Saratoga | Race 9 | Post Time 5:39 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up 

One of the challenges in deciphering this Lake George is determining which was the best prep for this race. I want to lean towards horses coming out of the Wonder Again, which was perhaps a slightly tougher race than the Wild Applause or Tepin that others exit.

Jouster (#5) could go favored here as she cuts back to a more appropriate distance after setting the pace in the Wonder Again. She didn’t have to go that quickly up front, but her lack of stamina took its toll late. This time she should make the lead over horses like Navratilova and Demodog, and it’s usually good to have speed going a mile on the inner course. 

Yet the runner who I prefer out of the Wonder Again is TECHNICAL ANALYSIS (#8). She looked like a filly who could develop into a contender for the Belmont Oaks coming into that race, but she disappointed with a sixth-place finish. However, I think her trip just didn’t work for her. She was too keen heading into the first turn and Jose Ortiz could just never wrangle her off the pace. She’s a filly who needs to be covered up, and she was always unsettled racing wide in the clear. This time she figures to benefit from a quicker early tempo over the shorter distance. When she’s able to conserve her energy, she possesses a pretty electrifying turn of foot. It also appears that she’s continued to train well since that recent defeat. 

Among the others, I would also use the undefeated Runaway Rumour (#2). She was perhaps second best in the Wild Applause as Minaun (#10) encountered some traffic when kept in by that foe in the stretch. However, Runaway Rumour drew a much better post position here, and she’s just continued to improve with each start. I wouldn’t overlook her at a square price.

THE PLAY

Win: 8

Exacta Key Box: 8 with 2,5,10

Trifecta: 8 with 2,5 with 2,3,5,6,10