Illman: How I'd play Saratoga for Sunday, Aug. 24

There could be a nice betting opportunity in today's featured 10th race, the $250,000 Albany Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 Miles.

The morning-line favorite, #6 CAPTAIN SERIOUS, is a very fast and talented horse, but I have major doubts about his ability to carry that potent speed over this demanding distance. He looked tired in the late stages of his lone route, and I couldn't find an excuse for his loss as the favorite in the 6 1/2-furlong, Grade 2 Amsterdam Stakes earlier in the meet.

He's receiving a strong drop in class and might control the pace. Those are two strong points in his favor, to be sure.

In this instance, however, distance trumps all. I think he's an underlay at his 9-5 morning-line price.

I will concentrate on #1 EYE LUV LULU at 10-1 on the morning line. Although no match for Captain Serious in the $125,000 Mike Lee Stakes at Belmont, he played Captain Serious's sprinting game that afternoon. This two-turn route suits Eye Luv Lulu better.

In Eye Luv Lulu's most recent start, the $161,000 New York Derby at 1 1/16 miles, he didn't have a fair chance. He was sandwiched terribly at the start and ended up saving ground in midpack. It was encouraging that he showed some late interest to finish third in his first route outing.

Trainer Carlos Martin adds blinkers today, and I'm hoping the equipment change allows Eye Luv Lulu to show some tactical speed from the inside post. Perhaps he can track the leaders while taking the shortest way around. I'll play him to win and use him in multiple-race wagers with #4 EMPIRE DREAMS.

Race 8

#4 FLIPCUP is in good form and looks like a strong contender in today's eighth race, the $200,000 Fleet Indian Stakes at 1 1/8 Miles. She seems to relish a good stretch fight and has the pedigree to handle this extra distance. I'll play her on top of #3 STORIED LADY, who finished second to Flipcup in the $75,000 New York Oaks at Finger Lakes on July 12.

Backup exacta plays will include #7 DESERT VALENTINE, who stretches out following two victories to start her career, and #1 ALWAYSINSTILETOS, who may try to control the pace from the inside post position.

Race 2

The second race, the $200,000 Funny Cide Stakes for juveniles, features two good-looking 2-year-olds. I prefer #2 UPSTART to #7 BUSTIN IT. The former broke slowly in his debut, then pulled his way into a tight pocket along the rail on the turn. Once he found running room, Upstart surged between horses to take the lead for good. He showed a lot of promise and is taken to run down the speedy Bustin It, who never got out of a gallop in his recent victory at Belmont.

Race 5

#5 NONNA JO didn't show Upstart's brilliance in her debut, but the 2-1 second choice on the morning line for the $200,000 Seeking the Ante Stakes showed some determination in running down the favored pacesetter in the final sixteenth. Nonna Jo's good speed should serve her well, but she's no cinch stretching out 1 1/2 furlongs in today's fifth race. If she drifts a bit off her morning line, I'd consider playing her over the favored #2 HARD TO STAY NOTGO and #6 MYFOURCHIX.