BANKROLL

BANKROLL: $973

Those who have read my content regularly for the last 15 years know I’m not afraid to be critical of NYRA. Last year, I was one of many people saying the Wilson chute was wildly overused, especially given all of the two-turn turf races moved to the main track.

I give NYRA credit, as it seems like the racing office hasn’t carded nearly as many races from the chute this summer. Unfortunately, there’s some rain in the forecast today. In addition to a pair of previously-scheduled chute races, we may see several more moved there.

For what the Wilson chute is, as a quirky option, it’s fine. However, it got to a point where two-turn dirt races were afterthoughts most days, and that was way too far. Here’s hoping continued restraint wins out for the rest of the summer.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS: Arthur’s Ride probably lost all chance at the start of the fourth. After scratches, I dropped $30.

SUNDAY’S PLAY: I’ll focus on two races I hope stay on the turf. My action involves $20 win bets on #10 SUNRISE in the third and #11 ANTIETAM in the 10th.

TOTAL WAGERED: $40.

SARATOGA SELECTIONS AND ANALYSIS

Best Bet: Keepinitreal, Race 6
Longshot: Party at the Post, Race 8

R1

Colonial Rose
Rice entry
Our Liberty Belle

#4 COLONIAL ROSE (1-1): Was an impressive winner at this level in the slop last time out in her first start for this barn, and she’s the one to beat if she can repeat that effort here. Given the weather forecast as of this writing, she may catch a wet track once again; RICE ENTRY (3-1): Both #1 WHISTLER’S STYLE and #1A COQUITO could win this, and the two runners complement one another well. The former is a deep closer, while the latter wants to win on the front end; #5 OUR LIBERTY BELLE (5/2): Stretches back out to two turns for the first time since last fall, when she ran pretty well at Laurel. This is a tougher spot, but she gets Irad Ortiz Jr. and would benefit from a contested early pace.

R2

Backstretch Rose
Florida Flower
Teca

#6 BACKSTRETCH ROSE (9/5): Tailed off a bit in her last two starts before going to the sidelines, but she returns against much weaker company in this spot. She ran very well against restricted claimers late last year, and she’s shown two turns shouldn’t be a problem; #7 FLORIDA FLOWER (5/2): Goes first off the claim for Wayne Potts after a solid second downstate last month. That was her first start at this level, and it feels like the class drop woke her up; #5 TECA (8-1): Merits a look at a price shipping in from the mid-Atlantic circuit. She’s won two of four starts for this barn, she’s got some tactical speed, and she’s not too far off of these on speed figures.

R3

Tapit’s Legacy (MTO)
Sunrise
Olivetti

#10 SUNRISE (8-1): Doesn’t draw a great post in his debut, but his pedigree is one of the strongest you’ll see for a debuting turfer. He’s a full brother to Grade 1 winner Spendarella and multiple stakes winner Spanish Loveaffair, and a half to Grade 1 winner Spanish Queen. This should absolutely be what he wants to do; #2 OLIVETTI (4-1): Debuts for powerhouse connections and is another bred to love the lawn. His dam was a stakes horse in France, and she’s thrown, among others, multiple graded stakes-winning turf router Fort Washington; #5 BLAME JERRY (6-1): Goes out for the Pletcher/Velazquez tag team and hammered for $200,000 at Keeneland last year. This son of Blame is a full brother to Grade 3 winner Onus and fellow stakes horse Silvology, and his dam is kin to millionaire grass horses Ironicus and On Leave, among others.

R4

Just Licorice
Bestfriend Rocket
Art Fair

#6 JUST LICORICE (5/2): Won out of the Wilson chute earlier this month and will look to do it again here. I’m not crazy about the post, but I do like his running style, which hints that he’ll be able to sit an ideal stalking trip in this wide-open event; #2 BESTFRIEND ROCKET (7/2): Ran in some very aggressive spots earlier this year, including the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. He’s gone to a different barn following the passing of D. Wayne Lukas, and a return to his late-2024 form would give him a shot; #7 ART FAIR (7/2): Feels like the main speed and could benefit from a slight drop in class. The far outside post isn’t ideal, but he seems like the quickest of the quick in here.

R5

Mozambique (MTO)
Makeyourmoment
Wind Dancer

#8 MAKEYOURMOMENT (5/2): Feels like the lone speed in here, and that’s always a good thing in two-turn turf routes on this circuit. The slight cutback in distance should help him here, and I’m banking on him getting comfortable early and forgetting to stop; #3 WIND DANCER (7/2): Has certainly had plenty of chances, but his last-out effort saw him go wide in a race that wasn’t a slow one for the level. He gets a better draw here, and it’s not like there are any monsters signed on; #2 POWERED BY COAL (2-1): May go favored in here, but I have my doubts. He had a picture-perfect trip leading through slow fractions last time and couldn’t get the job done. My top pick seems faster out of the gate, and the morning line price on this one seems like an underlay.

R6

Keepinitreal
Bond entry
Gamebred

#2 KEEPINITREAL (7/5): Was second at a short price in his 2025 debut, but to be fair, that was his first start since October. That day’s third-place finisher came back to win impressively at next asking, and this field seems significantly weaker; BOND ENTRY (8-1): I’m intrigued by first-time starter #1A SPEIGHTFUL STORM, who has a few strong works on his tab. This barn is a patient one, but there’s reason to think he may have some talent; #9 GAMEBRED (10-1): Has had gate issues in both of his prior starts, but he gets a friendly outside draw here, which should help. The addition of Lasix is also a plus, and I think he could be sitting on an improved effort at a bit of a price.

