Tropical Storm Debby is somewhere in the North Atlantic and Saratoga returned to racing on Saturday. They should be back on the turf as the Grade 1 Fourstardave, the turf race moved from yesterday to today, is in the spotlight today. Post time for today’s race is for approximately 6:16 pm Eastern time.
We had 7 horses entered for this mile turf race, but the 2 Master of the Seas has already been scratched. We are left with six horses left for this Grade 1 turf test. This gelding will be running for the first time at Saratoga, but
Saratoga Race 10 – Fourstardave Stakes (Grade 1)
The 6 Ottoman Fleet (8/5 morning line) is favored today after winning at the end of June in the Grade 2 Wise Dan at Churchill Downs going gate to wire. He doesn’t need the lead to win but he will be tough here in this turf test. This gelding will be running for the first time at Saratoga, but I would not be worried about that.
The 4 Carl Spackler (9/5 ML) won the Grade 3 Kelso last month at Saratoga and has won four of five at today’s distance. He will be near the pace like he always is and looks to improve on his spectacular record at the mile distance.
The 1 Strong Quality (8/1 ML) gave way in the Manhattan on Belmont Day at Saratoga. He draws the rail today and will be gunning for the lead just like he has time after time on both turf and dirt. He will be setting the fractions here, but will he be there at the end?
The 3 Major Dude (8/1 ML) steps back into stakes company after winning an optional claimer last month here at Saratoga. He has won several Grade 2 and Grade 3 races as a three-year-old and could surprise at closing here.
The 5 Money Supply (10/1 ML) will be invading from Horseshoe Indianapolis where we goes from an ungraded stakes to today’s Grade 1 here at Saratoga. He is definitely going to be tested here in this major class jump here.
The 7 More Than Looks (7/2 ML) was originally entered for the Lure Stakes last week but was scratched and ended up here. He is a stone cold closer, and if he is right in his first race since last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile, he should win this. But will he be able to close what might be a slower pace than what he likes.
Carl Spackler had that hiccup two races back in the Poker on Belmont Day and ran his usual race last time out at Saratoga. I think he will get the job done here as he will have to fight off Ottoman Fleet and More Than Looks. I’ll call this 4-7-6-3 and my play is $20 to win on the 4. Good luck everyone!
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