SARATOGA – 8/11/2024
RACE 1: 1-4-2
It has been a good meet from a limited sample of starters for trainer Tom Amoss and he has #1 OH MY MIA off a maiden win in this affair. She bested a group of 40k maiden claimers at Churchill Downs when last seen and should be a tough customer from just off the pace. The inside post will do her no harm given her ample early speed.
RACE 2: 2-1-5-3
#2 PROPRIETARY TRADE drops in class out of the Jersey Shore at Monmouth won by Book ‘em Danno, widely regarded as the current top 3YO sprinter. This son of Practical Joke is now in for a tag for the first time in his career and should fit well class-wise. His early speed is also a weapon, as it’ll enable Flavien Prat to keep him forward from the outset.
RACE 3: 6-5-4-3
It is always a guess as to how most David Jacobson trainees will run, but there’s plenty to like about #6 STARSHIP DEFIANT. She has a favorable Thoro-graph sheet pattern coming in given the improvement shown last out against tougher at Delaware. The outside draw and fact that she has early speed also makes her formidable at what should be a fair price.
RACE 4: 6-5-8-9
#6 COQUITO is one of the interesting horses in here given the class drop and this being her 2nd start off a layoff. She was hopelessly wide last out when 4th against tougher in a race taken off the turf, and the move to 20k should bring out her best. If things heat up in front of her, then she’ll be a tough customer in the stretch drive.
RACE 5: 8-9-7-10
#8 CATTANI was 2nd last out in his turf debut and has upside with this being just his 3rd outing. The interesting thing about this gelding is that he’s protected from the claim box today with this being his first start off a layoff. He should be able to run back to his last given the lengthy worktab and fact this field is very weak provided they go on turf.
RACE 6: 5-2-4-6
The experienced runners in here have question marks, though #2 LA CARA is the horse to beat. #5 TABLE FLIRT is by 17% debut sire Constitution and is out of a dam who scored 4x and was a stakes winner on the weeds. This is a barn you can trust with a first timer going at a tough trip like 7fs and her worktab is more than solid.
RACE 7: 9-1-5-4
The day’s best bet is #9 CHARGING AERO in this affair. He goes 2nd off a trainer switch to Fernando Abreu and was hopelessly wide last time out on a surface where the rail was gold. This son of Will Take Charge has back form that makes him quite formidable and he should be within range from the start given the pace scenario in this spot.
RACE 8: 7-3-9-8
It is tough to ignore how well #7 MANSA MUSA ran last time out when 2nd behind Star of Mystery in the Quick Call. He showed increased speed and raced forwardly, staying on gamely to the finish while snagging the place dough. This is a great spot for him as there’s pace to set up his late bid and he has rounded into top form for a barn that is surging of late.
RACE 9: 5-10-1-2
Trainer Linda Rice sports a strong record with dirt runners at the Spa going first off of claims, the move in play with #5 ANTHRACITE. This son of Arrogate was taken for 25k out of his last and ran an even race while wide on the course. He should be close to the pace today in a N3L made up largely of horses like him – the one’s that have never really learned how to win.
RACE 10: 7-6-4-3
The re-scheduled Fourstardave will be the 2024 debut of #7 MORE THAN LOOKS. This son of More Than Ready got really good in 2023, even outrunning expectations in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. His last workout turned heads amongst the clockers and he should get some pace to run at here with suspect speed signed up. Look for him as a major late player today.
RACE 11: 1-6-4-2
The reluctant nod goes to #1 LEGEND OF TIME, who was briefly in tight last time out when 3rd in the Belmont Derby. He is the one to beat today based on who is in this field and how it should unfold. He has enough speed to stay within range early, and the inside draw should virtually guarantee a ground-saving trip.
SARATOGA 2024 STATS: 222-64-41-21 $416.30
