RT's Labor Day Saratoga Pick: On closing day, the 11th race is The Hopeful, for 2yo colts; Gulfport favored

RT’s Spot Plays

09.05.22

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Saratoga R11|Post Time: 6:11 pm EDT

The Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes

Dirt 7 Furlongs|2YO|Purse: $300K|

On Saturday, the Steve Asmussen-trained Powerful took the second race at Saratoga. Why is this pertinent to this race? Because prior to Powerful’s race, he worked out twice on turf before running away with the win. Today, 4-Gulfport (9/5) has followed the same training pattern, and this will determine its effectiveness. $225K 6-Blazing Sevens (4/1) is by Good Magic, whose three progeny to graduate from their bow and enter a stakes race have all digressed. 5-Mo Strike (5/2) will take money, yet as outlined yesterday, 2yo’s that win their second race, and it is a stakes race, are now 5/46. He is a talented horse with good works but move at your own peril.

I am going with 2-Forte (3/1) who was favored over Mo Strike in the Sanford and caught a wide trip. Pletcher/Irad 27% together.