SARATOGA – 8/27/2023
RACE 1: 14-13-15-9
#14 GUN SONG has reportedly been training well for Mark Hennig, who continues to have a banner meet at this Spa stand. This filly is out of the accomplished NY bred race mare Miss Narcissist and needn’t be much to contend in this off the turf affair.
RACE 2: 3-5-4-1
#3 CAIRO SUGAR is the horse to bet in this second race as she can sit just off the pace in a race that should be run at a strong early clip. She has been effective against NY bred stakes company and around two turns in the past and should be no worse than the 4th choice in this compact field.
RACE 3: 5-6-3-2
#5 JERRY THE NIPPER is the one to catch today with the defection of SOmlikeihotbrown and this son of Liam’s Map has been remarkably consistent throughout his career. Look for him to get control early with #6 SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS stalking him from the outset.
RACE 4: 6-1-5-3
#6 THE WINE STEWARD looks to make it 3-3 after winning on debut then taking the Bashford Manor last time out. He should get an ideal trip stalking the pace from this outside draw. The competitive nature of this field should lead to him being a good price as well.
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RACE 5: 4-1-5-8
#4 SHE’S DANCING is the one to catch off a smashing win in an optional claimer last time out at Penn National. She took to the turf nicely and has upside given the limited number of tries she’s had on the weeds. The lead is also hers for the taking this afternoon.
RACE 6: 2-7-5-6
#2 CLEVER FOREVER took no money on debut in a competitive NY bred heat last fall and this son of Laoban showed nothing early before putting forth a late bid. He now comes back from a layoff with Lasix and a sparkling worktab. All reports are that he looks ready to roll off the bench this afternoon.
RACE 7: 6-1-5-3
#6 STELLAMARIS was a good second on debut going 7 panels against open company and now shortens up coming back in two weeks. She should get an ideal trip stalking on the outside and is a deserving favorite given the speed figure she earned and against whom she earned it.
RACE 8: 1-3-10-9
#1 WHISTLER’S HONOR was compromised by a slow pace last time out in his first start of 2023. He should improve with that start behind him this afternoon and figures to be the favorite from the rail. The pace should set up well for a closer and this colt still has upside with only 4 prior outings.
RACE 9: 3-8-1-2
#3 SARATOGA GAZE ran a hole in the wind last time out making the first move into a scorching pace that collapsed late. She is a definite player today on the class jump and endured a tough trip the last time she tried this condition. If she can improve on her last she’ll be a player at a price.
RACE 10: 6-2-5-4
#6 DRAKE’S PASSAGE was a smashing winner last time out for trainer Christophe Clement and should be in ideal stalk and pounce range today. He should have no issue with the distance based on his last two starts and the 9 furlong trip could be problematic for some in this field.
RACE 11: 15-11-10-9
It’s not often that Mitch Friedman saddles a heavy favorite but that’s the case here with #15 FOXY CARA, who towers over her competition on paper off the turf. She ran well last time out behind a runaway winner and the added ground today should do her no harm based on past performances.
SARATOGA 2023 STATS: 337-88-51-53 $563.00