R7

Bernietakescharge (MTO)
La Mehana
No Show Sammy Jo

#1 LA MEHANA (3-1): Is one of several Miguel Clement trainees in the Grade 2 Glens Falls, and she overcame a pretty slow pace to get the money last time out. She may need to do that again here, but she’s shown she’s a consistent sort that loves this 12-furlong distance; #2 NO SHOW SAMMY JO (9/2): Seems like the main speed in here, which is never a bad thing to be in a turf marathon at the Spa. She got nailed by my top pick last time, but she’s got a ton of back class and figures to be the one they’ll have to catch; #6 BELLEZZA (5/2): Chased She Feels Pretty in the Grade 1 New York last month and stretches back out to a marathon trip. She took the Grade 3 Sheepshead Bay two back, and Joel Rosario climbs aboard for this one.

R8

She’s Complicated
Alpine Giant
Speed of Sound

#3 ALPINE GIANT (2-1): Prevailed at a price last time out and tries winners for the first time here. However, this restricted claiming event seems to have come up pretty soft for the level, and she’s training as though a forward move is coming second off the layoff; #5 SPEED OF SOUND (3-1): Hasn’t run in more than a year and comes back for a tag, which is a red flag. However, these connections can be aggressive, and her debut at Gulfstream last May was a sharp effort; #2 PARTY AT THE POST (30-1): Is a massive price, but tries turf for the first time and is bred to love it. She’s by Caravaggio and out of a Noble Mission mare, and she may not have to be much to crash the exotics at a big number.

R9

Reddington
Gamblers Tail
Warrior Richard

#1 REDDINGTON (3-1): Gets a great inside draw out of the chute and has the early speed to take advantage of it. He ran into Grade 1 winner Highland Falls last time out, and there are no runners like that in this event; #5 GAMBLERS TAIL (6-1): Cuts back to a quasi-one-turn trip, and I think that’s his preferred game. Two turns has seemed a bit much for him, and he ran several strong races in Kentucky going a bit shorter earlier this season; #6 WARRIOR RICHARD (2-1): Ships in from Kentucky for Joe Sharp, which is already reason enough to think he’ll run well here, but I have some doubts. He’s 0-for-4 at the Spa, and his race out of the chute last year against much weaker horses wasn’t a good one.

R10

Antietam
Atomic Age
Blast Furnace

#11 ANTIETAM (6-1): Hasn’t raced since November, but has been working well, tries turf for the first time, and is bred to love it. This son of Curlin is a half to European champion Air Force Blue, and if he’s ready to run, I think he could show he’s wanted the grass all along; #5 ATOMIC AGE (4-1): Is another coming off the bench for strong connections. He tries Lasix for the first time, his last race before going to the sidelines wasn’t bad, and Chad Brown knows how to get comebackers ready to go; #7 BLAST FURNACE (5-1): Broke through with his best  effort yet last time out, when he lost a tough photo downstate. That was his first time going two turns on turf, and his tactical speed may mean he’s the one they have to chase turning for home.

BANKROLL

BANKROLL: $1,003

Jockey Tyler Conner needs our help. He went down in a spill earlier this week at Colonial Downs and was airlifted to a local hospital. Tyler’s been diagnosed with a fractured C1 vertebrae and a broken nose, and he’s got a long road to recovery ahead of him.

A GoFundMe has been established to help Tyler and his family. If you cash a nice ticket today, or if you’re just feeling generous, this is an extremely worthy cause to support. Jockeys put their bodies on the line in every race, every day, and I’m happy to raise awareness of a way we can give back.

FRIDAY’S RESULTS: In a theme that was also present last summer and this past Belmont week, I’m running second a lot. Finger Lakes shipper Styner ran his eyeballs out, but lost by a head. I dropped $30.

SATURDAY’S PLAY: I’m going to focus on the middle Pick Four, which starts in the fourth and hits me as an intriguing sequence. My 50-cent ticket goes as follows: 1 with 2,6,7,8,11 with 3,4,8,13 with 4,7,8,9. If #1 ARTHUR’S RIDE runs as expected and we get a couple of prices home around him, I think this could pay reasonably well.

TOTAL WAGERED: $40.

SARATOGA SELECTIONS AND ANALYSIS

Best Bet: Classic Q, Race 9
Longshot: Blamicker, Race 8

R1

Loco Abarrio
Friar Laurence
Otto the Conqueror

#2 LOCO ABARRIO (5/2): Takes a significant class drop in the Saurday opener for William Walden, who’s won at a very, very high percentage. I think this one is the speed of the speed, and if that’s the case, he could prove tough to run down; #5 FRIAR LAURENCE (4-1): Also drops in class and got the job done against $50,000 claimers two back at Churchill. He seems like one of the few closers in here, and he should certainly get some pace to chase; #4 OTTO THE CONQUEROR (8/5): Has ample back class and certainly wants to be forwardly-placed. My hesitation is because six furlongs seems a bit shorter than what he truly wants, and at his likely price, I find him a bit tough to swallow.

R2

Soldier N Diplomat
Accost
Further Ado

#4 SOLDIER N DIPLOMAT (8/5): Hammered for $950,000 at OBS earlier this year despite a modest pedigree and has turned in some strong gate works ahead of his debut. All indications are he’s a runner, and he’s my strongest lean in a loaded 2-year-old maiden race; #5 ACCOST (6-1): Debuts for Chad Brown and has a recent bullet on his sheet. His bottom-side pedigree is pretty impressive, as his dam won a stakes race and his second dam threw a total of seven winners; #6 FURTHER ADO (5/2): Sold for $550,000 earlier this year and is another with a strong work tab. He’s kin to a horse named Kimbear, who’s won multiple stakes races in Dubai, and he looks like a contender despite possibly wanting a bit longer than this distance.

