Rogues Walk Stakes preview

Race 8 - Saratoga
7 Furlongs
Rogues Walk Stakes
3-year-olds and upward. Fillies and mares. New York Breds.
Purse $70,000.

Judy Soda may have been a bit short last time as it was her first start in over nine months, but she set a pressured pace for six furlongs before understandably fading late. The hard-hitting mare broke her maiden going second off the bench back in 2003, and she improved her Beyer Speed Figure 13 points in her second start of 2004. Judy Soda draws outside the speeds in the Rogues Walk and projects for a nice stalking trip while racing in the clear. She should be revving up on the final bend, and looms a strong stretch threat.

Sweet Sweet has won half of her starts, and she looks like the main speed under John Velazquez. She won a statebred stakes race at Finger Lakes last time out, but she went gate-to-wire over a speed-favoring track, and may have benefited from the apparent bias. She makes the important third start of the form cycle on Wednesday, but must lug 124 lbs.

Great Lady K looks like an intriguing longshot. Trained by Allen Jerkens, Great Lady K returns on very short notice after a solid effort against open optional claimers at Belmont. She has some tactical speed, and may attempt an inside out tracking trip under Channing Hill. Her Beyers are solid, and she's a proven commodity at this 7-furlong distance.

Paige Nicole may have been aided by a speed bias when registering her career-best Beyer Speed Figure two starts back. Pelham Bay hasn't reached the winner's circle since the Maid of the Mist Stakes back in 2004. Carlow's recent speed figures are a bit light. Samsincharge and Fuego Grande may appreciate some moisture in the surface.

Selections:
1. Judy Soda
2. Sweet Sweet
3. Great Lady K

The Bet: Exacta box on the top three selections