Saturday’s card features the third legs of the Turf Triple – the Jockey Club Oaks for three year old fillies and Jockey Club Derby for three year old colts. These two races are now Grade IIIs having been moved up from ungraded status last year and carry $700,000 and $1 million purses respectively.
Play of the Day Race Date September 16, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 6 Overview A large field but a weak N2L for 10k, which means class-dropping #3 ICON (2-1) seems to have them over a barrel. Pace It should be honest enough, as there’s a few who want to be involved early, though not overly fast either. Trends n/a Best Bet ICON Number 3 Morning Line (2-1) Best Bet Overview #3 ICON (2-1): Dropper was facing tons better in two Spa starts while holding his own, so at this reduced level, against a meek crew, he should feast. Picks & Plays Aggressive win bet and single in…
Play of the Day Race Date September 15, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 6 Overview A deep and competitive AOC for 2yos at 7Fs, with several that have shown promise, while struggling to make a dent against winners. Pace It looks suicidal, as countless who are entered only know one way to go, which is early and often, which says this could fall apart late. Trends n/a Best Bet PACHUCA Number 6 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet Overview #6 PACHUCA (7-2): Stretch runner won on debut at GP for Gutierrez, something the barn rarely does, and then backed it up in a dirt stakes at Ellis, and you…
Play of the Day Race Date September 11, 2022 Track Kentucky Downs Race 4 Overview A predictably deep and competitive AOC going a mile, though only two, including #8 SUGAR FIX (6-1) own a local win. Pace There’s some speed to the inside, so showing an ability to come from off the pace, especially with the demanding stretch, seems like a big asset. Trends N/A Best Bet SUGAR FIX Number 8 Morning Line (6-1) Best Bet Overview #8 SUGAR FIX (6-1): Local winner also lures Zayas up from GP, so she has to be live, and note she’s been facing tons better in her recent turf races as…
Play of the Day Race Date September 10, 2022 Track Kentucky Downs Race 8 Overview A good renewal of the G3 Ladies Turf, with several who could win, though defending champion #8 PRINCESS GRACE (3-1) looks primed for a repeat. Pace It figures to be honest enough, as there are a few in here who want to be involved early, and keep things honest too. Trends N/A Best Bet PRINCESS GRACE Number 8 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview #8 PRINCESS GRACE (3-1): Aforementioned defending champion has been in good form of late and can make her own trip, and knowing she likes the course is as important…
Play of the Day Race Date September 05, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 12 Overview A wildly deep and competitive N1X for NYBs sprinting on the main track, with several comebackers off extended breaks. Pace Its looks hot and contested, to say the least, as there are several here that want to motor early. Trends You typically want to be close sprinting on the main track, though if everyone goes as it looks on paper, it won’t matter here. Best Bet JULIANA’S ROSE Number 5 Morning Line (10-1) Best Bet Overview #5 JULIANA’S ROSE (10-1): Comebacker finally got a fast main track and showed her trues colors, and while…
Play of the Day Race Date September 04, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 11 Overview A deep and competitive renewal of the G1 Spinaway, where they stretch the 2yo fillies out to 7Fs. Pace It looks hot and contested, as several want to motor early, with not all of them guaranteed to appreciate the added distance either. Trends Being close on the main track is usually preferred, though this is a little different, as mentioned, several here will struggle with the trip. Best Bet AMERICAN ROCKETTE Number 10 Morning Line (6-1) Best Bet Overview #10 AMERICAN ROCKETTE (6-1): Visually impressive debut winner took a bit to figure it out,…
Play of the Day Race Date September 03, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 11 Overview A solid, if unspectacular renewal of the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, with more than a few who bring winning credentials. Pace It should be as honest at a 1/14-mile race can be, as #1 Tax (10-1), #2 Olympiad (2-1), and #3 Untreated (12-1) all have the speed to lead, and at the very least, want to be involved early and often. Trends You want to be close routing on the main track, as coming from too far back is not a recipe for success. Best Bet AMERICANREVOLTION Number 5 Morning Line (3-1) Best…
Play of the Day Race Date September 02, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 5 Overview A wide open N1X turf route with several who come in hinting at a big effort. Pace It’s a turf route, so you can’t really expect there to be much pace, which means it’s likely to turn into a 2-furlong sprint off the turn. Trends Again, with NYRA turf racing being slow early, fast late, there’s not a lot to go by, in terms of course trends. Best Bet ENSEMBLE Number 3 Morning Line (8-1) Best Bet Overview #3 ENSEMBLE (8-1) (turf only): Lightly raced and improving, and now goes second-off the layoff, while…
Play of the Day Race Date September 01, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 8 Overview A very deep 32k claimer with several different ways to go, which means looking for value seems imperative. Pace There seems to be enough here to make things fair, as no one looks poised to clear off and control things. Trends The main track, on a whole, has been fair throughout the meet, with very few days where there’s been a bias, especially in terms of running paths. Best Bet MELTING SNOW Number 4 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview #4 MELTING SNOW (5-1): Capable sort adds blinkers for a bit more early focus,…
