Friday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Clara Peeters the best alternative to Chad Brown trio in De La Rose

Saratoga | Race 7 | Post Time 4:40 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

Chad Brown has entered a quartet of uncoupled runners in this wide-open De La Rose, including the morning-line favorite Blowout. However, it was announced on Friday that she is going to scratch due to a temperature, so he’s left with three to run. Catch a Bid (#1) and Noor Sahara (#2) both figure to attract support. The former got to control the pace in a weaker optional-claiming event at Churchill. Noor Sahara disappointed in her U.S. debut, but the 9-furlong distance may have gotten to her. Both have a right to improve and should appreciate the one-mile distance.

Among Brown’s entrants, I’m actually most interested in the filly that could be the biggest price, Viadera (#6). This British-bred made her U.S. debut in the Intercontinental last time, where she trailed three of her Chad Brown barnmates across the wire. While she was beaten a long way, she broke inward at the start and was off slowly, which proved to be pretty detrimental in a race where few horses made up any ground. All things considered she closed nicely and was moving best of all in the last eighth. Now she stretches out, which should be to her benefit since she was 2 for 2 going this distance in Europe.

The Chad Brown runners will feature prominently in my wagers, but my top pick is CLARA PEETERS (#4). This Brad Cox trainee hasn’t done much wrong in two U.S. races. She overcame a tardy start and wide trip to finish a strong second at Fair Grounds, and then improved upon that effort when beating a solid field at Belmont last time. Javier Castellano did a fantastic job working her into the clear from a difficult position in upper stretch, and she kicked in late with a flourish. One mile is probably her best trip based on her European form, and I think she could fly under the radar here in the face of the Brown runners.

THE PLAY

Win: 4
Exacta key box: 4 with 1, 2, 3, 6
Trifecta: 4 with 1, 6 with 1, 2, 3, 6, 8