SARATOGA – 6/5/2025
By Nick Tammaro | @NTamm1215
Belmont week analysis brought to you by NY Thoroughbred Breeders! Check out more at nytbreeders.org
PICK 6 ANALYSIS
RACE 5: 2-7-9-5
The turf stats for trainer Rudy Rodriguez leave a lot to be desired, but #2 PROFESSOR GRACE is bred strongly for the weeds. He tried to get her onto the turf last time out and the race was rained onto the main track. She gets her chance here with speed and an inside post, which is enough to give her the nod in an absolute skull-busting start to a brutal sequence.
RACE 6: 4-8-7-9
#4 LIMES DON’T LIE was an eye-catching winner last time out and now stretches out to a mile for Chad Brown. She is bred to handle more ground without issue, is reportedly training well and should be a square price in a deep and competitive field.
RACE 7: 4-2-1-5
There’s an argument to be made that #4 DANSE MACABRE was best last time out in the Giant’s Causeway at Keeneland. She was farthest off a glacial pace that held together completely in the end, then finished best to win the gallop out. She has run well locally before on two occasions and should get a far better setup today with more speed signed up.
RACE 8: 8-3-9-1
The biggest worry with #8 FILM STAR in this spot is the 9 furlong trip, as he has been better going shorter. He does, however, exit one of his best races to date when 2nd last time out against similar and returns to the site of 2 prior strong wins. If Jose Ortiz can get him to a comfortable spot early, he can be a player from start to finish.
RACE 9: 1-2-8-6
The class drop should do it here for #1 CAMEO PERFORMANCE, who was in the mix late in the Old Forester Turf Classic before coming up short. He shortens up in distance, and that feels like a good thing given his recent running lines. The inside post should afford him a ground-saving trip to boot and that is enough to land here confidently.
RACE 10: 5-9-1-10
#5 BINT AL DANDY made her North American debut at Kentucky Downs last summer and was wide in a race where she took real money. Trainer Rob Falcone, Jr. is bringing her back off a lengthy break today and she should have more speed to offer in the opening stages. This trip should be no problem and the competitive nature of this field will lead to value being had everywhere.
