Saratoga August 26

I spent quite a bit of time on this card. I guess we’ll see if it pays off. All selections are for a fast dirt and races on the turf and are before scratches.

Race 1      6-3-5

D’Princess drops way down for this start. She has plenty of speed but has been weak in the lane. She has a win over the SAR dirt and I’m expecting better today. Darling Bridezilla is 2 of 3 at the distance and ran well first time at SAR. Winning rider Franco returns for the trip. Colonel Juanita was on the turf last time, not her favored surface. She’ll be better at this distance on the dirt.

Race 2      5-9-7

Brinkley goes for Pletcher/Velasquez. The workouts look good and she should take well to the distance. Gem is by Elusive Quality who is superior with first time starters. She attracts Castellano for the trip. Outsider Art is definitely an outsider in this field, but I like the breeding and using Cancel tells me she’s likely to try to go to the front and attempt to not look back.

Race 3      9-2-1

Linkappleyard did nothing on the slop last out despite having good wet track breeding. May be up against it again from the outside, but Nevin is strong with second time starters. My Man Al showed speed first time out and not many of the others can say that. He gets a new trainer and Lasix and has some good works since his first start. Argyle Gal is one of the many dropping down from MSW. Ward is great with second time starters and the intervening workouts should have him in good condition.

Race 4      4-5-3

Limerick Lightning had no business on the turf last out, but returns to the dirt and drops way down. Last two dirt races are competitive with this bunch. Unlock the Glory is another that takes a substantial drop. He puts the blinkers on today, has by far the top early speed, and is competitive considering his maiden score. Who’s Z Daddy has two good races at SAR. By far the top last race figure and the odds will reflect it.

Race 5      8-9-3

Sandy’z Slew is 2 of 3 at the distance and at SAR. Last workout says ready to roll. Dowse’s Beach has a liking for both SAR and the distance and I like the pressing style. Boot Scootn Daddy only has three starts but he obviously has the speed and the stamina to compete with this group.

Race 6      6-3-2

Send It In looked good breaking his maiden on this track in a good time. Two in a row is definitely not out of the question. Tapitsphere seems to be improving with each start and should have no trouble with the distance. Asmussen has used Jose Ortiz effectively at the SAR meet. Total Joint was powerful breaking his maiden and was respectable in the Long Branch on the Jersey Shore.

Race 7      1/1A-8-9-11

Lucky Kitten fits well here and gets the services of Johnny V. A little bit of seconditis this year, but the figures say he’s good enough. Branded Hand closed for third at a NW1X level last out. A little bit of trouble cracking the winner’s circle but he looks competitive. Escapist comes off my horses to watch list. He goes from NW3 to open claimers and he is the one horse Bruce Brown has gotten to win. Like the 12-1 ML. Depeche Chat is a veteran win type who is about 30% lifetime. Another with competitive figures. Laythatpistoldown ships over from AP and attracts Jose Ortiz. Decent shot here.

Race 8      3-2-4

Wavell Avenue easily won his last race at this distance and class level. Broke a little slow in his last start at SAR but considering it was a restricted stakes, it was a respectable run. Milam has been knocking heads with G3 runners and has a number of in the money finishes. Has run well fresh in the past and picks up Castellano for this trip. Sweet Whiskey goes for Pletcher/Velasquez. Has a win last out at SAR. Was G1 quality last year and may be rounding into that condition again.

Race 9      1-3-4

Global Strike won last out at an eighth of a mile shorter. Should be pressing again. Morning Calm was up early in the Bowling Green. Is a long distance specialist. Holiday Star has won a G3 on grass and is another distance specialist.

Race 10   3-11-4-7

Arana did not care for the sloppy track last out but prior to that fit well at MSW and $50K claiming levels. A little concerned Kimmel couldn’t do better than Chris DeCarlo but figures well at the distance. Pointe Class has the best last race figure. Seems to have a preference for the turf. Break Away closed well at a mile at SAR and was much more comfortable at the $40K MCL level. Cape Ann only has one start at GP and goes for George Weaver who is 23% with MCL runners. Plenty of room for improvement especially at 15-1 ML.