After a Thursday of racing that saw all formful results, Saratoga Race Course returns to action on Friday afternoon for a ten-race card that is headlined by the $200k Smart and Fancy run at 5.5-furlongs over the grass. Here are a few horses I like most later today in New York.
Race 7:
The pace in this 1 1/8-mile event over the main track for open $16k claimers should be honest. I expect most of the public to therefore understandably look to #7 Glen Airy as the likeliest to take advantage. The Sky Mesa gelding drops in class for Mike Maker, gets Irad Ortiz Jr. in the saddle, and has the right running style. That said, he will be a short price and is not proven at the nine-furlong distance. On the other hand, #9 Apaita is. The son of Authentic makes his first start since late June and third off the claim for trainer Ilkay Kantarmaci. He has won 3 of 5 at today’s 1 1/8-mile distance and gets a positive rider upgrade to Manny Franco after clipping heels after the start of the race on June 28 costing him several lengths on a day where speed was good and the 2-1-winner took advantage. The post is not ideal, but Franco has been riding well and should have no issue angling over and saving ground in the rear. I expect a strong late run in his first start of the Saratoga summer meeting.
Play: #9 Apaita (9-2 ML)
Picks: 9-7-8
Race 8:
This second-level allowance event at 7-furlongs over the main track drew a compact, but solid group of veteran sprinters, including my top choice #7 Bold Strength. The Juddmonte colt makes his first start off a seven-week freshening for trainer Brad Cox after a dominant win under the twin spires of Churchill Downs in late June. I expect things to go similar to how they did that day for this Constitution colt who broke well, stalked the inside speed early, and took control when they turned for home. He meets a stronger field this afternoon, but one he should handle assuming Irad Ortiz is able to find a similar tracking position off #2 Contrary Thinking and #4 Vibrant Express as he did in most recent start in Louisville. If so, he should make it two wins in a row.
Play: #7 Bold Strength (3-1 ML)
Picks: 7-2-3
Race 9: Smart and Fancy
The featured turf sprint is for fillies and mares 3YOs+ and is led by 2-1-ML favorite #9 Zeitlos. The veteran Steve Asmussen trainee has earned all nine of his wins over the main track, but has three runner-up efforts over the grass, including his second straight in the Caress (G2) last out. He retains hot riding Jose Ortiz, but as always will need the right setup to be at his best. I prefer a gal that is all but certain to get the jump on him in #6 Miss Vyvyanne. The Florida-bred has to prove herself in New York going a bit further than her preferred five panels and with #6 Itzel likely on her flank throughout, but trainer Gail Cox does not waste starters. Cox has sent out 35 runners to date this year with 7 winning for a positive ROI. She brings regular rider Pietro Moran to town. I expect a big run from the Florida-bred mare.
Play: #6 Miss Vyvyanne (5-2 ML)
Picks: 6-1-9
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