Stakes Saturday at Saratoga

A wonderful Labor Day weekend for handicapping and wagering. On this Stakes Saturday we look at terrific race at magnificent Saratoga.

Saratoga Race 10 {Woodward~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A formidable group of eight will go to the gate in this annual graded stakes race. There is sizzling speed in this one which may benefit the trackers and closers going into the stretch.
Trainer, Todd Pletcher, has four entries and trainer, Jimmy Jerkens has two.  The odd men out are Kiaran McLaughlin and Dallas Stewart, each with one entry. Most in here have already hit the elusive 100 + Beyer speed figure. It should be as thrilling a race as the Travers was.

#1 Wicked Strong (L. Saez / Jerkens) looks ready to go with the fourth highest (tie) last out speed figure, a three race progression, and two superb peaking workouts. This lad holds the third highest (tie) speed number at the distance couple with a 75% in the money record. This son of Hard Spun should sit in a tracking position and let the speedsters sizzle, gunning them down in the stretch.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Coach Inge (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will challenge with the third highest last out speed number at a longer route, a two race progression, and three excellent workouts. He should be close to the pace allowing the leaders to steam, ready to get first run at the top of the stretch. This son of Big Brown has already notched a win, in his only try, at this distance sharing the third highest speed number at same.
$1 PLACE  /  $1 SHOW.

#8 Protonico (J. Ortiz / Pletcher) should contend sharing the fourth highest last out speed number and putting in four sensational workouts. This lad comes into this race off a layoff. He fired off two wins prior to the layoff which included one that landed him the second highest speed number at the distance. This son of Giant's Causeway has the tactical speed to set himself in good position entering into the stretch.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#7 Effinex (Alvarado / Jerkens) should be in the mix with the second highest last out speed number at a longer route and four superlative workouts. This guy is coming off a brief layoff so will be firing fresh. A son of Mineshaft, he will have no problem with the distance and will be closing swiftly.

#5 Liam's Map (Castellano / Pletcher) should be the post-time favorite with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two modest workouts. He also holds the highest speed number at the distance.  This son of Unbridled's Song will be the speed of the speed, but a speed dual may be on the horizon. Despite that possibility he could wire the field as speed has been holding well at the Spa.

10 CENT Superfecta

#1 Wicked Strong  /  #6 Coach Inge  /  #8 Protonico  /  #7 Effinex, #5 Mylute.




Furlong Friday Results
Saratoga R2.  Maiden Claiming.  Our first pick, Magical Connection, finished 4th. Our second pick, Powerofone, fell far short on his maiden run on the dirt, finishing 8th (last).
Superfecta went 5-6-1-7.
Bankroll gets sacked for a loss dipping to $9.81.