Jeff Siegel’s What You Need to Know – Saratoga – 8/17/24
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Saratoga 8th Race – Post: 4:29 ET. Degree of confidence: B+
Top Selection: 6-Rocketeer.
Other Contenders: 10-Timeout.
Forecast: With a progressive series of races and speed figures that continue to rise, Rocketeer seems primed for another significant forward move in this first level allowance main track affair over nine furlongs. Runner-up with a career top Beyer figure over this track and distance last month, the son of Curlin is re-equipped with blinkers and projects to inherit a good pace stalking trip in a race that most likely will have soft early fractions. He’s a bit of a grinder (not uncommon with sons of this high class stallion) but has untapped potential with just four races under his belt, and as a 3-year-old still has plenty of time to develop into a stakes quality performer. T. Gaffalione stays aboard and knows him well, so at 9-2 on the morning line this B. Cox-trained colt offers a good gambling opportunity.
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Saratoga 9th race – Post: 5:04 ET. Degree of confidence: B+
Top Selection: 6-Les Reyes (Fr.)
Other Contenders: none.
Forecast: Les Reyes (Fr.) arrives fit and ready for new trainer C. Clement following back-to-back all-weather victories in France in what has turned out to be a pair of highly productive races. If she can transfer her synthetic form to grass (this will be her first start on the sod), this late-charging grey filly should have plenty to say about the outcome in this year’s edition of the Lake Placid S.-G2. A versatile type that can lay within range and then storm home, she has put together a brief series of drills since her arrival stateside, and with her most recent victory earned in early June, we doubt she’s lost any of her conditioning. The modestly bred filly clearly has plenty of quality and is a “must play” at anywhere near her generous morning line of 10-1.
Jeff Siegel’s What You Need to Know – Del Mar – 8/17/24
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Del Mar 4th Race – Post: 3:32 PT. Degree of confidence: B+
Top Selection: 8-Aransas Pass.
Other Contenders: 7-Schilflied.
Forecast: Two year old maiden fillies meet over a mile on grass with several newcomers to consider, but the one that stands out is Aransas Pass, a first timer from the Michael McCarthy barn. Bred to run long on both sides of her pedigree, the daughter of Global Campaign from a mare by Take Charge Indy has done some excellent work in the morning providing strong evidence that she as plenty of speed, so her connections had the option to sprint or route. Her recent gate work was extra sharp and should have her fit and ready for a major effort first crack out of the box. Barn favorite U. Rispoli takes the call and should have this talented prospect on or near the lead from the get-to. In a race that lacks depth., let’s make her a win play and major plush in the various exotics.
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Del Mar 6th race – Post: 4:32 PT. Degree of confidence: B+
Top Selection: 2-Boss Sully.
Other Contenders: none.
Forecast: We’ve always believed that Boss Sully, while capable of winning at any distance, is most comfortable as a late-running sprinter on grass, and the son of Street Boss gets ideal conditions in this five furlong turf sprint for first level allowance older horses. The B. Koriner-trained gelding hasn’t been out since last October when he captured a downhill turf dash at Santa Anita, but the recent work tab should have him geared up for a top performance off the bench. With plenty of pace to chase, he projects to settle in the second flight and then produce the last run while offering excellent wagering value in the win pool and in rolling exotic play.
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