R3

Brave Buck
Tarpaulin
Dialbolico

#4 BRAVE BUCK (3-1): Wasn’t persevered with last time out, and he was claimed out of that race by Linda Rice, who aggressively drops him in class for this event. She’s won at a ridiculous 41% clip with horses dropping first off the clim, and he has back races that would win this; #8 TARPAULIN (5/2): Runs for a tag again after two tries against starter allowance company, and he’d benefit from some pace in front of him. He’s a 3-year-old going against older, which is a question mark, but ignore these high-percentage connections at your own peril; #7 DIALBOLICO (12-1): Has never run a truly bad race sprinting and goes first off the claim for an outfit that doesn’t reach in much. He was third last time out, and that day’s winner came back to win again earlier in the meet.

R4

Arthur’s Ride
Trademark
Film Star

#1 ARTHUR’S RIDE (4/5): Won last year’s Grade 1 Whitney, but misfired twice against top-tier competition before going to the sidelines. This isn’t an easy spot for the level, but he gets to run with Lasix, which has significantly helped him in the past. If he’s ready, the race is for second; #2 TRADEMARK (6-1): Is a graded stakes winner in his own right, having won the Grade 2 Clark in 2023. He may have gained some confidence with a last-out win in Indiana, and he’s got enough tactical speed to sit an ideal stalking trip; #3 FILM STAR (7/2): Has done plenty of good work at the Spa and may have been compromised by a wide trip last time out. His two-back effort was solid, and he’s another that figures to be on or near the lead early.

R5

Dark Magic (MTO)
Unbroken Chain
Nano Man

#6 UNBROKEN CHAIN (6-1): Takes a drop in class after two turf tries against higher-level competition downstate. Melanie Giddings has had some success already this summer, and those two tries on turf were far from bad; #8 NANO MAN (9/2): Goes back to John Kimmel, who won with him at this route last summer. His last two races at Gulfstream were going two turns, and I think he’ll significantly benefit from a cutback in distance; #11 READY SET TWIRL (10-1): Was fourth against a tougher group a few weeks ago and drops into restricted claiming company, which is significant class relief. Rudy Rodriguez’s barn has gotten off to a rough start, and the post position isn’t ideal, but he doesn’t need to move forward much from his last-out effort to be a factor in this wide-open turf sprint.

R6

Summer Whirl (AE)
Tongue Twister
North End Lady

#13 SUMMER WHIRL (5-1): Needs a scratch to draw in but merits a big chance if she gets to run. She lost a pretty dirty photo last time out going a bit longer, and while she’ll be far back early on, there does seem to be some pace signed on, which could set up for her; #4 TONGUE TWISTER (5/2): Was wide last time out in a race without much pace, and ran a clunker at a short price as a result. The switch to Irad Ortiz Jr. is notable, and she ran well here twice a season ago; #8 NORTH END LADY (6-1): Was third in the race my top pick exits, and like that one, I think that may have just been a bit too far for her. Her races at this distance are solid, and while Barclay Tagg’s had an ice-cold 2025, this one hits me as a contender.

R7

Academia
Vajra
Tommy Jo

#9 ACADEMIA (5-1): Is one of several fillies in here with a world-class pedigree. She’s by Into Mischief, out of Grade 1 winner Wow Cat, sports a flashy recent gate drill for Chad Brown, and gets a draw near the outside, which could help this first-time starter relax a bit; #4 VAJRA (5/2): Helped set a very fast pace in her debut at Churchill, where she faded to finish fifth. She’s got an experience edge over all of her rivals in this spot, and a step forward with a start under her belt can be expected for a trainer whose horses improve with seasoning; #7 TOMMY JO (4-1): Debuts for the Pletcher/Velazquez tag team and has been working well over this surface. Her dam won multiple stakes races, and she’s from the same female family that produced Kentucky Derby runner-up Commanding Curve, among others.

R8

Blamicker
Stewie
Sir Kartrite

#4 BLAMICKER (8-1): Ships in from Finger Lakes with the regular rider in tow, which is a move that always gets my attention. He ran a big race last time to romp by more than seven lengths, and while this is a tougher spot, he’s got every right to improve second off the bench at a bit of a price; #2 STEWIE (5-1): Hasn’t won in more than 10 months, but he was a good second at this level and route last month. He shouldn’t have to go nearly as fast early on in this spot, and the rider upgrade to Irad is a big one; #8 SIR KARTRITE (8-1): May have needed his last-out clunker, which doubled as his first outing in more than six months. He flashed some potential downstate late last year, and he gets Lasix for the first time here.

R9

Kay Cup (MTO)
Classic Q
Play With Fire

#5 CLASSIC Q (2-1): My analysis of the Grade 3 Lake George boils down to four simple words, which are, “lone speed, inner turf.” I’ve seen too many races the last several years to go against horses that fit that profile, and this one may also be the one to beat on pure form, too; #10 PLAY WITH FIRE (4-1): Was a half-length behind my top pick in the Wild Applause last time out and won the Hilltop at Pimlico two back. It seems like she’s coming to hand for Chad Brown, and she’s a major player despite a less-than-ideal post position; #8 ATERRADORA (10-1): Merits a look underneath at a price considering who she’s been running against. She was fourth behind Nitrogen two back, then ran fourth behind a next-out winner in the Grade 3 Regret. She’s got some tactical speed, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s up a bit closer early on.

