SARATOGA – 8/24/2025
By Nick Tammaro | @NTamm1215
SARATOGA SELECTIONS AND ANALYSIS BROUGHT TO YOU BY @BUCCHEROSTUD | LEARN MORE AT http://IHSTALLIONS.com
RACE 1: 3-1-5-10
The trip #3 OFF SCRIPT had in her turf debut was not ideal, as she was in tight at multiple junctures while rallying inside. The winner came from around the outside and that was a disadvantage for this daughter of Instagrand. She should improve here third time off a layoff for Will Walden, whose stable star runs later in the featured event.
RACE 2: 12-1-7-11
The post position is no bargain for #12 LIKELY PERSPECTIVE, but she ran far better last time out than it looks on paper. After a sluggish break, she rushed up to grab the lead and set strong fractions before understandably tiring late. This is a spot for her to step forward on the class drop, even if the post position is less than stellar.
RACE 3: 6-3-4-5
The heavily favored #6 MAN IN FINANCE will be very tough to handle today after beginning his career impressively in September of last year. He returns off a lengthy break for a barn that has quietly had a productive Saratoga and scored a stake win here on Friday.
RACE 4: 2-5-10-9
#2 SACAYA has largely disappointed sine coming to North America, but now drops to face far weaker than she has in three prior starts. She has enough tactical speed to stay within range from the outset today and gets a rider switch to Manny Franco. Getting Lasix back should help bring out her best as well.
RACE 5: 3-4-6-10
The debuting #3 BLUESETTE is by Maclean’s Music, a 15% debut sire and is out of a dam who was twice victorious on turf. This gal draws well on the inside for Dave Duggan, an underrated conditioner who can have one ready on debut. The price should be solid as well in a race that lacks a standout.
RACE 6: 3-1-7-6
The ride given by Jose Ortiz on #3 KALAHARI DREAMS was embarrassing. He dragged him back to last before he unleashed a strong late bid, and he now gets a key rider switch to Luis Saez. That’ll ensure he’s much closer early, just as he was when victorious at Churchill Downs in early June.
RACE 7: 10-2-9-1
The wide middle move made by #10 BEDFORD THE BRAVE last time out was always going to be tough to maintain. She wound up tiring late en route to a 6th place finish and now drops in class for Dave Donk. There’s enough pace signed on to set up her late bid today and her odds will likely drift up off her 12-1 morning line.
RACE 8: 6-4-1-3
#6 RHETORICAL is poised to take over as the de facto top NY bred turf router. He is facing stakes company for the first time after skipping a condition when he beat open N2X runners last time out. There’s no doubt he has enough speed to stay within range from the start this afternoon and he’ll be a deserving heavy favorite.
RACE 9: 8-9-10-3
#8 SENZA PAROLE was a smashing debut winner on the eve of the 2024 Travers. She was slated to be in a Grade I later in the year but wound up getting injured and now returns off a lengthy break. This race should be easy pickings for her based on her debut, even if she shows some regression. Here’s to hoping she comes back just as capable.
RACE 10: 10-5-3-1
#10 RITHM NIC goes 2nd off a claim by Robert Johnston after showing little last out when he chased the pace and tired late. This is the right class level and he should get a good trip stalking the pace this afternoon. This is a weak bunch, even for 12.5k and he’ll be a square price when all is said and done.
