SARATOGA BEST PLAYS:
THIRD RACE – Post: 2:15 PT
3-Whistler’s Honor (9/2)
It is difficult to gauge how much of a threat this colt could have been in a similar affair at Belmont Park in his second career start in late May. For certain, he had no chance to display any type of late kick after being hopelessly blocked behind a wall of horses from the furlong pole to the wire. The son of Tonalist was locked and loaded but was never persevered with when the case became hopeless; so it would be nice today to find out just what he’s capable of. At 9/2 on the morning line and with J. Ortiz staying aboard, the J. Abreu-trained sophomore deserves another chance in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics.
NINTH RACE: Post: 5:39 PT
3-Mira Mission (7/2)
Classy gelding has plenty in his favor in this year’s edition of the Forbidden Apple S.-G3. Freshened since the spring after missing by a neck in the Turf Classic S.-G1 on Derby Day in Kentucky, the son of Noble Mission has trained steadily in recent weeks to be plenty fit and projects to enjoy an ideal second-flight, ground-saving trip and then have every chance to seal the deal when the pressure is turned on. A winner of five of 12 career starts, including a clever score over the local lawn last year, the I. Wilkes-trained gelding has earned triple digit Beyer speed figures in his last three starts and retains regular pilot J. Leparoux. There is wagering value to be found at or near his morning line of 7/2.
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SANTA ANITA RECOMMENDED ROLLING EXOTIC STRATEGIES:
PICK-5 (Races 1-5)
1st race: 6-Camp Akeela; 5-Im Just Kiddin; 3-Maddie’s Grace
2nd race: 1-Remain Anonymous; 3-Invaluable
3rd race: 3-Whistler’s Honor; 1-Your Mission
4th race: 1-Actualize. Backup: 6-Just Like This
5th race: 10-Al’s Prince; 9-Lord of War; 12-Born a Gambler. Backup: 12-Born a Gambler
PICK-4 (Races 6-10)
6th race: 9-Grape Nuts Warrior; 7-Ruse; 5-Straw Into Gold.
7th race: 3-Six Percent; 5-Will E Sutton; 6-I Am the Cash Man
8th race: 3-Twilight Gleaming. Backup: 6-Derrynane
9th race: 3-Mira Mission. Backup: 1-Set Piece
10th race: 2-Rossa Veloce; 9-Shesawildjoker; 3-Khali Magic; 1-Pretty Clever
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SARATOGA WORKOUT ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY:
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THIRD RACE:
Your Mission (July 8, Saratoga, 4f, :49.3b TT du). Grade: B-
Inside City Fever (same time) around dogs over the training track turf course for T. Pletcher, light coaxing (workmate ridden), okay work while clearly best and galloping out well to the clubhouse turn and into the backstretch. Seems to be coming back well enough as a first-time gelding and should fit with maiden state-bred competition over a distance of ground on grass.
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EIGHTH RACE:
Lady Scarlet (July 9, Saratoga, 4f, :47.4b). Grade: B
Never really asked in sharp half mile breeze for M. Maker, final quarter mile in :24.2 over the Saratoga main track. Was impressive winning the Miss Preakness Stakes at Pimlico last time out and holds that form.
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NINTH RACE:
Set Piece (July 9, Saratoga, 4f, :48.4b, TT). Grade: B-
In blinkers in solo training track drill, seemed a bit unfocused into and through the lane but otherwise was fine in steady drill without being asked. Has never really been much in the morning but appears to be holding his edge.
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