Apologies for no column last week—we were working the Saratoga yearling sale which requires almost dawn to dusk effort. Anyway, our Pix from two weeks ago worked out OK. Our Saratoga special, Coast, got fried with a questionable ride but our gimmick Pick Absolute Aiden won the race and paid $17.,80.  Our Arlington Pick was scratched. Last week there were 10 2-year-old BreezeFigs maidens that won, and eight 3-year-old BreezeFigs maidens that got off the schneid.

Race 3:
Quick Release (#1)
The Pace Projector is predicting that she will be on a clear early lead in a situation favoring the front-runner.
The 113 TimeformUS Speed Figure that she earned is the highest last-out number in the field.
DRF Formulator Fact: Over the past 90 days, Mike Dini is 3 for 15 (20 percent, $7.70 ROI), and 11 horses in that sample – mostly longshots – have finished in the money.
5-1 on ML

Turf is mainly where it’s at when it comes to Saturday’s stakes action, which is led by the 36th running of the Arlington Million. That Grade 1, $1 million fixture is supported by two other Grade 1 grass stakes on the Arlington card – the $600,000 Beverly D. and the $400,000 Secretariat. And the main event at Saratoga – the Grade 1, $500,000 Fourstardave – is also on the turf.

Race 4:

Spectacular Plum (#1)

Had run better than it appears in his two starts against older horses at Monmouth, as he was hindered by slow paces and wide trips.

Didn’t get the right ride last time, as he was pinned down on the rail for too long, and could not build momentum until the leaders kicked away.

Trainer Luis Carvajal Jr. already has a winner at this meet, taking down the Grade 1 Vanderbilt with Imperial Hint.

4-1 on ML

STONEGATE
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: Aug. 1, 1st
Finish: 5th by 8 1/4
Beyer: 65
A lightly raced 3-year-old, he had no chance in this maiden dirt route. Bobbled at the start, four  and five wide throughout, faded. This race was a complete toss.

OVER THINKING
Trainer: Victoria Oliver
Last race: Aug. 1, 6th
Finish: 4th by 3
Beyer: 88

BOHEMIAN QUEEN
Trainer: Sid Attard
Last race: Aug. 6, 2nd
Finish: 1^st by 1/2
Beyer: 56
She came charging between rivals in the late stretch to land her debut in a seven-furlong maiden special for 2-year-olds. The daughter of Animal Kingdom and Grade 1 winner Life At Ten is bred to run long.

Race 6

Baby Boss (#4)

Ran deceptively well in the Bouwerie, as she contested a taxing pace and drifted over to the rail in the stretch on a day where you wanted to be closing outside.

Has raced against dynamics in her two recent starts on turf.

Should work out a great trip stalking a likely speed duel ahead of her.

7-2 on ML

Aug. 4

Saratoga
Test (race 8)

Have to say the early pick five seemed more initially appealing than upon more granular appraisal, but I’ll take a swing at it nonetheless.

Race 1

Race 4:
Karma Delight (#8)
The TimeformUS Pace Projector is predicting a situation favoring runners on or near the lead, and he has the speed to be forwardly placed.
Ran deceptively well last time closing into a slow pace after a flat-footed start.
May be improving at the right time whereas others are heading in the wrong direction.
10-1 on ML
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