R10

Sovereignty
Hill Road
Baeza

#5 SOVEREIGNTY (2/5): Is at the top of the 3-year-old division and will be an odds-on favorite in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy. He showed a bit more tactical speed in winning the Belmont, and such a trip could also materialize here, which would put him in prime position; #4 HILL ROAD (12-1): Was fifth in the Belmont but won the Grade 3 Peter Pan two back and gets Irad Ortiz Jr. in this spot. He finished just three lengths behind this race’s second choice that day, so he really doesn’t need to move forward that much to factor in the exotics at a big price; #1 BAEZA (3-1): Chased my top pick twice this spring and was second to Journalism in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. He stacks up well on figures, but he’s never hit me as a “win” type, and the maiden race he won hasn’t aged well. If he’s the “wise guy” horse, I think he’ll be an underlay.

R11

Nonna Lynne
Hello Beauty
De Paz entry

#6 NONNA LYNNE (6-1): Came back running when second here last month in her first try since September. She didn’t have much pace to run at, but she closed anyway and nearly got the money despite an unlucky trip. Further improvement would make the morning line a significant overlay; #9 HELLO BEAUTY (5/2): Merits respect coming in to face New York-breds, but I have a few doubts. I didn’t think her last race was that strong, and she hasn’t really shown an ability to pass others. Maybe the class drop wakes her up, but I’ll take a mild stand against her; DE PAZ ENTRY (6-1): #1 NIGHT JASMINE makes some sense, especially if she can overcome her gate issues, but I actually prefer #1A JUST ONE MORE, who needs a scratch to run. She ran a big one when second at this level downstate, and perhaps she’s coming to hand midway through her 4-year-old season.

R12

Dark Devil (MTO)
Fateful Lightning
Captcha

#7 FATEFUL LIGHTNING (2-1): Is a logical favorite in the Saturday nightcap, where he drops in class for trainer Brad Cox. His two-back effort was very good, and he probably went too far when fifth last time out going a marathon distance downstate; #3 CAPTCHA (15-1): Hasn’t run since January, but this barn has come into Saratoga on fire and there are some things to like. He’s been gelded, he adds blinkers, and the race he ran at Gulfstream produced several next-out winners; #10 HEDGE THE RISK (9/2): Has a history of finding trouble, but drops in class second off the bench for Chad Brown. That’s a very powerful move, and while the post position is an issue, a step forward isn’t out of the question, and if that happens, he’ll be a major player.

BANKROLL

BANKROLL: $1,033

Other things took precedent Wednesday and Thursday, but I’ll use this space to lobby for a change in the NYRA calendar. This year’s Curlin Stakes was contested Thursday, just two days before the Grade 2 Jim Dandy. The latter race attracted just a five-horse field. Why put the Curlin there and potentially siphon horses from an event that’s been struggling for entries the past few seasons?

My idea, which I’ve expressed in this space before, would be to move the Curlin to Travers Day. I’d rather lose 20-1 shots from that race than lose horses who may take some money in the Jim Dandy, a race that’s also competing with races like Monmouth Park’s Haskell. Nobody benefits from this race, as it’s currently scheduled. Can we please move it?

THURSDAY’S RESULTS: My cold double was alive into the fourth race, but heavy favorite New Attitude did his best Hulk Hogan impression and put forth an equine interpretation of the phrase, “that doesn’t work for me, brother.” I dropped $25.

FRIDAY’S PLAY: When a Finger Lakes shipper in good form comes with a rider from that track in tow, I pay attention. That happens in the sixth race, where I’ll focus on #5 STYNER. In addition to a $20 win bet, I’ll have $5 doubles starting there that single Styner and end with #4 MAIORA and #6 RED VIOLET in the seventh.

TOTAL WAGERED: $30.

SARATOGA SELECTIONS AND ANALYSIS

Best Bet: Macho Music, Race 9
Longshot: Styner, Race 6

R1

Manhattan Beauty
Lady Angelina
Miss Im Pulsive

#5 MANHATTAN BEAUTY (2-1): Is one of two Bill Mott-trained firsters in the Friday opener, and while she’s not necessarily bred to be precocious, she fetched $180,000 at auction and has been working very well. First-call rider Junior Alvarado opts to pilot this one, too; #6 LADY ANGELINA (8-1): Is the “other” Mott, and she’s also got some solid works on her tab. This barn’s first-time starters often need a race, but they both look ready to go against a short field; #1 MISS IM PULSIVE (9/5): Was second in her debut downstate before a failed turf experiment here last month. Of the ones with experience, she’s clearly the most impressive, but her likely price hits me as a bit of an underlay.

R2

Miss Lao
Killy Start
Altered Shot

#6 MISS LAO (9/2): Goes first off the claim for Linda Rice, who’s one of the best in the game with new acquisitions. She should have plenty of speed to rate behind, and if she steps forward with that favorable setup, I think she provides plenty of value; #2 KILLY START (2-1): Comes back into the claiming ranks and would be a contender if she can channel her two and three-back form at this level. Irad Ortiz Jr. hops aboard for a smaller outfit, which is always notable; #3 ALTERED SHOT (8-1): Took a step forward last time when third against slightly weaker company earlier in the meet. She’s got plenty of back class, and perhaps she’s started to find her form again for a streaky barn that tends to win races in spurts.

