Happy Saratoga Special Day! 

The Fourstardave and Saratoga Derby have been moved to the Sunday card due to the expected heavy rains. So now the Saratoga Special is the feature race and it’s an excellent two year old stakes race with several live ones. Given the weather of the past week I am reminded of the old Allan Sherman classic “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah” … and yes it will be more fun when it stops raining. Let’s all say the horseplayer’s prayer for Fast and Firm. 

Race 8 – Saratoga Special – Grade II 

Six and One Half Furlongs on the Dirt for Two Year Olds 

1. Smoken Wicked: Louisiana bred broke his maiden at first asking against state breds. Moved to Dallas Stewart’s barn and took a shot in the Bashford Manor where he was a good second given that he was in the twelve hole and got shuffled back (65 Beyer). Possible piece of it.
2. Showcase: Pletcher trainee demolished four others as the odds on favorite at first asking (58 Beyer). One horse has come back from that race and increased their Beyer by 35 points. Now takes on winners.  Will need to improve.
3. Global Legend: Won going four and half furlongs at Gulfstream on a muddy track to break his maiden. Might be a key race as there are two next out winners with 72 Beyers.  Casse is 11% (4/36) with two year old winners going next out in stakes races. Passing.
4. First Resort: Godolphin colt posted a very nice 72 Beyer in winning his first career start at Ellis Park for Eoin Harty who ships in his first horse of the meet from Kentucky.  Prat picks up the mount. By Uncle Mo and is he first foal of Grade 1winner Fair Maiden. Using.
5. Touchy: His first start in the Tremont at the Spa and ran well but drifted on the turn then dove to the inside to engage a challenger only to get picked off in the final hundred yards by a closer (77 Beyer). Some quick works leading into race this including one over this track. The Pick
6. Ace It: Broke his maiden last out in a maiden claimer at Laurel.  Would seem to be up against it with Beyers in the 40s. Water is too deep today. 
7. Noble Force: Easily handled a maiden field at Monmouth where he drew off in the lane to win by nine lengths but only posted a 50 Beyer. Sure it looked good but it doesn’t match up to the better ones in here.  Lean against.
8. Good Directions: Comes here from Ellis Park where he was last seen running in N2L company and finishing a decent second after stumbling at the start. Has posted two 52 Beyers. Maybe there can some more improvement today in his second dirt start. Passing.
9. Keep It Easy: Dale Romans trainee broke his maiden last out by handling the field after breaking alertly (79 Beyer).  Strong works including Bullet work over this track going 4F in a sparking 47.4. Dale Romans is only 1/32 (3%) over the past three years at Saratoga. Nonetheless, he has a live one here. Win candidate.

Picks 5-9-4-1