Bet the horses at Saratoga! RT picks the 8th and 9th races with the help of SmartCap and Equibase
Two plays from Saratoga today.
Race 8 – post time 4:46 pm EDT
$50K Starter Allowance for 3yo+ NW$x going 8.5F on the inner turf
#5 Battalion (6/1) has a recent race over the track at the same conditions and distance. This son of Tiznow has our best overall class, speed, last race and last two cumulatively. Johnny V gets his second go with him and after breaking his maiden two back, his last performance shows his capability of performing at this level.
#3 Mandate (2/1) is 1-1 at Saratoga and is looking for two in a row. His trainer is 14% in this situation, which seemingly is low, yet if you consider the size of Pletcher’s barn, it is a solid number. Jose Ortiz retains the mount today and this Blame colt will be a factor.
#6 Bray (5/2) first off the claim for Rudy Rod where he is a solid 15%. He has had three freshenings since the claim and has leader Irad Jr. in the irons. Has a lifetime money earnings of $15.2K, which is twice as much as the next.
#8 The Sinner Is You (15/1) has our second best last, overall speed and overall class. He is second off the layoff and the positive jockey change signals an exotic play.
My Pick: SmartCap/Equibase numbers has #5 Battalion at the top and this second trip around the track makes him a play.
Race 9 – post time 5:17 pm EDT
The $85K Union Avenue Handicap for state bred fillies and mares 3yo+ going 7F
#1 Ratajkowski (6/5) has our best overall speed, class and co-best last. There is going to be no doubt that she will take the lead and it may be hard to catch her. The 1F turn back will play the major factor and she is an extremely talented mare. Lightly worked 6yo has only eight races and earned $46K per race.
#5 Carrera Cat (5/1) has second best overall speed and class. However, she has been on furlough since last early winter and her trainer is el pew in this situation. That said, if workouts signal readiness, she’s ready. Four bullets shot in the past three months and her last a brisk 1:00.5 for 5F. 3:1-2-0 for $90K at The Spa makes this granddaughter of Mineshaft an exotic play.
#6 Newly Minted (7/5) another speed horse whose lifetime earnings are impressive – 10:5-3-1 for $469K or $47K per race. Linda Rice 14% with horses coming off 2-6 months from the bench and 23% with jockey Jose Lezcano.
#3 Mrs. Orb (6/1) almost caught Ratajkowski last out and this turn back in distance does not play well to this closer. On the flip side, given the amount of speed in this race, so she may get the perfect trip.
My pick is the favorite, however, I am not going to bet it. I will take a trifecta with Mrs. Orb and #4 Collegeville Girl (15/1) – another stone closer who can get a slice.
Tracking Today
Arl 5 – Givin Up None
Emd 1 – Linchpins Wake
Emd 9 – Candy’s Martini
GG 5 – Desert Smoke
Ind 8 – Gift Wrapped
LrL 7 – Gennie Highway
Pqi 6 – Lightning Jack
Prm 5 – Womanizing Willie
Sar 4 – Naughty Prince
Sar 6 – Foxtail
Longshots
BTP 5 – Dorothysfunnygirl
CT 4 – Tracing Gold
Del 1 – Estrella Grande
GP 3 – Taco
LrL 2 – Seattle Ric
Sar 5 – Bonus Baby
Sar 10 – Master Of The Tunes
WO 3 – Joan’s Christine
If you are interested in getting more daily evaluations, please email SmartCap@bettorsinsider.com.
