“WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW” – SARATOGA
By Jeff Siegel, 1stbet.com Handicapper & Analyst
(For additional commentary, follow us on twitter @jsiegelracing).
SARATOGA SPOTLIGHT RACES:
Fourth Race – Post: 2:49 ET
Top Pick: 2-Barrage (5/2)
This lightly raced gelding projects to enjoy an ideal ground-saving, stalking trip in this second level allowance state-bred turf miler and should take full advantage of the situation. With solid previous form over the local lawn and a bullet recent main track workout (:47 1/5, fastest of 42) to have him sharp and ready, the Raymond Handal-trained son of War Dancer is primed for produce another forward move after earning a career top speed figure when a solid runner-up under these conditions last month. Flavian Prat stays aboard and should have him along in time. Other major players that are worth including on your ticket are 1-Ghost Giant, a veteran performer that looked sharp in a recent breeze (see below) and a likely threat from off the pace, and 7-Straw Into Gold, a close fifth in the same race our top pick exits and likely to fold into a comfortable pace stalking position.
Sixth Race: Post: 3:55 ET
Top Pick: 8-Impressor (3-1)
Debuting colt brought $335,000 at the OBS April Sale, where he breezed a furlong in :10 flat despite appearing quite green and then looked considerably more professional when blowing out for this race last week (see below) in a half mile solo move that was accomplished with a sharp :24 flat final quarter over the training track. The Steve Asmussen barn has enjoyed a strong meeting so far and this New York-bred son of Classic Empire should be capable of adding to the tally. The morning line of 3-1 seems reasonable. 4-Curly Larry and Mo has the benefit of a prior run, a rather nice runner-up effort last month over the local main track that produced a solid speed figure that is close to par for this level. The barn has a solid record with second timers so it would not be at all surprising to see this son of Mo Town produce a forward move.
SARATOA RECOMMENDED ROLLING EXOTIC STRATEGIES:
(Races 1-5)
1st race: 6-Catching Cupid; 4-Patrick the Great
2nd race: 2-Angelinka; 4-Violent Point; 3-Olive Kat
3rd race: 5-Dame Cinco; 1-Belarus; 2-Proposterous
4th race: 2-Barrage; 1-Ghost Giant; 7-Staw Into Gold
5th race: 10-Mr. Connecticut 2-Top Envoy
(Races 6-10)
6th race: 8-Impressor; 4-Curly Larry and Mo
7th race: 1-Air Attack; 3-Pioneer Spirit
8th race: 2-H. T. Xena; 3-Backyard Money; 7-Cupid’s Girl
9th race: 1-Poppy Flower; 7-Empress Tigress; 2-Delmona
10th race: 9-Jacosity; 10-Bavarian Creme; 12-Saratoga Chrome
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SARATOGA WORKOUT ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY:
FOURTH RACE:
Ghost Giant (August 7, Saratoga, 4f, :48.1b TT TC DU . Grade: B+
Under strong restraint throughout inside Regal Rebel (same time) for R. Atras while pulling clear in the final stages to prove much best, final quarter mile in :25.3, able to go much faster if permitted. Winless this year but continues to train eagerly and should be set for an improved effort next time out.
View Workout Video
Barrage (August 4, Saratoga, 4f, :47.1b). Grade: B+
Just cruising through the lane under a tight hold in solo half mile main track breeze, final quarter mile in :25 flat for R. Handal. In good from with rising speed figures and seems ready for another strong effort.
View Workout Video
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SIXTH RACE:
Donegal Surges (August 5, Saratoga, 4f, :48bg). Grade: B
Even but slightly best over T. Pletcher stable mate Desert Wolf (same time), both being ridden throughout this half mile gate drill with ‘Surges edge clear in the closing stages. Candy Ride colt isn’t a particularly quick sort, more of a steady grinder, and should be doing his best work in the latter stages of his races while perhaps being best suited as a distance type down the road.
View Workout Video
Impressor (August 5, Saratoga, 4f, :50b TT). Grade: B-
Nice mover was just galloping through the lane in solo half mile training track breeze for S. Asmussen, final quarter mile in a sharp :24 flat with plenty left. Breezed a furlong in :10 flat at the OBS April sale despite being green, so the raw talent certainly is there. New York-bred son of Classic Emperor should be a live item first time out.
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Ramblin’ Wreck (July 27, Saratoga, 4f, :49bg). Grade: B-
Broke slowly and trailed workmate Radio Red (same time) by a few lengths in early stages of this half mile gate work, was ridden to catch up after a quarter mile and eventually edged clear late to appear slightly best. Not a speed type but has a bit of run, might need some experience.
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SEVENTH RACE:
Breeze Easy (August 2, Saratoga, 4f, :49.2b TT TC DU). Grade: B
Breezed inside the dogs in solo training track turf breeze for C. Clement, finishing under a nice old while strictly on his own. Maintains his form, ready for another good effort.
View Workout Video
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