Thursday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Road to Remember cuts back in strong form

Saratoga | Race 3 | Post Time 2:20 p.m. (ET)

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Loon Cry (#1) looks like the horse to beat as she switches back to turf after a decent stakes try on the synthetic course at Presque Isle. She will be stepping up to this allowance level for the first time, but she certainly impressed when clearing her N1X condition in July. The 5 1/2-furlong trip will mark the shortest distance she’s ever attempted, but her tactical speed and finishing kick should serve her well on the cutback. I’m not against her, but I do think others could offer better value.

Mz Big Bucks (#6) is cutting back in distance far more dramatically, having attempted a two-turn mile in her last start. That proved to be too far for this sprinter, but she still ran pretty well within the context of the race flow. She stalked a fast pace and forged to the lead in upper stretch before fading, passed only by two deep closers. This full sister to a stakes-winning turf sprinter is back at the right distance and should be set for a better effort.

My top pick is Road to Remember (#7). Her last-out 109 TimeformUS Speed Figure is the highest number in this field, and is boosted by a significant pace upgrade for the fast early fractions she set. Seven furlongs is arguably pushing her past her limit, but she still did well to hold on for second behind the closing New Ginya. That rival returned to win the Yaddo Stakes last week in impressive fashion, flattering her form. Road to Remember has previously been successful going this shorter distance on the Saratoga turf course, and she appears to be in better form now than when she won her maiden here last year. She’s switching into the barn of Ray Handal, which doesn’t hurt given the strong year he’s been having. She’s also well positioned on the TimeformUS Pace Projector, depicted just off the lead in a situation predicted to favor forwardly placed runners.