Dynamax Prime should get good setup in Saginaw Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer Rob Atras will try to take advantage of an in-form horse and a seemingly favorable pace scenario when he wheels Dynamax Prime back on short rest in Sunday’s $100,000 Saginaw Stakes for New York-breds at Belmont Park.

A field of six was entered in the Saginaw, run at 1 1/16 miles over the main track. Most of the field appears to want to be forwardly placed early in the race. Dynamax Prime looks like the best closer in the field.

“There are a few in there that are a little more accomplished than ourselves, but he’s going into the race the right way and it looks like we’ll get an honest pace,” Atras said Friday.

Since coming to Atras, Dynamax Prime has won two New York-bred allowance races and was second to the promising American Tattoo in an open-company second-level allowance here June 19.

“He kind of stepped up his last two races,” Atras said. “He seemed to have bounced out of the last race really good.”

Manny Franco will ride Dynamax Prime from post 4.

Mr. Buff is one of the speed horses who has accomplished more than Dynamax Prime. He reeled off four consecutive wins from Nov. 14 through Jan. 26, including in the Alex M. Robb for New York-breds and the Jazil against open company. After a last-place finish in the Grade 2 New Orleans Handicap at Fair Grounds in March, Mr. Buff ran a solid third behind Pat On the Back and Giant Expectations in the Commentator Stakes going a one-turn mile on May 27.

“He ran really great,” trainer John Kimmel said. “He’s been doing very well since. I think it’s a good spot.”

Runaway Lute, who is stretching out from 6 1/2 furlongs, Twisted Tom, and Mo Diddley look like they will be into the race early as well.

Sea Foam, a three-time New York-bred stakes winner, pressed the pace when he won an open-company first-level allowance here June 8. Trainer Christophe Clement believes he has the tactical speed to avoid getting caught up in a speed duel under Joel Rosario.

“Mentally, he’s a very straightforward horse. Wherever Joel is comfortable will be fine,” Clement said.

The Saginaw will go as race 7 on an eight-race card that begins at 1:30 p.m. Eastern.

KEY CONTENDERS

Mr. Buff, by Friend or Foe
Last 3 Beyers: 96-31-102

◗ Either of the horses who beat him in the Commentator Stakes, Pat On the Back and Giant Expectations, would be odds-on in this spot.

◗ Will have to avoid a pace duel and is conceding weight to all.

Dynamax Prime, by Bluegrass Cat
Last 3 Beyers: 86-85-85

◗ He is making his fourth start in eight weeks.

Sea Foam, by Medaglia d’Oro
Last 3 Beyers: 90-82-76

◗ Comes off a career-best Beyer Speed Figure in his win at 1 1/16 miles.

◗ Won both the New York Derby and Albany Stakes as a 3-year-old, both in front-running fashion.