R3

Ashes and Diamonds
Bourbon Milk Punch
Athaliah

#4 ASHES AND DIAMONDS (3-1): Comes back to turf and drops in for a tag for just the second time in her career. She’s had some adventurous trips to this point, but it seems like this distance is what she wants and Joe Sharp’s been winning a ton to this point in the meet; #5 BOURBON MILK PUNCH (3-1): Ran well to be third last time out before being claimed by a barn that, comparatively, doesn’t tend to reach into those races very often. She was second against straight maidens in her debut, and she figures to be prominent early; #6 ATHALIAH (4-1): Drops into the maiden claiming ranks after a last-out clunker at Churchill Downs. Her two-back effort at Keeneland wasn’t bad, but it’s worth noting this barn’s preferred riders wind up in other spots here.

R4

Who’s the King
Bob John Ray
Ultimate Strike

#5 WHO’S THE KING (8/5): Takes a massive class drop for very aggressive connections who aren’t afraid to lose horses via the claim box. He hasn’t won in a while, but he tried last year’s Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby and his 2025 races feature plenty of next-out winners at higher levels; #2 BOB JOHN RAY (8-1): May provide some value underneath after almost certainly needing his last-out effort. That was his first try since September, and seven furlongs is probably a bit shorter than his desired trip. He gets more distance here and may be a bit of a price; #1 ULTIMATE STRIKE (4-1): Comes back to dirt after a failed turf experiment first off the claim, and he’s another dropping in class. He started to find his form late last year, and his two most recent works weren’t bad.

R5

New Issue
Parade Ring
Silver Pearls

#5 NEW ISSUE (5/2): Ran third in her debut downstate and was claimed out of that race by Linda Rice. Between the barn change and this being her second start, I think she’s got plenty of room to move forward here; #3 PARADE RING (9/5): Comes back to the lawn in her first try since April, and her turf races from 2024 are solid. However, I’m concerned about the voided claim last time out, followed by a layoff of more than three months. She may win as a favorite but there are red flags here; #7 SILVER PEARLS (5/2): Beat my top pick last time out when second at this level and makes her first start for new trainer John Terranova. Irad rides back for the new barn, and she’d benefit from a contested early pace.

R6

Styner
Catch the Smoke
J J’s Joker

#5 STYNER (9/2): Comes in from Finger Lakes and brings her barn’s preferred rider, which is always something I like seeing. His wire-to-wire score last time out was a sharp one, and I think he could get comfortable on a pretty easy lead here; #2 CATCH THE SMOKE (7/2): Comes back to what’s probably the right level after a failed shot against starter allowance foes earlier in the meet. His spring form was pretty solid, and this is certainly a significant class drop from his race less than 10 days ago; #4 J J’S JOKER (6-1): Goes first off the claim for a barn that knows how to move horses forward, and he tries two turns for the first time in a while. This will already be the 11th start of the season for this gelding, and it wouldn’t surprise me if we see an improved effort.

R7

So Vain (MTO)
Red Violet
Maiora

#6 RED VIOLET (3-1): Debuts for Chad Brown, gets Flavien Prat, and is bred to be a good one. This daughter of Justify is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Rubilinda, she’s been working well, and she hits me as the one to beat in her unveiling; #4 MAIORA (4-1): Was green before her initial outing last month, but she ran well enough to be second going shorter. The bottom side of her pedigree is all-distance, and she’s got an experience edge on most of the other contenders; PLETCHER ENTRY (9/2): I prefer #2B TIME TO DREAM, who hammered for $750,000 across the street last summer. She’s out of a Street Sense mare, which is a clue she may want turf, and Jose Ortiz sees fit to climb aboard.

R8

Cara’s Chianti
Darty Time
Circuit Court

#4 CARA’S CHIANTI (9/2): Is a tepid top pick in a truly puzzling maiden claimer. She lost all chance at the break last time, but showed speed against straight maidens twice before that, and perhaps the drop in class is what will wake her up; #6 DARTY TIME (3-1): Was a pace factor in the slop in her unveiling before finishing seventh of eight, and the drop is probably the right move. Prat will ride for Al Stall, who usually means business with the string he brings from Kentucky; #7 CIRCUIT COURT (8-1): Stepped forward last time out, when she was third beaten less than a length at Aqueduct. This barn’s been through some turmoil lately, but a repeat of that effort may be good enough to get it done here.

R9

Macho Music
Uncaged
Gate to Wire

#1 MACHO MUSIC (2-1): Seems like the main speed in the Grade 2 Amsterdam, and he’s shown he’s a handful when those stars align. His effort in the Grade 1 Woody Stephens was disappointing, but perhaps he bounced off a career-best performance two back in the Grade 2 Pat Day Mile; #8 UNCAGED (15-1): Merits a look at a big price getting back to what he wants to do. He simply didn’t belong in the Grade 1 Belmont, but the three one-turn efforts on his sheet are solid enough, the outside draw could help, and these connections aren’t this price often; #5 GATE TO WIRE (5-1): Clunked up for sixth in the Woody Stephens and would benefit from another horse going with my top pick early. He’s got some talent, but seems to find trouble. If Dylan Davis can give him a clean trip, perhaps we’ll see a return to his stakes-winning form.

R10

Catholic Edition
Practical Romance
Addagirl Addie

#3 CATHOLIC EDITION (3-1): Ran well in her debut, when she closed to be third and made up a fair bit of ground despite a moderate pace and a wide trip. Pace is a question mark here, but she’s certainly eligible to improve, and if she does, I think she’s got a big shot; #9 PRACTICAL ROMANCE (4-1): Stretches back out to two turns and gets class relief going against maiden claimers for the first time. She’s shown some tactical speed and should be a factor early on beneath John Velazquez; #5 ADDAGIRL ADDIE (9/2): Has certainly had plenty of chances, but most of those were for lower-percentage barns, and her last-out effort was probably the best race of her career. It’s possible she’s starting to figure things out, and 13th time could be the charm in a wide-open Friday finale.

