Stakes Saturday features the Summer Derby

Stakes Saturday brings us the sensational Summer Derby at the "Spa".

Saratoga Race 12 {Travers~G1~1 1/4 mile~Stakes}
A nifty field of nine will compete in this annual summer soiree.  There is plenty of speed and forwardly placed types to make this a rip roaring contest.  All but two were nominated to the Triple Crown this year.  The race features some of the absolute best three year-olds in the country.  It will be another great Travers.

#2 Orb (Rosario / McGaughey) will seek redemption after a nice approximate 60-day layoff.  His usual rider, Joel Rosario, broke his foot yesterday and is doubtful.  As of this writing no replacement has been named.  Nonethelss, the big lad is fully wired to perform admirably with two o.k. last out speed numbers, a two race progression, and four superior peaking workouts in preparation for the race.  He should be closing fast on this group that could be clumped near the front.
$1 WIN / $2 PLACE / $3 SHOW.

#8 Palace Malice (Smith / Pletcher) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two solid workouts.  This guy could sit right off the speed and make a strong run through the stretch.  He comes into this one two for two over the Saratoga track.
$1 PLACE / $2 SHOW.

#7 War Dancer (A. Garcia / McPeek) could surprise coming off a win at this distance over the Turf.  He holds a couple of decent last out speed numbers, a six race progression, and four stout workouts.  He has the tactical speed to allow the pace to develop and then seek advantage.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#3 Verrazano (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) should be the overall favorite after an explosive performance in the Haskell at Monmouth Park last out.  He holds the highest speed number, earned in that race, a three race progression, and two diligent workouts.  This guy will be the one to beat.  He should be forwardly placed ready to strike.

#6 Moreno (J. Ortiz / Guillot) is the speed of this race. Should he control the pace it could work out favorable for him.  He comes into this race with the fourth highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two superb peaking workouts.

10 CENT Superfecta

#2 Orb / #8 Palace Malice / #7 War Dancer / #3 Verrazano, #6 Moreno.



Friday's Results
Saratoga R9.  Ballerina Stakes--G1.  Our first pick, Book Review, finished 2nd for show money of $1.20.  Our second pick, Dance to Bristol, won (1st) for show money of $1.25,  Our third pick, Judy the Beauty, was scratched.
Superfecta went 1-5-2-4.  We scuttled our 10 CENT Superfecta play due to the scratch.
Bankroll drops a few dimes to settle at $32.19.

Ballerina Furlong Friday

Thank goodness it's Friday.  We take a look at a tremendous grade one at the "Spa".

Saratoga Race 9 {Ballerina Stakes~G1~7 furlongs~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
A high caliber group of eleven gals will go to the gate in this annual affair.  There is plenty of speed coupled with forwardly placed types to make the pace sizzle.  Most in this one have had a little bit of a freshening hoping to put in a top effort.  It should be a spectacular sprint.

#5 Book Review (Bejarano / Baffert) should take advantage of the pace set up to close down this field.  She holds the highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and five furious workouts.  This gal should fire well as the favorite.
$1 WIN / $1 SHOW.

#1 Dance to Bristol (X. Perez / Figgins) will challenge with the third highest last out speed number and one strong bullet workout.  She holds the highest speed number at the distance and is 95% in the money in seventeen starts.  This gal is a pure presser and will surely benefit from a speedy pace.
$1 SHOW.

#8 Judy the Beauty (Rosario / Ward) should also contend with a couple of good last out speed number and four superior workouts that include two bullets.  This precious gal enjoys sharing the third highest speed number at this distance.  She has tactical speed to see how the pace develops.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Starship Truffles (Saez / Wolfson) should be in the hunt with the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three athletic works.  She should stay close tracking the pace.

#10 Fantasy of Flight (C. Velasquez / Nevin) could be in the hunt with a couple of decent last out speed numbers.  She comes to this race exiting a route and has put in three stellar workouts.  She has terrific tactical speed to use to her advantage.

10 CENT Superfecta

#5 Book Review / #1 Dance to Bristol / #8 Judy the Beauty / #6 Starship Truffles, #10 Fantasy of Flight.



Thursday's Reults
Presque Isle Downs R2.  Allowance.  Our first pick, No Splits, finished 3rd for show money of $3.20.  Our second pick, Thetaloveandmine, won (1st) for show money of $2.60.
Superfecta went 3-1-8-7.
Bankroll gets a raise to $32.74.