The more things change the more they stay the same. After the early start to the Saratoga meet, jockey John Velasquez and Javier Castellano are once again fighting for leading jockey with one win separating the two top jockeys. Both jockeys are hitting in the money at a staggering 50% for riders with over fifty mounts, which is mind blowing considering the competition at the meet. Bet Velasquez and Castellano if you like padding your two dollar bet, but venture outside the norm if you want some value.
For the trainers, Todd Pletcher is once again ahead of the class with his stock stable. Mott, Maker, Dutrow, and Weaver are also hitting hard with winners. Chad Brown and Christophe Clemente are in the money from 24 and 22 runners respectively. With seventeen starters, Bruce Brown has been in the money ten times with seven of those finishing third. How many of those third place finishers will convert to winners in the next few weeks from the Bruce Brown barn? That is something to pay close attention to.
Barns that can get even hotter in the next few weeks: Kiaran McLaughlin with only two in the money finishers from nine staters. The barn is quiet on the track and off. David Jacobson has one winner from twenty starters, although he has seven second and third place finishers and "Shug" McGaughey with twelve starters with two winners and two third place finishers.
Things to watch for Wednesday, July 30th at Saratoga:
The Coronation Cup is the ninth race on the card and it draws ten starters. I am not blown away with these fillies, but there will be a price play in the field.
We have Hot Squeeze coming off a nice win on July 23rd... seven days turn around..loved her in her last start but I am passing this time around.
Ruslana: I looked..I saw..I don't like.
Sweetmary's Success: Trying turf for the first time..she will love it..third off layoff..love that!
Scatcapade: Five starts this year..in the money three times..leave out Clement at your own peril.
Recoupe: Broke maiden on turf after three starts on dirt..could be rising.
Stars Above Me: is an interesting filly..first time lasix...in the money four out of five starts..the field is not incredibly strong..motion is going well..take a shot!
Fat Kat: Two starts..two stakes..someone thinks highly of this filly.
Isabelle: From the Lisa Lewis barn...will be trying turf for the first time..if she likes it then payoff could be great.
Elena Strikes: Comes into field boasting impressive company on dirt...Pletcher and Velasquez are hot again at Saratoga.
Selection: I am playing Stars Above Me on top...I am banking that she will be nice against this bunch..will play three others underneath for super.
Race 2: Brandini is stretching out for the first time..sticking to maiden claiming ranks after trying straight maiden six previous starts...could graduate today.
Race 3: Willet will be tough but I am trying to beat that one with Here's Zealicious...the six year old mare is hard hitting on the track...seven starts this year and in the money six times with four wins.
Price Play: Race 4...Alaskan Bird form the Nick Zito barn...won last time out after going back to dirt...will enjoy stretching out and she could just love that winning feeling.
Race 5..Dilger and Bridgmohan did some nice work with the two year old Wired Bryant last year..this season Bridgmohan came off Saluda when the gate opened...they will be tough in this spot with the daughter of Smart Strike.
Selections:
Race 1: Harrods Creek
El Season
Virsito/Easy Reach
Race 2: Brandini
Kelly's Prize
Bella Fachi
Race 3: Here's Zealicious
Willet
Atlantic Smile
Race 4: Alaskan Bird
Rock Me Mama
chase My Tail
Race 5: First Charmer
Oohlala
Nonna Jo
Race 6: Mama Zee
Rosie My Way
Kelwynne
Race 7: Lonely Teardrops
Wine Burglar
Ear D' Rhythm
Race 8: Queen To Be
La Madrina
Hobe Wins
Race 9: Stars Above Me
Scatcapade
Isabelle
Fat Kat
Race 10: Uptown Joe
Candir
Jimmy Souls
Kato
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