Litfin: Saratoga Horses to Watch for week of Aug. 31

ON LEAVE
Trainer: Shug McGaughey
Last race: Aug. 31, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 2 ½
Beyer: 66
Racing without Lasix, this first-time starter from a low-percentage debut barn finished with interest behind a wire-to-wire winner. Her dam has produced five grass winners, including Ironicus, winner of this year’s Grade 2 Dixie for the same connections.

CASTOR
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last race: Aug. 30, 6th
Finish: 3rd by 3 3/4
Beyer: 61
Broke a half-step slowly, moved four wide passing horses into the turn, entered the stretch three wide and finished willingly in an encouraging debut.

SAIL AHOY
Trainer: Shug McGaughey
Last race: Aug. 29, 2nd
Finish: 3rdd by 9 1/4
Beyer: 61
Half-brother to multiple Grade 1 turf winner Point of Entry and Alabama winner Pine Island broke in the second flight and raced three wide around the turn when unveiled without Lasix at six furlongs. Bred to stretch out very effectively.

ORZO
Trainer: Rudy Rodriguez
Last race: Aug. 26, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 60
Hit the side of the gate and was off slowly, took up greenly behind horses nearing the quarter pole while well back, and finished with good late energy first time out.