img HORSE

SARATOGA Race #9

August 15, 2011
img5:00 PM Eastern
Premium Pick

Top pick: #6 (PELAGO) - Filly by "More Than Ready" ships in from Presque Isle where she had all sorts of problems at the start and was virtually eliminated. She was competitive in her previous three starts, including a solid third-place finish on the Belmont lawn facing special weights June 8. Drops into a claimer for the first time and home-bred is the horse to beat if this race stays on the grass.

2nd pick: #7 (Grand Illumination) - Another that's shipping in rom Presque Isle and she ran well there on the "poly" in two starts facing special weights. Drops into a claimer and races on the grass, both for the first time. In the barn of Graham Motion, who's having a very strong meet, and the presence of Dominguez is duly noted.

3rd pick: #12 (Eric'sformalreturn) - Well bet when debuting at Belmont July 9, she showed some speed before tiring and was claimed that afternoon by Rick Dutrow for $35K. New barn wins at a 29% rate first off the claim and they'll move this filly to the grass today. Needs two scratches to get in.

4th pick: #15 (Singmeasong) - Filly wasn't beaten much racing here at this price and distance July 31 and she spent a lot of that effort fighting her rider. Can factor if she scratches in.

5th pick: #13 (Chive Blossom) - Speedy filly by "Unbridled's Song" cost $150K and is dropped into a claimer for the first time. Another who needs some scratches to run, but her speed makes her dangerous if she does.

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