Saratoga | Race 8 | Post Time 5:05 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up 

Betsy Blue (#2) figures to go favored again after losing as the 7-5 choice at this level last time. She really hasn’t put in a poor effort yet in her 6 career starts, even though her 4-race winning streak was broken last time. She might have gotten closer to the winner in that most recent outing had she been able to work her way into the clear a bit earlier, but ultimately 6 furlongs may have been a little short for her. Stretching back out to 7 furlongs figures to suit her, as she was impressive winning the Bouwerie over this trip two back. That said, she still is somewhat dependent on pace and she doesn’t have any discernable speed figure advantage over this field. 

Diva Banker (#3) moves up to this level as she seeks her third victory in a row for Ray Handal. She was a vet scratch from the July 18 race that Betsy Blue exits, but she’s worked consistently through that time so it probably isn’t a major concern. She’s clearly in career form right now, but I actually prefer the runner who finished just behind her last time. 

TRINNI LUCK (#4) took a couple of starts to get back on track coming off the layoff for Rudy Rodriguez this year. She was dull on May 22 and fared better on June 18 behind Diva Banker. Yet she took a significant step forward last time, showing improved early speed to run a field off its feet. She laid down some fast fractions while sustaining early pressure before kicking away from the field through the stretch. That 99 TimeformUS Speed Figure is among the best numbers in this field, and I think she’s going to work out a similar trip here. Horses exiting that July 10 race have done well, as the second through fourth-place finishers all earned higher speed figures in subsequent starts. For what it’s worth, Rudy Rodriguez is 7 for 34 (21%, $2.22 ROI) with last-out winners in Saratoga dirt sprints over the past 5 years.

THE PLAY

Win: 4

Exacta: 4 with 2,3,5

Trifecta: 4 with 2 with 1,3,5,6