img HORSE

SARATOGA Race #9

August 22, 2015
img5:35 PM Eastern
Premium Pick

Top pick: #1 (MARKET OUTLOOK) - Lightly-raced 5-year-old never had a chance last out after racing in very heavy traffic here at this level going 8.5-furlongs July 25. It was his first since a sharp allowance win at Aqueduct April 18 and he's since put in a pair of solid half-mile drills. This field is weaker than in his latest and he draws a ground-saving post. Gets a slight edge.

2nd pick: #2 (Smooth Daddy) - Speedball was a winner here a year ago, then finished second in the Saranac Stakes (G3) on this course two weeks later. Lightly-raced since, he's the main speed and is a strong win candidate.

3rd pick: #9 (Taghleeb) - Stretch runner has been competitive in all eight grass starts after debuting on the dirt here 13-months ago. Shadwell home bred rallied to finish 3rd here last out and was 5-lengths better than 'Market Outlook'. He's racing 2nd back off a pair of layoffs and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin is having a great meet. He's the 3rd member of the 3-horse win mix.

4th pick: #4 (Shock Leader) - Veteran is a steady and consistent performer at this level. Stretch runner rallied to miss by a 'neck' racing for a $40K tag at Belmont July 16. Claimed that day by Nick Esler, he's worked him three times since and moves him back up in class. Must be left under consideration.

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