Saratoga is for Summer Stakes

Today we look at two very fine Grade One stakes races at wonderful Saratoga.  To paraphrase Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, "Let's play two at Saratoga".

Saratoga Race 9 {Test~G1~7 furlongs~3 year old~fillies~Stakes}
A field of nine high quality fillies will make the start in this race.  Ash Zee (Maragh / Asmussen) holds a slight edge with two wins for two races at the distance, the third highest last out speed number, and three splendid, peaking workouts.  This gal is sitting on a big race.  Belle Of The Hall (Dominguez / Albertrani) looks ready to run well with the fourth highest last out speed number, three wins for her three race career, and four terrific workouts.  Pica Slew (M. Cruz / Hushion) looks solid with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two decent workouts.  She will provide a pressing attack and could pull off the victory.  Bonnie Blue Flag (J. Velazquez / Baffert) should figure prominently with the highest speed number at the distance and four athletic workouts.  Let's play sensational Saratoga.

$1 WIN / SHOW:  #8 Ash Zee
$1 PLACE / SHOW:  #7 Belle Of The Hall
$2 SHOW:  #1 Pica Slew
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Ash Zee / #7 Belle Of The Hall / #1 Pica Slew, #4 Bonnie Blue Flag / #1, #4.

Saratoga Race 10 {Whitney~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
Six of the finest horses racing today line up for this annual stakes race.  Quality Road (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) has trained furiously for this one.  He should win with the highest speed number at the distance, the highest last out speed number, and four of the best workouts put in of this group.  Haynesfield (Dominguez / Asmussen) is revved for a strong performance with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four supreme, peaking workouts.  Musket Man (Maragh / Ryan) can be expected to deliver his usual in the money performance.  With the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two fabulous workouts, he will be in the hunt.  Blame (Gomez / Stall) will be a big factor in the race as well with the second highest speed number at the distance and four well-built, peaking workouts.  In such a top grade field, it is difficult to handicap who else, besides Quality Road, will land in the money.  There is no superfecta offered in this race, so choose we must.  Let's play this great race at Saratoga.

$2 WIN:  #3 Quality Road.
$2 SHOW:  #6 Musket Man.
NO 10 CENT Superfecta offered.
















Friday's Results
Calder R9.  Our first pick, Gator Brew, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Omega Girl, finished 3rd for show money of $2.60.  Superfecta went 6-4-7-3.
Del Mar R7.  Our first pick, Final Mesa, finished 6th.  Our second pick, A Z Warrior, finished 2nd for show money of $3.80.  Superfecta went 7-3-4-1.
Bankroll slips a bit to $14.29.