SARATOGA – 8/9/2023
RACE 2: 9-2-1/1A-8
#9 PILLBOX drops in class for Saffie Joseph, Jr. and faces drastically weaker this afternoon. She draws favorably on the outside and should be able to stalk and pounce right from the outset. Her best races would make her very tough to beat.
RACE 3: 7-3-8-4
#7 RED BURGUNDY is a firster by Noble Mission out of a dam who was versatile enough on turf and dirt and she has been productive as a broodmare. The barn in play here is very good with debuting runners and this field will be relatively soft after the surface switch.
RACE 4: 8-9-4-10
#8 OUSTER is clearly the one to beat for trainer Mark Hennig off a win at 9.5 furlongs. He has been on a tear for quite some time now and will face a scratch-reduced bunch this afternoon. With anything close to his last race he’ll be very tough to handle.
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RACE 5: 10-3-5-9
#10 EXTRA DIRTY is a first time starter by Goldencents, whose progeny hit at a 12% clip on debut and this filly is reportedly training well for her unveiling. She draws nicely on the outside and should be in stalk and pounce range from the outset.
RACE 6: 16-7-4-3
#16 SOLVE THE PUZZLE is a firster by Bolt D’Oro, whose progeny hit at a 18% clip and is the third foal to race of an unraced dam. She is training well and meets a soft field after the surface switch this afternoon. If she is ready on debut she should prove tough to handle.
RACE 7: 8-4-10-9
#8 MORNING CUP switches surfaces second off a claim by Linda Rice. This barn is 10-30 going turf to dirt in claiming races over the last five years, good for a $2.72 ROI. The best dirt races he’s run would make him tough to beat and he has enough speed to be involved right from the outset.
RACE 8: 5-3-7-4
#5 PHAROAH’S HEART is switching surfaces for trainer Michelle Nevin and is the one to catch. She won a two horse race two starts back and should be able to control this race from the outset. The presence of #3 RAGING SEA will help this one go off a decent price.
RACE 9: 1-6-2-5
#1 VENTI VALENTINE goes 3rd off a layoff after chasing the pace last time out and tiring late. She should be in a good spot early from just off the pace and is good enough on her best days to win this rather handily. It’s just a question of if the good version of her will be able to show up in here.
RACE 10: 15-11-14-1
#15 SQUID GAMER is clearly the one to beat off the turf given he will face weaker foes than he has in prior dirt tries. He returns fresh today and should be set for an improved run after showing ability earlier in his career.
SARATOGA 2023 STATS: 194-53-28-27 $343.80
