a smashing win in the Dwyer, as he sat just off the pace and rolled clear late for Chad Brown. He figures to be in a good spot from just off it today and should be in line to benefit if the pace heats up. One turn is likely his best game given what we’ve seen so far and that’s enough to land here.
RACE 13: 2-8-1-3
#2 SIERRA LEONE is officially in “put up or shut up” territory as he looks to get his 3rd win of 2024. He has been defeated at short odds in his last two, including a Jim Dandy defeat at the hands of #8 FIERCENESS. This son of Gun Runner should be rolling late and the pace will be hotter than what he’s seen in his last two. He will be a stretch threat in what should be his coming out party.
RACE 14: 8-7-6-10
#8 TREATY OBLIGATION drops in for a tag and was wide last out on a day where saving ground was beneficial. The race he exits has proven productive, as the runner-up walloped a group of MSW runners here last week. This should be the right class level for this son of Maclean’s Music, who will also be a strong favorite.
SARATOGA 2024 STATS: 327-89-60-35 $602.70
