Race 1 3-4-7
This is definitely a race below the reputation of Saratoga as the premier race meet in the country. The field is very poor and Pushme Pullyou looks as good as anything. She won on a sloppy SAR track, but as a Tiz Wonderful she would have been expected to thrive on the soupy track. I wouldn’t have the same level of confidence on the dirt, and her numbers are not significantly better than others in the field. Backwater broke her maiden in a state-bred $40K MCL and returned in that same race where Pushme Pullyou finished second. She may have disliked the SAR slop and could turn the tables today. Single Malt Female broke her maiden on her 13th try but has been competitive in 2015. An outside shot.
Race 2 2-4-7
All Over Me and Brother O’Connell dueled in their own private race last out, both eventually tiring and getting passed by some of the deeper closers, including Eastbay Ridge. With the scratch of Brother O’Connell this leaves All Over Me with the potential to set his own fractions. Eastbay Ridge should be poised to pick up the pieces again. He has charm jumps up in class today. He’s in good condition and may surprise.
Race 3 1-2
Money Changer has a second and a third at SAR and has done some of his best running at today’s distance. If he shows more of the pressing style he used on the dirt than the plodder style he exhibited on the turf, he has a big chance. I’mbetterthangood took a while to break his maiden but in his first with winners he never got into the race. He should be suited to the 7 furlong distance and should benefit from the class drop.
Race 4 2-1-4
Promise and Hope has been improved since dropping to this level and moving to the turf. He should enjoy the cutback in distance as well. Je Ne Sais Pas is another that should benefit from the curback in distance. Drops from MSW to the claiming level. Servis is strong in all the relevant categories. Tax Deduction had trouble at the break and had to negotiate from the back of the pack. Still he closed to be third. Has chances today.
Race 5 8-2-10
Tiztalented may have been on a turf that was more favorable to the front runners and might turn the tables on Right Decision today. The latter ran her best race in a while on the SAR turf and has to be given consideration. Elated has not run a bad one, has competitive figures and should have no problem with the distance.
Race 6 1-7-4
Readthebyline failed in the Morrissey on a sloppy track but has a win at SAR and a third at the distance. Expecting better than 7-2. Beyond Empire took the lead in the stretch last out and wasn’t far out of the win. 3 for 3 in the money at SAR and at the distance. All About Ashley won his last pressing and I like Junior Alvarado staying in the saddle.
Race 7 9-7-8
Startwithsilver goes for Linda Rice who has been doing well with her two year old first timers at SAR. Decent workout pattern. Preying Mantis made her first start in a stakes and didn’t run that badly. Moves over to the turf today and should adapt well. Chinchilla Dust was off a beat slow in her last but still showed interest. Possibilities today.
Race 8 1-6-2
Unbridled Juan just missed at this level on the SAR dirt last time. Workouts provide reason for confidence. Financial Meeting was just behind Unbridled Juan last out and is another one that looks well meant. Sea Raven has been almost exclusively with state-breds but his figures say he should compete with this group.
Race 9 7-2-6-5
Willet comes out off a long layoff but has run well fresh. Has a liking for SAR and has done well at the distance. Workouts say ready. The one to beat. Make the Moment is another that has been respectable at SAR and has been consistent in her figures. Atlantic’s Smile should be the front runner and will be the one to catch. Uncle Southern is 20-1 on the ML and hasn’t run lower than state-bred stakes in her last five starts. 2 of 3 at SAR and 1 for 1 at the distance. Intriguing longshot for me.
Race 10 2-4-7-6
Tasunke broke slowly and worked her way up to a third place finish. Strong Incentive is probably bred better for the dirt. A $200K buy off a $25K stud fee. Chad Brown is dynamite with these types. Fair Point looks ready for her 2015 debut. Dangerous if in condition. Flick of an Eye goes for Danny Gargan who is 20% with new arrivals. Ignore at your own peril.