Wednesday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Added distance should benefit Hagrid’s Flame

Saratoga | Race 4 | Post Time 2:52 p.m. (ET)

A couple of lightly raced horses figure to vie for favoritism in this first-level allowance for New York-breds. Bob John Ray (#8) has improved with experience, overcoming debut greenness to break his maiden at a mile two back. He then held his own against allowance foes going this distance last time, but I thought he hung a bit in the late stages of that race. The other horse who figures to attract plenty of support is Toscano (#5), who tries a route distance for the first time after two sprints. He ran well to hold second in a fast race at the level last time. I’m just a little skeptical of him going this far, and he’s going to be a shorter price than he should be based on form with Irad riding.

I also think Toscano could get some company up front from Jaa Mode (#1), who has to get an aggressive ride to secure his rail position. He won in gate-to-wire fashion against an inferior field two back at Parx Racing, but earned a speed figure that makes him dangerous against this field. Even Bad Larry (#7) has the early speed to make the lead, and the connections have to be looking to send him from the outside as he stretches back out.

I’m hoping some pace develops for a couple of late runners. One of those is Boys Code (#2), who might be more of the type to use underneath given his 1 for 20 career record, with 11 seconds and thirds. However, he’s been in strong form lately, actually gaining ground on Bob John Ray going this distance two back. Then last time he was no match for the talented Vettriano, but still put in a game effort. I don’t mind the switch to Romero Maragh, who should fit this horse’s style.

My top pick is Hagrid’s Flame (#3). This horse ran deceptively well on debut when losing contact with the field early after trouble at the start before flying past tired runners through the lane and galloping out strongly. I didn’t love the trip he got in his second start when Bob John Ray mowed the field down outside and this horse was navigating some traffic. Then last time he got to make the outside move and finished powerfully like a horse who can handle added distance. He figures to be a fair price and I think he still has upside as he steps up against winners.