With an uncertain weather forecast and a slew of turf races scheduled for Saratoga on Monday afternoon, I'll focus on the late daily double, a sequence involving two dirt affairs.
Handicappers familiar with ground-breaking author William L. Quirin’s speed points recognize the term “E8,” which describes early speed horses with the maximum eight points. There are three fillies with that designation in the Grade 2, $200,000 Honorable Miss Handicap.
Now that race 4 is transformed from 1 3/8 miles on turf to 1 1/8 miles in the mud, the second-time starter Shopping Spree becomes much more interesting to me.
How will I play today? I will try to beat the morning line favorite, #3 ANTIPATHY, in today's featured ninth race, the Grade 3 Shuvee Handicap at 1 1/8 miles.
Antipathy deserves to be the betting choice in Sunday's Grade 3 Shuvee off her terrific third in the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps on Belmont Stakes Day.
DRF handicapper Dan Illman takes a closer look at juveniles running at Saratoga.
My wagering action Sunday at Del Mar will be fashioned around a low-odds standout, and a bomber to sneak into the verticals.
Soul Flyer ran so well in her debut on June 26 at Santa Anita that many looked forward to backing her when she made her second start at Del Mar.
Flashy American, second best to the heavily favored Authenticity a year ago, takes another crack at the Grade 3, $200,000 Shuvee Handicap as the top-weighted entrant at 118 pounds.
Shippers have gone on a tear here in recent stakes. The Grade 3 Royal North, a six-furlong turf sprint, contains a trio of American invaders: Ageless, Liz Pendens, and Richies Party Girl.
