The racing week concludes in Saratoga Springs, NY later this afternoon after Renegade stole the headlines yesterday with his late run to get the best of Commandment in the Jim Dandy (G2). The win gave trainer Todd Pletcher five on the day and sets the Repole Stable runner up to try to seek revenge on Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) victor Golden Tempo in the Travers (G1) after being out finished in the two Triple Crown races this spring.
We shift gears to a Sunday 11-race card that includes a pair of rescheduled graded stakes races from earlier this week and the Adirondack (G3) for 2YO fillies. Here are a few horses I like on the slate.
Race 7:
My first play of the day comes in this 5.5-furlong turf sprint for allowance foes where I will try to spring the upset with #5 Keewaydin. The Instagrand colt tried the grass for the first time on June 20 at Aqueduct where he took command early and finished well to earn his third lifetime victory. He is unlikely to have things his own on the front end given the speed to his inside, but I am not convinced he needs things all his way on the engine to have a good chance in this spot. He might just be better over the grass. Manny Franco is back from Virginia to ride the 4YO colt he was aboard in his last win. The Oxo Equine runner should offer solid value on the class rise.
Play: #5 Keewaydin (6-1 ML)
Picks: 5-8-4
Race 9: Curlin
This restricted 1 1/8-stakes event for 3YOs which have not won a graded stakes race was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but was rescheduled for today due to torrential rains. The $150k race marks the return of 4-5-ML favorite #6 Chief Wallabee. The Bill Mott trainee was highly regarded throughout the winter and spring after a stylish victory at Gulfstream Park on debut. He disappointed though from there in the Florida Derby (G1), Kentucky Derby, and Belmont Stakes, but gets some class relief later today. The Constitution colt is obviously capable of winning, but hard for me to trust at this point at a short price.
I like #7 Blackout Time. The son of Not This Time did little wrong as a 2YO, including a runner-up effort to Ted Noffey in the Breeders Futurity (G1). He was forced to the sidelines from there and disappointed in his attempts at Arkansas to be a factor on the Derby Trail. Trainer Kenny McPeek opted to give him a few months off and brought him back in late June in a solid first-level allowance event over the sloppy going in Louisville. The $210k FTK October ’24 purchase surprised me with a dominant off-the-pace win going away, which sets him up for a big run later today. Jose Ortiz remains aboard a colt that I had a futures bet on for this year’s “Run for the Roses.” Hopefully, he makes a better than late delivery.
Play: #7 Blackout Time (3-1 ML)
Picks: 7-6-1
Race 10: Adirondack (G3)
This 6.5-furlong affair for 2YO fillies over the main track appears extremely competitive and wide-open with a number of impressive first out winners and the lone two-time victor #3 Pierette. The Mark Casse trainee rattled off back-to-back wins to kick off her career in Louisville, including a victory last out in the $225k Debutante. She is the horse to beat, but I will take a shot with Texas-bred #2 Caroline’s Girl. The daughter of Maximus Mischief did not get off to a good start in her debut against fellow state-breds on June 14, but made an eye-catching middle move while extremely wide on the turn and into the lane at Lone Star Park. She apparently was privately purchased after the race and now is in the hands of trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. It has been a slow meet thus far for Joseph, but this gal looks to have talent. She has one local drill and gets Flavien Prat. Hopefully, she handles the class hike.
Play: #2 Caroline’s Girl (9-2 ML)
Picks: 2-3-6
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