SARATOGA – 7/20/2025
By Nick Tammaro | @NTamm1215
SARATOGA DAILY ANALYSIS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUCCHERO STUD. Learn more about Bucchero at https://www.buccherostallion.com/
RACE 1: 1-4-6-5
#1 FREEDOM MAKER was claimed for 50k by Linda Rice and then tried a restricted MSW event with no success. He has enough tactical speed to stay within range early and should be able to stalk and pounce today. The price should be fair here and that adds to the appeal in a competitive opener.
RACE 2: 1-2-4-5
#1 MY DIVINE SPIRIT is bred well on the dam side for turf success and appears to have a decent worktab for Chad Brown. This filly has been working with some highly regarded unraced runners in Brown’s barn and that is significant. The rail can be tricky, but there’s no speed in here and that likely helps her chances.
RACE 3: 3-1/1A-7-2
The second try at this affair goes here after it was rained off the turf last week and #3 THEN is still the one you want to bet. The coupled entry from Chad Brown’s barn drew better this time around and that changes things slightly, but Then worked very sharply on June 27 and should get some pace to run at late.
RACE 4: 1-6-5-8
#1 KIGALI invades from Kentucky and Churchill shippers are automatic bets at this stage of the game. This son of Hard Spun has had limited opportunities on dry surfaces and should be dangerous if he can improve off a solid effort two starts back against similar under the Twin Spires. He’ll be a fair price as well in a competitive heat that lacks a standout.
RACE 5: 3-2-8-5
#3 BA DEE YAH lures Flavien Prat in search of career win number three. She was on the move stoutly late last time out when 3rd against similar N2X competition in Louisville and looks like a major player here. Her dirt races with Lasix are among the best she’s ever run, so there’s every reason to believe she’ll be set for another top effort today.
RACE 6: 2-4-5-8
A wide trip likely kept #2 MIZTERTONIC from getting top honors last time out. He now looms the one to beat at the same condition in a spot where there should be some pace in front of him early. He can save ground as well in here with Flavien Prat astride and this is his third start off a layoff, a time when horses generally move forward the most.
RACE 7: 7-5-1-4
#7 JOHNY’S FIREBALL has more than made the money shelled out for a claim back in 2023 and is now being given away by his connections. He is in solid enough form and should be able to stalk the pace today before pouncing late. The presence of Luis Saez is a good thing given the success they’ve had together and this rider’s comfort level putting horses into the mix early.
RACE 8: 4-7-9-1
#4 THEPRINCESSFACTOR won at 2nd asking for trainer Joe Sharp and now bids to make it two straight. She showed more speed at second asking but now cuts back in distance and should settle and make one run here. The price will be fair if we get the 4-1 morning line, and every Churchill shipper has to be given extra consideration at this stage of the game.
RACE 9: 8-9-4-7
#8 BENEDETTA bounced back last time out when 2nd in the Winning Colors at Churchill Downs. The pace held together in that affair when the eventual winner took them all the way. This filly should be able to settle and make one run today with Dylan Davis taking over. The worktab has been lauded by the clockers as very strong of late as well.
RACE 10: 8-5-4-3
#8 TURRIGA got involved in a very strong pace last time out before tiring late going 6 panels down at Aqueduct. She should be quick enough to get control today in the opening stages and that would only help her chances. The price will be very appealing at the 8-1 morning line, so look for her to try and get command at once leaving the gate.
SARATOGA 2025 STATS: 83: 25-14-8 $195.00
