SARATOGA – 8/3/2025
By Nick Tammaro | @NTamm1215
SARATOGA SELECTIONS AND ANALYSIS BROUGHT TO YOU BY @BUCCHEROSTUD | LEARN MORE AT http://IHSTALLIONS.com
RACE 1: 3-4-2-1
#3 COSTA TERRA is making his third start off a layoff for trainer Ilkay Kantarmaci and ran an improved race last time out. He should be able to get the right pace setup this time around coming from off the pace and will be a deserving favorite based on his past exploits against better.
RACE 2: 3-2-5-6
#3 ROYAL BOBBIE has had habitual problems getting out of the gate in her career. She now switches surfaces and ran a winning race two starts back when 3rd in the meet opener. The key is going to be how she breaks, as she has to be able to get more involved early to avoid being pace compromised. The addition of blinkers should go a long way towards ensuring that happens.
RACE 3: 5-1-3-7
There’s not much to get excited about in here, but #5 JACKIE THE JOKER is interesting enough as a mid-range price. She was 5th last out at this level but faced a tougher field than she does today. She should have enough speed to stay within range from the start, and the rider switch to Ricardo Santana, Jr. is a positive given the way he has performed at this meet.
RACE 4: 5-8-3-6
Given where #5 BOBBY M’S GIRL was early in the race last time out, she put forth a credible effort. There was no pace on whatsoever, and this gal was stuck towards the back of the pack in the Mount Vernon. She now lands in a softer spot where she can get treated with Lasix. There’s enough pace to set the table in here for her late run.
RACE 5: 8-1-9-5
#8 BEST IMPRESSION makes her first start off a claim by Linda Rice after chasing a hot pace in a race that fell apart late. She now lays over her competition in this field, and Rice has amassed a 24% strike rate with dirt starters at Saratoga going first off of claims ($2.15 ROI). The outside draw will be beneficial as well.
RACE 6: 10-9-2-4
The 3w stalking trip that #10 GREAT ACTRESS had on debut likely kept her from a better effort. She now has a race under her belt and should be set for an improved run this afternoon. Given the way she moved early and saved no ground last out, you’d rather have this daughter of Mendelssohn than #2 DEVILISH GRIN, who exits the same race.
RACE 7: 3-2-4-6
While #4 LAMBETH did more of the heavy lifting on the front end, #3 GAME WARDEN was close enough to the pace in the Isaac Murphy Marathon at Churchill to be given extra credit for that effort. He now gets Ricardo Santana, Jr. as he bids for a stakes score today and his price will be the most appealing of the real win candidates.
RACE 8: 5-3-7-6
#5 MIDWAY MEMORIES had enough early trouble last time out to be given a pass for that effort. She now drops in class for her 2nd start off a brief layoff and should be able to lay back and make one run today. Her upside is still there even with the failed stake try, as she was also 2-3w the entire way on a course that strongly favored ground-saving runners.
RACE 9: 4-6-10-5
#4 SETTING SUN has a huge dam side pedigree for turf and early success and should be able to run based on pedigree. The dam was a turf winner, and progeny of Caravaggio hit at a 21% clip on debut. This barn has had success with all types at this meet, and won with a first timer here late last week.
