SARATOGA – 9/1/22
RACE 1: 2-3-6-5
#2 FREDDY FLINTSHIRE has won two in a row including a handy score here at Saratoga for Keri Brion. He is a good fit here from a class perspective on the jump to stakes company.
RACE 2: 1-2-3-7
#1 RAGTIME BLUES goes first off a claim for trainer Kelly Breen, who has a good record with these types. He cuts back in distance and this is the right trip for him going six panels from the inside post. Look for an aggressive ride from apprentice Jose Gomez this afternoon.
RACE 3: 8-4-5-7
The surface switch for #8 BOURBON AND HONEY is enough to make her the pick here. Progeny of Street Boss win their turf debuts at a 14% clip and the dam was a 5x turf winner. She is training well and should be a square price.
RACE 4: 4-6-5-3
#4 VALUE ENGINEERING was probably a tad closer to the pace than need be last time out and that explains why he came up wanting late. This is his second outing off the bench in a race where he fits nicely pace-wise. His price will also be attractive given the competitive nature of this field.
RACE 5: 6-4-1-3
There was little to like about the last effort from #6 W W FITZY, but she is the lone speed once again in search of a 12th career win. She faces a weaker field from top to bottom today than she did last time out and the pace edge is too significant to overlook.
RACE 6: 6-10-5-7
#6 INFLATION NATION did everything but win on debut, coming up a head short from just off the pace. He had a very good trip that day but also did a great deal of running as a 7-1 outsider. Look for him to stalk and pounce again today with some experience under his belt.
RACE 7: 9-5-2-10
#9 DREAM OF CHANGE faces claimers for the first time and looks to be a great fit here. She comes back from a brief break off a narrow miss against tougher in New Jersey. The pace worked against her in that outing and she now figures to get a much stronger setup.
RACE 8: 2-1-3-4
There’s an argument to be made that #2 ROSSA VELOCE has been the victim of unfortunate circumstances in recent starts. She was stuck wide chasing a slow pace two back on a day where you wanted to be on the rail. Last time out she was chasing a hot pace from the rail for a barn that is ice cold. This is an interesting spot off the claim by a dangerous trainer.
RACE 9: 8-7-4-3
#8 ILLICIT is the one to catch second time out after a positive debut in which she set the pace before tiring late. Trainer Kent Sweezey is 13% with 2nd time starting turfers in MSW races over the last 5 years ($3.12 ROI). They’ll have to catch her for the money.
RACE 10: 5-6-3-8
#5 IDEA GENERATION was highly regarded on debut for trainer Chad Brown and wound up missing by a nose in a race declared a no contest. She should improve with experience, and the rider change to Flavien Prat is of no concern. Her having the same tactical speed is a weapon as well.
RACE 11: 9-8-6-1
#9 ONCE A GIANT goes first off a claim by the high percentage barn of Jose D’Angelo. He made a middle move last time out before flattening out and now cuts back in distance for his new trainer. This is an ideal spot for him to sit back and make one run at a square price.
