After nailing yesterday's/today's 4th race
, why not come back and play the 8th at Saratoga on Thursday?
Weather may not be quite as nice as I'm checking the forecast of 30% thunderstorms late in the afternoon, which as we've learned this meet has been about 100% rain.
Either way, a wet/muddy/off track isn't a real problem for this entire field as they all show good form on the dirty stuff.
Holiday Disguise: Last out winner from the Rice barn got some rest and looks to be training well and ready to roll. Real question is whether she can work off the rail to work a trip when it is very apparent she won't be on the front end. ML favorite looks susceptible simply due to the post.
Bonita Bianca: Jason Servis/Irad Ortiz and throwing on blinkers yet again. Last 4 are pretty ugly, and you have to go 5 deep to find a solid race which was at 8.5 furlongs. As shocking as it seems, she is the defending champ in this very race. A must post parade and tote board watch. Is she a Saratoga must play?
Baby Boss: One of a number of speed horses in here that has certainly found her groove with back-to-back wins. Laurel shipper is in as tough of company as she has likely ever faced. Almost impossible seeing her clear by a length or more like her last 2 coming into the stretch. Pass.
Pauseforthecause: Another supposed speed horse that they tried on the turf at 8.5F last out with absolutely zero success. Turns back here. and while question marks should abound, there are some intriguing things about this gal. She has some amazing back numbers, and at this very track. Works are solid after that likely needed questionable race. Very interesting at a likely price.
Fair Regis: More speed from the Jason Servis barn. Been in the EX in her last 4 races and has won 2 of her last 6. Kendrick is very familiar with this mare, and she wouldn't surprise at a decent price. Likes this strip and that 7F race on this very track last out may well be what was needed to get it done here.
Carrera Cat: Yep, you guessed it, more speed. This filly is coming in hot with 5 wins in her last 6 and EX finishes in her last 7. Very likely the speed of the speed, and Rajiv knows her well. Break is everything for her, as she has to get out to be a contender. Waters get deeper here though and the post is a massive question mark.
Flat Calm: A supposed speed horse that looks to be really in deep here. Can't possibly close in this group, and you have to believe Saez will be sending from this post. Tough one to back outside of the Saez/Rice combination.
Jc's Shooting Star: 7YO isn't in the prime of her career, and hasn't ran a race in the last year that I can see that can win this one. However, she should sit a solid trip in a race that could be a complete pace meltdown. 5 for 5 hitting the board at 'Toga, and could well be the biggest benefactor if the pace is as hot as expected. Yet another interesting horse in a very interesting race.
SUMMARY: Wide open race. One can make an argument for every entry in the field. Everybody and their dog (including those that ride the horses, train them, and own them) can read this form and see a complete pace meltdown. As we've seen this meet, holding and grabbing aren't uncommon.
at anything over 4/1 looks good, but probably won't get.
