SARATOGA – 8/16/2023
RACE 1: 1/1A-5-8-9
The entry of #1 DENVER’S ALLEY and #1A SPEIGHTS DANCE both have solid worktabs on dirt and are bred more for the main track. They likely benefit the most from the surface switch and it is likely ‘Speights who looks a tad more formidable. The price here should be decent enough as the public hones in on turf types.
RACE 2: 2-1-6-5
#2 DON’T TELL AMY raced squarely against the grain of the track two starts back at Aqueduct and now drops in class while switching surfaces 2nd off a layoff. She draws well inside to save ground around the first turn going this Wilson Mile and the weight break is also appealing. The price here should be solid as well.
RACE 3: 6-1-2-7
#6 VITAEMI has a great deal of speed and now goes first of a claim by David Jacobson. She got involved in a robust pace last time out before tiring and now looks like the main speed from a cozy outside draw. If she is able to run back to her best races from the last couple of years she will be a threat from start to finish.
RACE 4: 10-6-11-12
The Pick 6 starts here off the turf with #10 PROUD FOOT, who will be switching surfaces off a solid run sprinting on the weeds last time out. The effort two back in a lesser barn on dirt makes her a contender and the job that Linda Rice has done at this meet cannot be overlooked. Expect this one to arrive on the scene in crunch time.
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RACE 5: 4-5-10-7
#4 SHINSUN made a prolonged move up the inside last time out to snag the place dough and now lands in a race that should have plenty of early speed. His game is to lag back and make one run and he has been disadvantaged by slow paces on multiple occasions. With the rails out, saving ground will be pivotal and he seems to do his best on the inside.
RACE 6: 8-7-4-5
The maiden win last time out from #8 PORTAGE was very strong, as she stalked a hot pace, took over and never looked back. That was her second start for Linda Rice and she has improved by leaps and bounds in this new stable. Her outside draw is ideal given the amount of confirmed speed in here as she’ll have a target from the outset.
RACE 7: 2-7-3-9
#2 LUCKY LUCKY LUKE switches surfaces for trainer Orlando Noda after showing nothing on the lawn last time out. He is a far better dirt horse and should be in position from just off the pace in a weak field this afternoon. His race two back came against far better and this is a substantial class drop off that affair.
RACE 8: 5-3-7-8
#5 SILVER SKILLET looks a bit better than her rivals in here off a strong win last out going a mile. She stretched out without issue and has enough tactical speed to be a player from the opening bell today. Her upside is also solid given that she has made her own luck in recent starts and should be able to do so again.
RACE 9: 11-2-4-7
#11 MARLEY’S GHOST is clearly the one to beat as she goes 2nd off a layoff today following a narrow miss last time out. The pace was robust in her last start and she nearly stayed the course and now meets what should be a weak, scratch-laden group. The outside post only helps her chances as well.
SARATOGA 2023 STATS: 223-61-30-37 $383.10