BANKROLL

BANKROLL: $1,058

One of the biggest honors of my career comes this summer. As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, the National Museum of Horse Racing and Hall of Fame has put together a book on the history of racetracks around the country. It’s called “The Racetracks of America,” and my name is next to those of some truly brilliant horse racing writers.

My feature looks at the history of tracks in Northern California, which was my adopted home circuit up until this past December. It was a pleasure to go back in time, tell the stories of horses and horsepeople, and convey the enthusiasm at those venues to readers. You can pre-order the book through the museum’s website.

Side note: It is an absolute shame that the Northern California horse racing circuit was gutted.

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS: Problematica got an ideal trip and ran well, but she got run down in the final sixteenth. I dropped $20 after scratches.

THURSDAY’S PLAY: I’d like to tell you this isn’t a chalky-looking program, but that would be a lie. I’ll try to extract a shred of value out of two short prices in the third and fourth races. My play is a cold $25 double that starts with #5 BOBROVSKY and ends with #3 NEW ATTITUDE. 

TOTAL WAGERED: $25.

SARATOGA SELECTIONS AND ANALYSIS

Best Bet: Bobrovsky, Race 3
Longshot: Irish Jackson, Race 6

R1

Sparkling Mama
Coola Boola
Spitfire

#1 SPARKLING MAMA (7/2): Sold for just $5,000 at auction this year despite a very strong pedigree that she’s been running to in the mornings. There has to be a story about what happened at the OBS sale, and I’m hoping this one merely slipped through the cracks; #3 COOLA BOOLA (2-1): Comes in off of two flashy gate drills for George Weaver, who knows how to win with first-time starters. If there’s any hesitation here, it’s because her dam did her best work on turf, not dirt, and her most accomplished sibling, Know It All Audrey, is a router, not a sprinter; #5 SPITFIRE (4-1): Was a best-of-the-rest second in her debut downstate for a barn whose horses often need a race or two to get going. She passed horses that day, which isn’t too common in early-season 2-year-old races, and improvement is logical at second asking.

R2

Sturdy (MTO)
Noble Confessor
Vintage Vino

#6 NOBLE CONFESSOR (5/2): Boasts a ton of back class and may have finally found the right field in this spot. His running lines feature the likes of Zulu Kingdom and Henri Matisse, among others, and his last-out clunker is a throwout given the quirky surface; #7 VINTAGE VINO (3-1): Has been competitive in his last four starts and was third in his 2025 debut last time out. He was a bit wide that day and may have needed the race, so there’s reason to think he could move forward for high-percentage connections; #4 A BOURBON FOR TOBY (3-1): Gets a significant rider switch to Flavien Prat and cuts back in distance after a near-miss going longer downstate. His two-back effort at this distance was very good, and he’d benefit if there’s pace up front early on.

R3

Bobrovsky
Waitin’onasunnyday
Imagine John

#5 BOBROVSKY (2-1): Did everything but win in his debut at Churchill Downs, when he led most of the way and got nailed right on the wire. His lone local work was a sparkling one, and he probably doesn’t need to move forward much to beat these; #2 WAITIN’ONASUNNYDAY (5-1): Debuts for an astute outfit and has some solid workouts on his sheet. He’s kin to five winners, and while he may want a bit longer than today’s distance, there’s reason to believe he’s got some potential; #4 IMAGINE JOHN (5/2): Was a distant third in the Grade 3 Sanford and takes a significant class drop in this spot. He just barely qualifies for this restricted maiden event, and his experience edge over most of his rivals could come in handy.

R4

The Taco Lady (MTO)
New Attitude
Lotus Petal

#3 NEW ATTITUDE (3/5): Was fifth behind an impressive winner in her debut and takes a big drop in for a tag at second asking. That drop is a question mark, and you probably won’t get any value, but any improvement off her initial outing makes her a formidable favorite; #7 LOTUS PETAL (6-1): Is another dropping in class, and it can be argued she ran the best race of her career here last summer. She was third in her debut at this distance despite an unlucky trip, and perhaps running for a tag will wake her up; #4 MCKINZIE’S GLORY (6-1): Hasn’t run since November, but sports a recent bullet drill across the street and may be ready to go. She had a handful of bad trips in her 2024 campaign, and she’s a candidate to improve with smoother sailing.

R5

What’s Up Bro (MTO)
Set
Russi

#1 SET (7/5): Was a hard-luck second in his return last month, when he was beaten a nose in his first start since September. The rail draw isn’t ideal, but he should step forward second off the bench, and such an effort would make him the one to beat; #7 RUSSI (6-1): Makes his first start since November, and he does so over what’s clearly his preferred surface. He has two wins and a second in three Spa starts, and he’s a contender if he’s ready to run off the bench; #6 VACATION DANCE (3-1): Was third in the race my top pick exits and, like that one, goes second off the bench for high-percentage connections. His best is good enough to win, but he hasn’t found the winner’s circle since this meet two years ago, so it’s fair to wonder if his best days are behind him.

R6

Irish Jackson
Nina Kay
Geopolitics

#2 IRISH JACKSON (6-1): Gets a tepid nod as a closer in a race that seems full of early speed. This is a step up in class, but she was second behind a next-out winner last month, and the faster they go early, the better her chances figure to be; #4 NINA KAY (5/2): Was distanced as a heavy favorite in February, and it’s safe to assume something went wrong because we haven’t seen her since. She does tackle older horses, but she ran well several times before that clunker; #1 GEOPOLITICS (2-1): Is a dream to own and always picks up checks, but is incredibly frustrating to bet on. She’s 1-for-9 with six seconds, and while she may go off favored, this is the type of chalk I feel one should absolutely go against.

