SARATOGA – 7/19/2025
By Nick Tammaro | @NTamm1215
SARATOGA DAILY ANALYSIS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUCCHERO STUD. Learn more about Bucchero at https://www.buccherostallion.com/
RACE 1: 8-4-6-1
#8 ATENEA is a firster by Beau Liam, a freshman sire who has one debut winner in his first crop. She drew well on the outside and should be quick off the mark based on the morning activity. If able to get out of the gate in one piece, she is likely to be a factor from the start.
RACE 2: 8-2-10-4
#8 ENGLISH CASTLE is the one to catch as he takes a key class drop for Horacio De Paz following a dull effort here Belmont Stakes week. He is more than quick enough to get loose here and even with the blinkers off, he should be very tough to keep from getting to the front.
RACE 3: 3-2-8-5
The recent form for #3 NOT FOR HIRE is formidable, as he shows up here as. A new gelding in search of his first win since a debut score. He has enough tactical speed to stay within range and there’s a good amount of speed signed up today. This is his first start as a gelding, which is a positive angle in general.
RACE 4: 6-5-7-4
The recent win, albeit against lesser, by #6 STRONG STATE was a very strong effort. She stalked the pace and powered clear late, winning at Churchill by a comfortable margin. This is a good spot for her to seek a 3rd career win and trainer Al Stall, Jr. normally has his horses ready to roll at Saratoga.
RACE 5: 1/1A-5-8-2
The coupled entry of #1 CLEAR CONSCIENCE and #1A RHETORICAL should be very tough to beat. The latter has been razor sharp in two turf victories against NY breds and should have no issue going to open company. The former just won a stakes race here and has enough tactical speed to stay within range from the outset.
RACE 6: 4-2-6-9
#4 WRIGLEYVILLE is the one to catch today as she exits a solid 3rd place finish going shorter here on June 6. That race was run in a driving rain storm and she was within range of a very strong early pace before weakening late. The stretchout is interesting, as this gal has never really indicated 9+ furlongs is in her wheelhouse. The lead, however, should be hers for the taking so here’s to hoping Jose Lezcano takes them the distance.
RACE 7: 3-8-6-5
#3 STRADALE is a first time starter by Yaupon, who has 5 debut winners in his first crop. This colt worked :9 and 4/5 at the OBS April sale and looks to be training forwardly for his unveiling. Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen had a win with a 2YO here on Friday afternoon and is one of the best ever with having juveniles ready on debut.
RACE 8: 9-8-3-5
The drop out of stakes company helps the cause of #9 PADIDDLE, as does his ability to stay close to the pace. There’s not a lot of speed signed up here, which will work in the favor of this son of Empire Maker. He was good when 3rd two back in the Man O’ War and needn’t run any better than that to win this thing by a comfortable margin.
RACE 9: 2-7-6-3
#2 ZEITLOS is an interesting potential upsetter here. She is bred all over for turf, has run well in limited opportunities over it, and arrives here in good form for Steve Asmussen. This gal put together a nice late bid in this race last year from deep in the pack at odds of 12-1. She should get pace to run at here, and isn’t this bunch sort of crying out for a fresh face?
RACE 10: 1-4-3
The scratch of #6 LA CARA makes this a fait accompli for #1 IMMERSIVE. She goes 2nd off a layoff following a 2025 debut where she was out-gamed by #4 TAKE CHARGE MILADY. Immersive will now be able to fully get the jump on that rival this afternoon and should be very tough to handle with that outside stalking trip that has worked well for her on so many occasions in the past.
RACE 11: 5-4-8-7
#5 BOOK’EM DANNO is now the horse to beat by a mile and should be a tough customer from just off the pace. He fires every time and nothing would keep you from thinking he will once again.
RACE 12: 3-9-6-12
#3 VEKOMA RIDES ran in spots last time out and wound up checking in third at 9/2. He’ll be a good price in this super tough affair this afternoon as veteran trainer John Kimmel adds blinkers to his equipment. He was in range last time, lost ground, and wound up re-rallying in that late June Aqueduct tilt, so there’s reason to believe he can improve this afternoon.
SARATOGA 2025 STATS: 71: 21-11-7 $175.50
