Friday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Striking Causeway can rebound with aggressive ride

Saratoga | Race 1 | Post Time 1:10 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

The two runners likely to attract the most support in this New York-bred maiden turf sprint are Advanced Strategy (#6) and Silver Token (#7), who finished less than a length apart when they last met on July 26 at this level. Silver Token probably had the better trip, saving ground most of the way, though he was pretty game in the late stages. However, he’s also had more chances than most to break out of the maiden ranks, so it’s probably unreasonable to expect further improvement. There’s more upside with Advanced Strategy, who was making his first start off a layoff last time, and had to swing pretty wide on the far turn to find a clear path. He ultimately flattened out in the late stages, but has a right to make more of an impact this time as Jimmy Jerkens adds Lasix.

I’m using both of these, but I think they’re going to have a tough time reeling in the likely speed - STRIKING CAUSEWAY (#4).

This horse ran an excellent race two back at Belmont, as he set a fast pace and was game through the late stages, just failing to hang on. It appears that he fell apart last time, but some factor contributed to that disappointing effort. He acted up pretty badly in the gate prior to the start, though he broke running and was actually in front after a few jumps. However, for whatever reason, Joel Rosario seemed totally uninterested in securing the lead and took Striking Causeway in hand. From there he just allowed him to steadily drop back through the pack without ever asking for run. Perhaps something felt amiss, but it’s clear that Striking Causeway wasn’t asked to put forth his best effort that day. Now he gets a rider switch to Irad Ortiz Jr., and he figures to be sent to the front.

THE PLAY

Win: 4
Exacta Key Box: 4 with 1,3,6,7
Trifecta: 4 with 6,7 with 1,2,3,6,7