Illman: How I'll play Saratoga on Saturday, Aug. 13

There are two graded races at Saratoga on Saturday. Let’s take a peek.

ADIRONDACK STAKES (RACE 9)
5 – LIBBY’S TAIL (2-1 morning line; 3-1 value line)

I was really taken with Libby’s Tail’s career debut, a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight at Belmont early last month. She didn’t show the usual speed that most juvenile first-out winners display but was extremely professional, rating in between horses before swinging widest into the stretch. Three lengths behind at the stretch call, Libby’s Tail came with a strong rally to win going away. That effort was flattered somewhat when the fifth-place finisher returned to graduate on turf with an 81 Beyer Speed Figure.

Libby’s Tail must stretch out a furlong against tougher horses, but there is some stamina in the pedigree as the dam was a stakes-winning router on dirt. I’ll play her to win at 3-1 or higher in this short field but will mostly concentrate on utilizing her in multiple- and single-race exotics with 3 – SILVERTONI and 6 – EVER SO CLEVER.

FOURSTARDAVE HANDICAP (RACE 10)
9 – FORCE THE PASS (8-1 morning line; 6-1 value line)

I’ve been chasing Force the Pass in vain but hope that Saturday is the day the Grade 1 winner returns to the winner’s circle. A very good 3-year-old turf performer, Force the Pass gave a solid account of himself in his seasonal debut, the Grade 3 Appleton Stakes at Gulfstream on April 2. It was his first race against older horses, and he was very fresh off the bench. He pulled his way to the front late on the backstretch yet fought hard all the way to the wire despite the early move.

Unfortunately, wet turf courses and an illness kept Force the Pass from the starting gate until the June 18 Poker Stakes at Belmont. Force the Pass ran well that afternoon but couldn’t overcome Obviously’s major tactical advantage up front.

Force the Pass was odds-on in his most recent race, the Forbidden Apple Stakes on July 16, and didn’t have much of an excuse when unable to run down a tough cookie in 7 – KING KREESA. I wonder if trainer Alan Goldberg was using that start as a true prep for the Fourstardave, however, and whether Force the Pass wasn’t completely cranked up for the Forbidden Apple.

With two races now under his girth and a recent bullet workout on display, Force the Pass might be ready for his best effort of 2016. He’ll be forwardly placed and should gear up on the final turn. I’ll bet him to win at 6-1 odds or more.

On the undercard, let’s give 3 – MADE IN DETROIT another chance in the sixth race, an optional claimer scheduled for the turf. A new gelding in 2016, Made in Detroit has shown big speed in both starts this year only to be overtaken in the late stages. He fought gamely both times, however, and might be set for this best while cutting back in distance in his third start back.

Expect John Velazquez to have him on or near the lead one more time. Made in Detroit deserves some attention at 7-1 or greater. He can be used in exotics with 9 – FINAL CHAPTER and 10 – CHANGEWILLDOYAGOOD.

Good luck!