After last night’s win at Assiniboia Downs, we head back to Saratoga for today’s eighth race, which is the Johnstone Mile. We have New York-bred fillies and mares going a mile on the main track. Post time for today’s featured race is set for approximately 5:10 pm Eastern time.
Before I get to the race, I do have to warn that it has rained overnight on Tuesday at Saratoga. We could have a drying track today, but plan accordingly for the turf races potentially being taken off the turf if you are playing the whole card.
Saratoga Race 8 – Johnstone Mile
Favored in this race is the 2 Sterling Silver (7/5 morning line). She stretches out to a mile here after finishing fifth in the Grade 2 Honorable Miss here at Saratoga. She has faced tougher company so far in 2024, but she has not shown much going a mile or longer.
The 6 Cupid’s Heart (9/5 ML) should be closer to the pace here in her second race back from the layoff. She has finished third in both of her mile races and could be in a stalking position here today.
The 3 Smokin’ Hot Kitty (7/2 ML)will be on the front end here as she shortens up from an impressive front running win here at Saratoga a couple of weeks ago. She is facing stakes company for the first time here, but this isn’t the toughest field in the world.
The 5 Bustin Bay (8/1 ML) could bust up Smokin’ Hot Kitty’s front running plans if she goes with her on the front end. She can handle an off track and is a pro at the mile distance as well having won five times in her career.
I get the feeling this is a four-horse race here. I’m keeping an eye on the front end here. If Smokin’ Hot Kitty is alone on the lead, this race is pretty much over. If she’s challenged down the backstretch, she could fade. I think she goes for the lead and will win this over Bustin Bay who will probably be at her hip most of the way down the backstretch.
I’m going to call this race 3-5-6-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 3. Good luck everyone!
QPW Update Desk
- Colonial Downs has moved their Thursday and Friday race cards to this upcoming Monday at Tuesday due to rain which could be complicated further with Tropical Storm Debby hitting the Mid-Atlantic Region. The status of the Saturday card, which includes the Arlington Million, will be decided by 5 pm on Wednesday.
- Saturday’s Also Eligible show is tentatively set for racing from Saratoga. We will take another look at the Saratoga Derby Invitational and Troy Stakes which were moved to this Saturday, but rain is in the forecast for Saratoga Springs this week as well.
Check out my stream “The Joe Quills Show” on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 9 pm Eastern on my Twitch, X and YouTube talking about the latest sports news and whatever comes up; and catch my horse racing show every Saturday at 10 am Eastern on the Bleacher Brothers platforms.