SARATOGA – 7/30/2025
By Nick Tammaro | @NTamm1215
SARATOGA SELECTIONS AND ANALYSIS BROUGHT TO YOU BY @BUCCHEROSTUD | LEARN MORE AT http://IHSTALLIONS.com
RACE 1: 6-3-5-7
RACE 2: 1-4-5-6
#1 STONE SMUGGLER returns from a layoff after a stakes win against restricted competition last December. This barn is not only enjoying a good meet, but has a strong record off the layoff. Add in the presence of Irad Ortiz, Jr., her speed and the first time Lasix and she looms a likely winner.
RACE 3: 2-6-3-4
#2 LAUGHING LADY can get towards the front in this race as she switches surfaces for trainer Tony Dutrow. She ran a credible race two back on the dirt, albeit a sloppy track, and that is encouraging given the drop today. This rider is off to a horrid start at the meet but still knows his way to the winner’s circle.
RACE 4: 7-1-4-6
#7 MASTER PIECE was on the move late last out going shorter against a much better field. He angled out off the far turn and made a bid despite the surface strongly favoring inside runners last time out. This is a spot where he can step forward getting more distance given his penchant for marathon trips.
RACE 5: 6-4-5-7
#6 FIDDLING FELIX was dropped to 20k last time out and ran a vastly improved race when 2nd behind a strong winner. He is a major threat for top honors today and should be the public’s choice based on that last speed figure. The competition runs deep, though, including #4 FLEETING FREE for a red-hot barn and #5 WHITE WHALE from Kentucky.
RACE 6: 11-3-8-9
If #11 KETO DRINK is able to get in off the AE list she’ll be a major player. She was a fast-closing third on debut and should improve with experience. The competition in here is largely made up of firsters, so there’s reason to like this gal if she is able to draw in.
RACE 7: 2-7-3-1
#2 SALTED CARMEL stretches out in distance for trainer Keri Brion off a N1X try in Kentucky against a better field. He has the tactical speed to stay within range and is capable of going long based on pedigree. The price should be right here as well in a particularly competitive heat.
RACE 8: 5-8-9-2
A terrific rendition of this race pits #5 MY MANE SQUEEZE against #8 STERLING SILVER, both NY breds who have been successful in graded stakes races. The former is my pick given that she exits a graded stake try and returns to NY bred competition for the first time since her 2YO season. She has a bit more speed than ‘Silver, which should help her get the jump.
RACE 9: 2-1A-7-4
#2 KYLA’S KAUSE is strictly the one to beat in this nightcap off a layoff for Tom Morley. The drop off the bench is disconcerting, but she was so much better than these horses in a couple of tries last year and should have enough speed to stay in stalk and pounce range from the outset today.