R7

Araucano
Senor Poncho
Stanley Cat

#5 ARAUCANO (9/2): Had an eventful trip in his debut and has every right to improve with experience and a cleaner journey. Luis Saez sees fit to hop aboard, and the local work on the Oklahoma track wasn’t a bad one; #2 SENOR PONCHO (5/2): Ran second downstate in the best effort of his career to date. He shortens up from seven furlongs to six, and this barn has a win and a third from two starts at this meet to date; #4 STANLEY CAT (12-1): Has genuine stamina issues but sure looks like the main early speed. He set a solid pace last time out before fading to finish fourth, and he may not have to go so quickly early on here.

R8

Khali Magic (MTO)
Tax Implications
Proctor Street

#5 TAX IMPLICATIONS (8/5): Has been running against graded stakes company for most of her career and drops into the optional claiming ranks here. She was beaten less than two lengths in last year’s Grade 1 Matriarch at Del Mar, and her back class will have every chance to shine through; #7 PROCTOR STREET (2-1): Was hard to handle last time out, when she was second at Churchill Downs in her first outing since September. She won in last-to-first fashion here last summer, and she’d benefit from a faster-than-expected early pace; #2 MO FOX GIVIN (5-1): Hasn’t won in a long, long time, but she’s another that’s run in some big spots over the years. She’s got some work to do to recapture her best form, but such an effort would put her right there.

R9

Strategic Focus
Crudo
Chancer McPatrick

#3 STRATEGIC FOCUS (6/5): Got taken down in controversial fashion last time out, and that day’s winner came back to repeat at next asking. He runs without Lasix here in the Curlin, but he also gets to run against straight 3-year-olds for the first time; #6 CRUDO (6-1): Misfired in the Grade 1 Belmont, but his two efforts prior to that were impressive wire-to-wire scores. He’s back to what’s probably the right level here, and he could lead them a long way; #1 CHANCER MCPATRICK (9/2): Was one of the best 2-year-olds in the country a year ago, but seems to have plateaued this season without moving forward. This is a class drop for him, but while it may be the right level, I don’t think two turns is truly what he wants.

R10

Hamilton’s Way
Kid Kreesa
Rice entry

#9 HAMILTON’S WAY (7/2): Takes a big drop and runs for a tag for the first time in the Thursday nightcap. He had some excuses last time out given the trip and a loose-on-the-lead winner, and I’m expecting a significantly-improved performance; #8 KID KREESA (8-1): Ran very well here twice a season ago with a win and a second (his second is one of the worst beats of my career…), and he stepped forward second off the bench last time. He may be the main speed in this spot, and he’s shown an ability to lead them a long way if he gets comfortable; #2 VIA DELLA SPIGA (8-1): Was wide last time out and missed by less than a length. That was his first start off the claim for Linda Rice, and while the draw here is a wide one, he’s got a right to step forward at a bit of a price.

BANKROLL

BANKROLL: $1,078

Many times, it’s fun writing these blurbs. This isn’t one of those times.

I met Gino Muehleck on Twitter a few years ago, and had the pleasure of spending some time with him and a few friends at Saratoga last year. We had our differences on certain things, but he was a kind man who was exceptionally enthusiastic about horse racing, which, at its best, is the best gambling game on the planet. He passed away this past weekend in Florida, and it hit me pretty hard. Judging by the reactions of others on social media, I’m not alone.

Rest easy, buddy. To those of us who are still here: Remember that, despite whatever personal differences we have, 99% of us all want the same thing, which is for the game to thrive. That often gets lost, and it shouldn’t.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS: Yougottahavehope led into the stretch of the finale but ran out of gas. I dropped $42.

WEDNESDAY’S PLAY: I don’t have any super strong leans today, but I’m going to take a few swings in the early Pick Four (as a reminder, that starts in the third race because of the steeplechase). My $1 ticket reads as follows: 1,4,6 with 2,3 with 3 with 2,6,8. Additionally, I’ll have a $12 win bet on #3 PROBLEMATICA in the fifth.

TOTAL WAGERED: $30.

SELECTIONS/ANALYSIS

Best Bet: Problematica, Race 5
Longshot: Vesting, Race 6

R1

Awakened
Proven Innocent
Jimmy P

#7 AWAKENED (2-1): Came off the bench running when third against Grade 1 company at this route last month. That was his first start in nearly a year, and he represents half of a powerful 1-2 punch for trainer Jack Fisher in the Grade 1 A.P. Smithwick; #5 PROVEN INNOCENT (5/2): Came from way back to get the money in that Grade 1 race and will look for a second straight score at this level. He does pick up six pounds off of that win, though, and it’s telling a higher-percentage rider opts to pilot Awakened, not this one; #3 JIMMY P (7/2): Freaked in last year’s Grade 1 Jonathan Sheppard, which he won by 34 lengths. He hasn’t found that form in four subsequent starts, but he’s also never finished worse than third in three local outings.

R2

Zadorsky
Weigh the Risks
Braganza

#5 ZADORSKY (3-1): Notched two impressive wins in Kentucky this spring and returns to Saratoga, where she’s got a win and two seconds in three local tries. She’s a consistent, stakes-placed filly who loves this seven-furlong distance, and this barn means business when it ships; #1 WEIGH THE RISKS (7/5): Showed plenty of form over the winter and is a logical favorite for powerhouse connections, but I have a few doubts. We haven’t seen her since February, I’m not sure she beat a ton at Aqueduct, and the rail draw may be a bit tricky since she isn’t a natural front-runner. At her likely price, I’ll take a mild stand against her; #4 BRAGANZA (8-1): Hasn’t run since November but has been working consistently and does her best running going seven furlongs. She’s a one-run closer who wants some pace, and there seems to be some signed on here.

