A surprise during opening week was how well speed performed in routes on Polytrack. There were five routes, all at one mile. Three were won by the pacesetter, and two other winners were positioned within a half-length at the first pace call. The profile will be tested in race 3, a restricted (non-winners of two) $16,000 claiming race at one mile.
With a 60 percent chance of rain after 3 p.m. in Saratoga Springs, and a card back-loaded with grass races, we’ll stick to the front end of the Wednesday program and try for the early pick four, which, because of a steeplechase race in the opener, spans races 3-6.
Graded Stakes Analysis: Lake George Stakes
The Jackpot Hi 5 carryover is $47,911 heading into the eighth race, a $10,000 maiden claimer at six furlongs.
DRF handicapper Dan Illman takes a closer look at juveniles running at Saratoga.
There is a $27,469 pick six carryover from Monday. As this is a 10-race card, the pick six begins with race 5 at 2:34 p.m. A lot of budget-minded tickets might opt to single Girlaboutown in the opening leg, as she comes off a good effort while finishing second to stablemate Star Grazing when unveiled in the mud July 4.
While Sunday’s pick three was a success ($46.60 returned on a $25 worth of tickets through DRF TicketMaker), by no means was it a major score. While I’m slightly fearful the same thing could be said about the opening three-race sequence for Wednesday’s card, I’m willing to give it another shot.
DRF handicapper Matt Bernier takes a closer look at juveniles running at Del Mar.
There’s one 9-5 favorite (Grace Hall, race 8) and a couple 2-1's, but the rest of the morning-line favorites on this card are 5-2 or higher, and it is most definitely that kind of day.
