Friday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: American Sonja shouldn’t be overlooked in Saratoga Oaks

Saratoga | Race 7 | Post Time 4:34 p.m. (ET)

TimeformUS PPs are now available on drf.com. Go to shop.drf.com and use coupon code NYRATF23 to get one free TimeformUS card.

The connections of Aspen Grove (#10) have announced she is likely to pass this race in favor of the Saratoga Derby against males. I was not thrilled with her chances in this spot anyway, since she capitalized on a perfect trip and fantastic ride from Oisin Murphy to win the Belmont Oaks last time. I would be more interested in Papilio (#7) from that race, since she stumbled badly at the start and always raced out of position before rallying for third once finally angled into the clear. I just wasn’t thrilled with the overall quality of the Belmont Oaks, which came up a slow race, and want to look elsewhere.

Among the American contingent Selenaia (#9) could take money as she steps up in class for Jonathan Thomas off a visually impressive win last time at Santa Anita. However, I’m a little concerned about her tendency to pull early in her races, which could be more of a concern in this larger field. I would rather take Xigera (#4), who comes in with a similar profile. She is also moving up in class and stretching out, but she showed talent as a 2-year-old and I have liked both her performances so far this year.

There are some intriguing European shippers that should not be overlooked, led by Elusive Princess (#3). She rallied widest from far back to get up for fifth against much better company in the Group 1 Prix de Diane in her most recent start. She was unlucky to lose a Group 3 in April, and attained a Group 1 placing in the Prix Saint-Alary in May. That form makes her the horse to beat.

American Sonja (#8) has not kept company that’s quite as strong as Elusive Princess, but I like the way she’s been progressing through her 3-year-old season. She was campaigned as a pure sprinter last year, but she’s done well stretching out this season. She only finished a nose behind Aspen Grove at Leopardstown in May, and then stepped forward to beat a stakes field in France using front-running tactics in June. She settled for third against Group 3 foes last time and just seemed to lack the quickness to stay with the fleet Zarinsk over seven furlongs. She has some stamina on the bottom side of her pedigree and I like her stretching out and picking up Joel Rosario. The price should be fair.