R3

Empty Tomb
Good Skate
Manta Rey

#4 EMPTY TOMB (3-1): Has won two in a row since being claimed by this barn and won at this level and route a season ago. He’s a 9-year-old that’s won $553,000 the hard way, and he’s shown he’s tough to pass if he’s on or near the lead; #1 GOOD SKATE (5/2): Takes a massive drop for aggressive connections that aren’t afraid to make that kind of move. Perhaps that wakes him up, and it’s not like he’s an awful favorite, but the 0-for-5 local mark is certainly a red flag; #6 MANTA REY (4-1): Is another dropping in class, and that last-out race wasn’t an easy one for the level. That day’s winner came back to repeat, and this one may move forward given the likely race shape and the presence of several speed horses.

R4

Gardiner
Trust Issues
Zippy Mark

#2 GARDINER (5/2): Goes out for a barn that’s gotten off to a scorching start to the meet. He ships in from Churchill after a solid second at this level, and regular rider Jose Ortiz will likely have him in an ideal spot just off the pace; #3 TRUST ISSUES (3-1): Ran fourth in the race my top pick exits, and he had a less-than-ideal trip. He probably wasn’t winning, but trouble may have cost him third. Irad Ortiz Jr. may give him a cleaner trip here; #5 ZIPPY MARK (9/2): Tried two turns last time out, and that proved to be a bit too far. He gets a more desired trip here (albeit against open company rather than Arkansas-breds), and if there’s any moisture in the track, he’d definitely move up.

R5

Problematica
Talkin in Cursive
Gone and Forgotten

#3 PROBLEMATICA (9/2): Didn’t run well at all last time, when she faded to last just two weeks ago. However, I’m willing to give her one more shot. There doesn’t seem to be much other speed signed on, and if she and Jose Ortiz get comfortable, I think they could steal it on the front end; #2 TALKIN IN CURSIVE (8/5): Certainly ran very well last time out, when she ran for three times her prior claiming price and won as much the best at 16-1. The potential for a bounce is absolutely there, though, and if this one’s so well-meant, why does this barn also saddle…; #4 GONE AND FORGOTTEN (2-1): …who goes first off the claim and gets Flavien Prat? Either could win on their best day, but this is a curious uncoupled entry, and given the short prices involved, it’s worth asking some questions.

R6

Film Star (MTO)
Vesting
Mutaawid

#6 VESTING (6-1): Has never run a truly bad race going a marathon distance on turf, and he broke through last time with a wire-to-wire score downstate. He set legitimate fractions that day, too, which makes the win even more impressive, and if he gets an easy lead, he may be tough to run down; #8 MUTAAWID (9/2): Capitalized on a solid pace last time and won a race several others in here exit. He’s the second half of a solid 1-2 punch for Mike Maker, who tends to do quite well in these long-distance turf events; #5 CRYSTAL QUEST (9/5): Has back class and attracts Flavien Prat, but the Harvey Pack principle is in play here. He’s never gone this route of ground before, and I simply can’t back him as the favorite given that legitimate question mark.

R7

Daisy Duke
Looks First
Despo’s Dream

#4 DAISY DUKE (2-1): Cuts back in distance a bit after a solid second in a swiftly-run race at this level at Churchill. That day’s winner was much the best, and this seems like a softer spot with plenty of early speed to set up for her late kick; #2 LOOKS FIRST (10-1): Came flying late to be second at a big price earlier in the meet. She’s another late-running type that may benefit from the presence of several opponents that want to be on or near the lead; #7 DESPO’S DREAM (9/2): Was fifth in the race my second choice exits and probably just had way too much to do that day. She was nine lengths back at the second point of call and raced wide throughout, and while she can pass others late, that almost certainly wasn’t her desired trip.

R8

Dutrow entry
Princess Madison
Midtown Lights

DUTROW ENTRY (1-1): I prefer #2 THE BIG CALHOUNA, who won two and three back and was third behind the classy Dolomite, who’s gotten very good of late. This seems like a much softer bunch, and her usual effort would absolutely make her the one to beat; #3 PRINCESS MADISON (6-1): May have needed her last-out clunker, which was her first try since September. This barn doesn’t run many horses, but Phil Bauer is an astute horseman who knows how to get runners back on track, and she ran a very good race here last summer; #7 MIDTOWN LIGHTS (5-1): Hasn’t run since January, but has shown enough to merit some respect here in her first start for Saffie Joseph. Perhaps she needs a race, but if she’s ready to go, she could absolutely get a piece of it.

R9

Rout
Askingforafriend
The Commish

#5 ROUT (4-1): Debuts for Chad Brown and may not have to be much to graduate on debut in the nightcap. He hammered for $280,000 at auction in 2023 and is bred to be a good turf runner. His female family includes the dam of Grade 1 winner Storm Trooper, and his dam, True History, was a seven-time winner; #6 ASKINGFORAFRIEND (7/2): Didn’t have a great trip last time out, when he returned from a six-month layoff and tried turf for the first time. Improvement is certainly logical second off the bench, especially with Irad seeing fit to ride back when he probably had some options; #4 THE COMMISH (6-1): Came back running last month, when he led briefly downstate before fading to third in his first try since July. This is a class jump on paper, but he’s still in the state-bred ranks, so that’s a bit deceptive.