img HORSE

SARATOGA Race #2

July 11, 2019
img1:35 PM Eastern
Premium Pick

Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (SAYAAF) (2-1) - Colt is one of two entered by trainer Chad Brown and the pair race uncoupled. He's finished second in both starts on the grass, each at this level going 7 furlongs at Belmont Park. Shadwell home bred is shortening up in distance, has early speed, and he breaks just off the rail, I give him a slight edge.

2nd pick: #10 (Ahead of Plan) (8-5) - The second of the pair from Chad Brown, this $475,000 son of 'Big Drama' is switching to the grass following a pair of second-place finishes on the dirt. The latest came going 7 furlongs at Belmont June 7 while he did so here when debuting last Aug. 19. Colt completes a strong hand from the barn.

3rd pick: #11 (Vehement) (9-2) - Claiborne home bred has a speed/stalking style and has been competitive in all three grass sprints. Latest came when he finished third at Belmont going 6 furlongs at this level June 1. His outside post is a plus and he should receive a fast and/or contested pace to rally into. This 3yo by 'War Front' must be left in the mix.

4th pick: #3 (Sneakiness) (8-1) - Colt is racing third back from a seven month layoff and is on the turf for the first time. Latest saw him finish a wide fourth June 7 at Belmont, a contest where he was just over 3 lengths behind 'Ahead of Plan'. Bred to handle the surface change, $255K son of 'Into Mischief' must be left under consideration.

5th pick: #12 (Declined) (5-1) - He ships from Kentucky where he was competitive in a pair at Churchill Downs, both at this level and distance. He has early speed and his outside post means that he'll be sent hard by Jose Ortiz at he break. Not impossible.

TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF SPORTS BETTING

Get my free Horse picks and predictions.

Join 424,113 Subscribers!