Litfin's preview: Expect sloppy conditions
Wet ‘n wild weather expected
The good news is that it’s supposed to be sunny and warm for Super Saturday. The bad news is that Thursday looks like a washout, according to the weather prognosticators, who say heavy rain and wind is a sure thing.
It would appear then, that five races scheduled for turf are in jeopardy of being switched to a sloppy main track, including all four legs of the late pick four.
Slop’s okay for Sandy’z Slew
If the $77,000 allowance feature (race 7) is taken off the inner turf, a little muck and mire would be just fine with Sandy’z Slew, a consistent gelding whose two fastest Beyer Figures have been delivered in the slop this season for Richard Schosberg.
Sandy’z Slew, who earned a career-best 95 when beaten less than a length in the off-the-turf Troy Stakes most recently, is among three New York-breds in the field that seem equally capable on turf or dirt, along with Knockher Off and Isn’tlovejustgrand.
Pedigree power
Two New York-bred maiden fillies with extraordinarily high Tomlinson ratings for off-going stretch out to one mile in race 4.
Building Permit, who is by Bellamy Road and out of the unraced mare Unbridled’s Blessing, boasts a 473 that is just 7 points below a “perfect” rating of 480.
In Spite Of Mama is by the prolific slop sire Speightstown, and out of Mama Theresa, who is a half-sister to 2010 Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Haynesfield; she is pegged at 464.
First-time geldings clash
Dinner Time and Special Invitation, who break side by side from the two innermost stalls in race 5, have both been gelded since their last starts at Saratoga, and look like logical contenders in a $40,000 maiden claiming sprint.
Best to wait and watch the tote board, however, as first-time starters Oh Poggibonsi (457) and Ghost Swagger (432) own the top wet-track Tomlinsons.
Horse to watch
SENSE OF PEACE
Trainer: Michelle Nevin
Last race: Sept. 21, 3rd
Finish: 5th by 11
Beyer: 61
Racing with a bar shoe removed, this confirmed speedster broke slowly and never factored over a sealed, muddy track, reaffirming his dislike for such conditions.