Insomnia-fueled early thoughts for a big day of racing at Saratoga.
R1 - #8 Geopolitics should roll over this bunch. But, she's burned so much dough with her five consecutive odds-on place finishes that I can't possibly put her on top with a clear conscience. She won't get an easy time of it as the #6 will likely push her. So, by default I will land on Irad and #1 Calling An Audible (5-1). I figure he'll win at least 4 races today, may as well kick it off in the opener.
R2 - #7 Tifareeh (8-1) has been on a steady improve since turning three years old. Another move forward puts him right in the middle of this after a near miss at 11-1 here last out. Latest work signals he's ready.
R3 - This is one of those races where you're forced to pick the dog with the least fleas. I landed on #5 Front Man (5-1). He's never gone this far before, but is bred to handle it. I trust Franco to get the most out of him.
R4 - I expect a big run here from #5 Jace's Road (7-2). Cox can get 'em ready off the layoff and the .59 work on good surface at Indy says this former Derby runner is healthy again.
R5 - #10 Mister Mmmmm (12-1) is well-traveled, making his 6th consecutive start at six different tracks. Has enough back class to compete and, although he weakened late in last (stakes), he gets Lasix again today.
R6 - This race is just a crap shoot. I'll throw a dart against the wall with #5 Papiamento (10-1). January foal ran damn well at 31-1 here last month. well-bred for grass, gets blinkers today, and should go off at double digits.
R7 - #2 Rookie Card (9-2) Just look at the works. The dam has had 4 offspring start as 2-year-olds and all four won.
R8 - I'm a little worried about a bounce with #8 Slapintheface (6-1), but encouraged by the fact he has finished second by less than a length in each of his only two tries on this track. 3rd start off the bench and 3rd start against winners both bode well.
R1 - #8 Geopolitics should roll over this bunch. But, she's burned so much dough with her five consecutive odds-on place finishes that I can't possibly put her on top with a clear conscience. She won't get an easy time of it as the #6 will likely push her. So, by default I will land on Irad and #1 Calling An Audible (5-1). I figure he'll win at least 4 races today, may as well kick it off in the opener.
R2 - #7 Tifareeh (8-1) has been on a steady improve since turning three years old. Another move forward puts him right in the middle of this after a near miss at 11-1 here last out. Latest work signals he's ready.
R3 - This is one of those races where you're forced to pick the dog with the least fleas. I landed on #5 Front Man (5-1). He's never gone this far before, but is bred to handle it. I trust Franco to get the most out of him.
R4 - I expect a big run here from #5 Jace's Road (7-2). Cox can get 'em ready off the layoff and the .59 work on good surface at Indy says this former Derby runner is healthy again.
R5 - #10 Mister Mmmmm (12-1) is well-traveled, making his 6th consecutive start at six different tracks. Has enough back class to compete and, although he weakened late in last (stakes), he gets Lasix again today.
R6 - This race is just a crap shoot. I'll throw a dart against the wall with #5 Papiamento (10-1). January foal ran damn well at 31-1 here last month. well-bred for grass, gets blinkers today, and should go off at double digits.
R7 - #2 Rookie Card (9-2) Just look at the works. The dam has had 4 offspring start as 2-year-olds and all four won.
R8 - I'm a little worried about a bounce with #8 Slapintheface (6-1), but encouraged by the fact he has finished second by less than a length in each of his only two tries on this track. 3rd start off the bench and 3rd start against winners both bode well.
