SARATOGA – 7/17/2025
By Nick Tammaro | @NTamm1215
SARATOGA SELECTIONS AND ANALYSIS BROUGHT TO YOU BY @BUCCHEROSTUD | LEARN MORE AT BUCCHEROSTALLION.COM
RACE 1: 6-1A-5-4
#6 INDY MAGIC invades from Kentucky, which is enough to back him period. He is in good form and gets some class relief, so look for him to go off a fraction of the 9/2 morning line.
RACE 2: 6-9-4-3
#6 DEEMER ran a bang-up race on debut before faltering at second asking at odds of 4/5. He was compromised by a slow gate break second time out and should improve here off the bench as a new gelding.
RACE 3: 6-3-2-5
Heavy favoritism in here goes to #6 SMOOTH BREEZE, and he deserves it based on the competition he’s faced of late. Look for him late in a race loaded with speed as a heavy chalk. The play is to combine him in the exacta with #3 I’M DUE, who’ll at least be a decent price.
RACE 4: 6-7-5-4
#6 RIDE UP didn’t have the cleanest of breaks last time out and ran well in the end, checking in fourth against similar foes. He’ll have to deal with the favorite on the far outside and that will be no easy task, but this is a dangerous barn and this horse still has plenty of upside.
RACE 5: 3-8-9-2
The clockers have raved about the morning work of #3 TACTICAL TRACKSTAR, who trainer Brad Cox is giving up on abruptly. He debuted against MSW company and ran a credible race, but now drops in for a tag and will get blinkers in search of improvement.
RACE 6: 7-11-8-5
The debuting #7 CHARLOTTESUNIVERSE is by Into Mischief, a 16% debut sire and is out of a mare who was unraced. The dam produced turf winner Surge of Pride and there’s plenty of pedigree in the second family. She should be quick off the mark early if that workout on turf gives any indication.
RACE 7: 2-1-10-11
#2 GREAT RICHIE M is taking a massive class drop as he invades from Kentucky. The horses who last started at Churchill are becoming automatic bets at this meet and this guy has also faced considerably better of late. He’s an almost certainty to get claimed while starting as a heavy favorite.
RACE 8: 3-2-4-1
#3 STARS AND STRIPES is a third time starter who put it all together last time to win by open lengths. Trainer Bill Mott brings him right back against N1X foes and he should have no issue moving to a dry surface. The key will be staying within range of #2 ROCKETEER, who will likely be alone on an easy lead.
RACE 9: 2-7-8-1
#2 JUST FOR LUCK is drawn well on the inside and should be able to save ground throughout this afternoon. He made a strong late move last time out and finished a good third at 12-1, so he should fit this condition well on the slight drop. The favorite has some clear knocks and that adds to the appeal of this gelding.
RACE 10: 12-5-11-1
The class drop for #12 HELLO NEWMAN should make a massive difference, and though he’s gone long in two prior starts, his pedigree is geared towards sprinting on the dam side. The addition of blinkers should sharpen him up in the opening stages.
SARATOGA 2025 STATS: 51-15-8-5 $139.60
