TimeformUS Saratoga Horses in Focus for Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017
Race 6:
Forever Unbridled (#4)
Ran better than it appears in her prep for this, as she closed into a slow pace that was dominated by the front-runner.
Possesses the tactical speed to sit closer to the front in a situation lacking much early pace.
Catches a vulnerable Songbird at the right time.
7-2 on ML
Race 8:
Practical Joke (#1)
Showed a sprinter’s turn of foot when running down the leaders despite rating off slow early fractions in the Dwyer.
May have won the Haskell had he not gotten stopped in traffic on the far turn.
Gets plenty of pace to close into as he turns back in distance.
5-2 on ML
Race 10:
Erupt (#6)
Throw out his last race, in which he caught a softer turf course that he didn’t like in a race where multiple horses were eased late.
Asserted his superiority over Idaho on a firm course in last fall’s Canadian International.
Has good tactical speed and won’t be compromised by slow early fractions.
3-1 on ML
Race 11:
West Coast (#3)
Overcame a disastrous start to circle the field and win the Easy Goer in impressive fashion two back.
Runs like a horse who should appreciate every bit of this 10-furlong distance.
Bob Baffert gets a 100 Trainer Rating when teaming up with jockey Mike Smith.
4-1 on ML