We head back to Saratoga for another stakes race on the turf there in the waning days of their summer meet. We have the Grade 3 Saranac on tap today as we have three-year-olds going a mile and a sixteenth on the Mellon (outer) turf course. Post time for this race is set for approximately 3:20 pm.
Note that the 7 Proprietary Trade (5/2 morning line) is entered for the main track only. If this race does end up on the main track, he wouldn’t be a slam dunk winner like other main track only entries that I have seen lately at Saratoga.
Saratoga Race 6 – Saranac Stakes (Grade 3)
The 1 West Hollywood is the 2/1 morning line favorite here and won here last time out at Saratoga going this distance on the turf. He had a strong closing kick to win in the final strides. This was a change from his first two races in North America as he was on the lead in his two races at Churchill Downs.
Take Me To Church (#3, 7/2 ML) is running for the first time in North America after starting his career in Ireland. He’s run on the lead in Europe, but with the time off, will new trainer Brad Cox work with him with running from off the pace or not.
The 5 Big Torpedo (5/2 ML) led in restricted stakes company last time out at Saratoga and faces open company here. Just missed three back in his only open company race at Aqueduct in the Woodhaven Stakes. He was on the lead last time out, but it was slow fractions.
On the outside will be the 6 The Process (9/2 ML) who may be putting things together at the right time. He just missed at Horseshoe Indianapolis two races back then won going a mile at Colonial last time out.
Things are going to set up nicely here for the closers. I think the 2 Villain (6/1 ML) will go for the lead with Take Me To Church. That will set things up for West Hollywood, The Big Torpedo and The Process. Let’s take the horse that is on the upswing and take The Process here. Let’s call this 6-1-5-3 with a $20 win bet on the 6. Best of luck everyone!
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