TimeformUS Saratoga Horses in Focus for Saturday, August 17, 2019

Race 1: Yankee Empire (#7)
Had significant trouble in his debut when steadied repeatedly after breaking slowly.
Has the pedigree to handle turf as a son of turf influence Cairo Prince out of a dam who is a half-sister to a turf stakes winner.
May play out as the controlling speed here in a race primarily filled with less experienced runners.
7-2 on ML

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Race 5: Nakamura (#6)
Took both of his starts in 2019 impressively, winning in more dominant fashion than the final margins indicate.
Proved last year he’s clearly better going longer distances, so the stretch-out figures to help his chances.
Gets a positive rider switch to Jose Ortiz as he returns to the NYRA circuit.
6-1 on ML

Race 9: Blowout (#4)
Showed a ton of grit when holding off stablemate Nova Sol in the Wild Applause two back.
May not have appreciated being forced into front-running tactics last time.
Is more likely to appreciate the slight stretch-out to 1 1/16 miles than stablemate Regal Glory.
5-2 on ML

Race 10: Street Band (#5)
The 112 TimeformUS Speed Figure she earned in the Indiana Oaks puts her nearly on par with the two favorites.
Got a terrible trip in the Kentucky Oaks, when rank early and wide every step of the way.
Has the tactical speed to work out a good trip in a field that is primarily composed of plodders.
10-1 on ML