SARATOGA – 8/23/2025
By Nick Tammaro | @NTamm1215
SARATOGA SELECTIONS AND ANALYSIS BROUGHT TO YOU BY @BUCCHEROSTUD | LEARN MORE AT http://IHSTALLIONS.com
RACE 1: 6-4-3-2
#6 BOTTAS is a firster by Vekoma, who is a solid first out sire (21%) and is out of a dam who won on the turf. The dam is a half to Grade I Canadian winner El Tormenta, so there’s plenty of pedigree on display here. He is facing a solid group but there’s no one in here who strikes fear into your heart.
RACE 2: 8-7-3-1A
#8 VESTING arguably ran the best race last time out when 2nd behind Freedom’s Way as he was close to the pace the whole way and stayed on to the finish. The cutback to 9.5 furlongs is a good thing and he now goes third off a layoff for trainer Mike Maker, who is among the best around long on the turf.
RACE 3: 3-8-4-1
The worktab of #3 TOUCH OF MAGIC is strong and she has a good pedigree for early success. This filly is kin to Grade I winner Guarana, as well as multiple stakes winner Beatbox. Trainer Steve Asmussen has 3 wins this week and should be ready for a big shot on this Travers Day program.
RACE 4: 10-1A-7-5
#10 MERICA’S BACK is the one to beat as he comes back a new gelding off a narrow miss at 2/5. The outside draw is ideal and this guy has been consistently good for Mike Maker, who is quietly having a very good meet. He looms a heavy favorite in the most winnable spot he’s been in thus far.
RACE 5: 10-6-7-4
#10 SILSBEE had a nightmare trip last time out in the Galway and now gets huge class relief for trainer George Weaver. The jockey switch to John Velazquez shouldn’t hurt, as this filly is tractable and can sit just off the pace and pounce when ready. She has improved by leaps and bounds in her last two and is set for another big effort today.
RACE 6: 8-9-4-6
#8 STIMULATE is a firster out of the brilliant Grade I winning mare Elate, who has 2 prior foals that have been modest runners. This colt is training very well for his unveiling and is a Tapit, which is enough to make you think things could turn around for the broodmare in a hurry. Look for him to be ready on debut for a barn that’s looking to have a big day.
RACE 7: 3-2-1-5
#3 MAY DAY READY was a flashy 2YO who ran as well as any horse based in this country last year. She’s trying to work her way back into form, gets a positive jockey change and should appreciate the return to a one mile trip. The likely voyage for her should be just off a moderate pace, and that’ll make her a major threat at a square price in a competitive field.
RACE 8: 2-10-12-4
#2 GALLANT GRETA is the one to beat and arguably the likeliest winner on the card. She ran a good race last time out even while she enjoyed a sweet inside trip when 2nd behind a wire-to-wire winner. This is a spot where the field should spread out a bit more early and that’ll only help this Mike Maker trainee.
RACE 9: 6-3-1-7
#6 LESLIE’S ROSE is the one to beat in here off a big effort in the Shuvee last time out. The pace is going to unfold very nicely for her as there’s ample early foot to set up a late run. The dry track efforts of this daughter of Into Mischief are good enough to dethrone #7 THORPEDO ANNA, who will once again be a prohibitive favorite.
RACE 10: 4-8-3-1
I’ve long held that sprinting is the best game for #4 CHANCER MCPATRICK, who cuts back today off a win in the Curlin. He’s going to need to take a step forward from a speed figure perspective, but he should get a fast pace to run at in the closing stages. Trainer Chad Brown has been working him in the morning with Sierra Leone, and he’s more than held his own, so there’s an awful lot to like here.
RACE 11: 8-9-3-6
The NY bred #8 MY MANE SQUEEZE is capable of jumping up to win this, as she enters off a serious win with a soft trip in the Johnstone. She is capable of sitting just off the pace if the scenario presents itself, and there’s an argument that she is at her best at Saratoga. Nonetheless, she is good enough to win this off her last and will be a square price.
RACE 12: 4-8-7-5
#4 BOOK ‘EM DANNO has won two in a row and has looked to have elevated his game nicely with Paco Lopez aboard. He’s been more pace interested in his last few and that has made him sharper. How can anyone beat him in here? Perhaps a very strong pace could do him in if he ends up staying a bit too close early.
RACE 13: 1-4-5-3
#1 MAGNITUDE is the first quality speed horse that the heavy favorite #4 SOVEREIGNTY will face in his career. The former is going to be loose on the front end and should be tough to catch if able to moderate the pace at any point. He is very good but gets a class jump in a spot where he’ll have to run better to take down the favorite. It’s a gamble worth taking because of the value to be had in the multi-race wagers.
RACE 14: 4-9-1-6
#4 FIRE AGATE is going first off a claim by Mike Maker after a debut where she lost ground at the start and never made an impact. She’ll need to improve this afternoon, but should with just one race behind her. The price should be fair and that’s enough to give this one a chance.
