Jeff Siegel’s What You Need to Know – Saratoga – 7-28-24
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Saratoga 6th race – Post: 4:02 ET. Degree of confidence: A-
Top Selection: 3-Opulent Restraint (Ire).
Other Contenders: none.
Forecast: Opulent Restraint (Ire) is bred to run long on the grass, so it’s not surprising that she debuts two turning on turf. Having said that, she displayed plenty of early speed July 14 in a half mile gate drill with the very promising debut winner Virgin Colada and may have even been a tad the best, with both finishing up heads apart. She breezed well on grass earlier in her current work pattern looks very much like the type that can act equally well on both surfaces. Listed at 2-1 on the morning line. the Irish-bred daughter of Dubawi is expected to earn her diploma and then go on to bigger and better things as our Prime Play of the Day.
Jeff Siegel’s What You Need to Know – Del Mar – 7/28/24
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Del Mar 7th Race – Post: 5:08 PT. Degree of confidence: B+
Top Selection: 10-Stylishlyacclaimed
Other Contenders: 4-Glorious Life; 7-Fight Back.
Forecast: Stylishlyacclaimed made his debut a year ago April sprinting on grass at Santa Anita and gave a favorable impression when rallying to be a promising sixth (beaten less than five lengths) without being knocked before galloping out with plenty left. Then he disappeared. The C. Gaines-trained gelding finally returns, this time in a two turn affair for which he is much better suited than the six furlong trip of his first start. He’s trained quite well for his comeback, consistently displaying some genuine ability, especially in a recent five furlong bullet drill of :59 2/5 (fastest of 111) on the main track while apparently returning as well as he left. At 7/2 on the morning line, he presents a strong wagering opportunity in the win pool and in the various exotics.
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Del Mar 8th race – Post: 5:38 PT. Degree of confidence: B
Top Selection: 4-Le Mans.
Other Contenders: none.
Forecast: Le Mans looks dreadful on form – he’s been beaten more than 60 lengths combined in his first two starts – but the son of Omaha Beach continues to train like a useful type so we’re willing to give him one more chance, especially with this all-important drop from maiden to maiden claiming. Now in the T. Yakteen barn and making his first start since being gelded, he switches to A. Fresu and very possibly has found his friends in this middle distance main track affair that came up weaker than usual. If he can run at all – and we believe there’s still something to work with – this would be a good spot to show it. At 4-1 on the morning line, he’s a gamble in the win pool and in rolling exotic play.
