Back for another exciting week of the US Racing Report and we’ve got the threat of stormy weather here all week. Let’s get to work!
Wednesday picks for Saratoga:
Race 5: Highly Devauxted - 1 pt win (US Morning Line Odds: 8/1)
This race is carded for turf but whether it’s run on turf or dirt Highly Devauxted looks like a contender. Trained by Cherie Devaux (whom she’s also partially named for), this runner is bred for both surfaces. Unified is her sire and he was a crack dirt sprinter but his sire - Candy Ride has produced strong runners on both turf and dirt and the dam is by Mizzen Mast who was mostly turf. Trainer Devaux has done an excellent job picking her spots (winning at 43% so far for the meet) and this runner attracts top rider Luis Saez, with whom this barn has win 60% of the time this meet and 42% of the time overall. Workouts look snappy enough. This one looks live at first asking.
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Race 8: Seismic Wave - 1 pt win (US Morning Line Odds: 7/2)
Yet another grass race that may end up being run on the main track and if that’s the case, Seismic Wave has a strong off-track figure in his arsenal already. He’s also got plenty solid turf form so he’s covered either way. Trainer Chad Brown has been red hot lately, especially for owner Michael Dubb who’s looking to win the owners title yet again at Saratoga. Top rider Joel Rosario adds to the appeal.
Race 9: Kneesnhips - 1 pt win (US Morning Line Odds: 10/1)
Our third of three turf races we’ve made selections in and despite Kneesnhips's grass debut victory she’s better bred for dirt so in the likely event we’re rained off, this one should have a say. Plenty of speed signed on to race and this one offered a nice closing kick to win on debut so the race should play in her favor. Tom Amoss does a nice job with his 2yos winning at 18%. Bombs away to close out our day!
Best of luck to everyone fishing off the Saratoga pier on Wednesday. Here’s to hoping you reel in a big one!