(For additional commentary, follow us on twitter @jsiegelracing).
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SARATOGA SPOTLIGHT RACES:
Fourth Race – Post: 2:49 ET
Top Pick: 6-Ocean’s Reserve (2-1)
Though he was beaten in a photo in a similar state-bred maiden affair at Belmont Park last time out as a short-priced favorite, this sophomore colt ran a winning race in defeat while once again earning a better than par speed figure for the level. He was nearly seven lengths clear of the rest in the loss, shows two nice breezes in the interim to tick him over, retains hot-riding Javier Castellano, and catches a field that has very little early speed signed on. Simply stated, there should be no excuses today, though at 2-1 on the morning line and likely to go lower there may not be a whole lot of wagering value to be found. Exacta player should consider 5-Curlin’s Wisdom (6-1) underneath. When last seen in late May, the Linda Rice-trained colt earned a career top number in a runner-up outing over a mile while more than six lengths ahead of the third place finisher, and a repeat of that race today makes him the one to fear most. Both should be included in rolling exotic play, with the main punch going to Ocean’s Reserve.
Seventh Race: Post: 4:29 ET
Top Pick: 8-Boston Tea Party (5/2)
Slightly disappointing when fading to fifth in the Manila Stakes over a mile last month in just his second career start, this son of American Pharoah tackles easier foes in this first-level allowance turf sprint and should greatly appreciate the shorter trip and the drop in class. A big-figure debut winner in late May, the Anthony Dutrow-trained colt projects to enjoy an ideal stalking position outside and then have every chance when the pressure is turned on entering the lane. A repeat of his maiden win should be good enough. 3-Ring of Fire may be the one to fear most. A winner last year over this course and distance and with steadily improving recent speed figures, the son of Speightstown has finished first or second in seven of 12 career starts and can be effective on the front end or utilizing a closing strategy from the second flight. The concern is the barn – Rudy Rodriguez has drawn a blank so far this season with more 20 starters – but perhaps this gelding can help turn the tide. Based strictly on numbers, he should be right there.
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SARATOA RECOMMENDED ROLLING EXOTIC STRATEGIES:
(Races 1-5)
1st race: 4-Inventing; 5-Aunt Naughty
2nd race: 3-Souffle; 7-Showemyourheels; 6-Snowy Evening; 8-Manage Daydream
3rd race: 3-Boldish
4th race: 6-Ocean’s Reserve; 5-Curlin’s Wisdom
5th race: 1-Fearless; 2-Lone Rock
(Races 6-10)
6th race: 3-Birthday Time; 4-Public Service; 1-Investment Income
7th race: 8-Boston Tea Party; 3-Ring of Fire
8th race: 4-Price Discipline; 1-Dangerous Edge
9th race: 5-Balthus
10th race: 11-Sandrone; 2-Cousin Andrew; 1-Ginnsu Warrior; 8-Cool Laoban
SARATOGA WORKOUT ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY:
SECOND RACE:
Souffle (July 7, Saratoga, 4f, :50.1bg TT). Grade: B-
Slow training track gate work but actually looked okay while under a hold throughout to prove much best over Dontlookbackatall (4f, :50.1bg TT) for C. Clement, steady splits of :25 flat and :50.1, appearing to have plenty left late (galloped out with energy). New York-bred juvenile Candy Ride filly has been given a solid foundation to have her plenty fit and should competitive first crack out of the box.
View Workout Video
Showemyourheels (July 7, Saratoga, 4f, :49.4bg TT). Grade: B-
Never asked in gate drill while stride-for-stride with Thirty Thou Kelvin (same time), splits of :24.2 and :36 flat before completing work a few ticks faster than given, not bad for D. Gargan. Has some run for sure, Munnings filly brought $350,000 as a yearling and should be fit enough by now.
View Workout Video
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SEVENTH RACE:
Legends Can’t Die (July 17, Saratoga, 4f, :49.2b TT TC DU). Grade: B-
Asked a tad late while inside with Billy Price (same time) on training track around dogs on grass, finishing stride-for-stride (workmate asked). Maintenance drill for first-out winner by Valiant Minister, probably will need to improve to win right back vs. first-level allowance foes.
View Workout Video
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