Steven Crist's Saratoga graded stakes analysis: Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap
Sunday’s five-horse, Grade, 1 $400K Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap shapes up as a rematch of the five-horse ungraded $122K Iowa Sprint Handicap June 28. Gentlemen’s Bet upset 3-10 Delaunay that day, but I like Delaunay to turn the tables here.
Delaunay had a six-race winning streak come to an end that night at Prairie Meadows, but he broke several lengths behind the field. He then rushed up wide and fought with Gentlemen’s Bet to the furlong pole before understandably tiring. “No punch” was the chart comment, but I think there was a reason for that.
Delaunay breaks from post 3 today, outside the two other front-runners, a tactical advantage.
I’ll be rooting for Caixa Eletronica to pick up the pieces late and maybe get second. The admirable 8-year-old will be making his 66th career start and does his best in small fields with plenty of speed out front.