Saratoga - TRAVERS day card selections (8/23)

(73-258) $503.20

Race #1

Aquino – just missed in stateside debut for Kiaran McLaughlin, gets the slight call in tough Travers card opener.
On Board Again – 2nd best coming off long layoff in last start, may have needed that race & gets blinkers on today.
West Express – sharp victory at 6-1 over the track, fits with this group.
Longshot add-in: Barrier Reef

Race #2

Lord Justice / Platte River (entry) – two well bred runners from the Pletcher barn, both could be future stars.
Spaniard – weakened but held 2nd first time over the track, limited Baffert runners have done well here.
Gone Astray – held the show spot easily in debut on the slop on opening day at 13-1, done well with McGaughey runners this meet.
Longshot add-in: Coal Baron

Race #3

Jimmy Simms – last seen running 2nd to Kentucky Bear in January at Gulfstream Park, trainer switch from Pletcher to Asmussen, tough maiden race.
Tiz It – 2nd again behind the surprising Joppa Flats last time out, 6 for 7 in the money looking for first victory.
Mahwell – had eventful beginning in only start last Fall, regally bred runner may need a race off layoff.

Race #4

Woodrunner – solid statebred runner for Barclay Tagg, gets blinkers on today.
Al Amir – just missed at this level last time out as the favorite, the one-to-beat here.
Smart Enuf – sharp maiden winner last time out at Belmont going slightly longer, good lightly raced turf form.
Superfecta include: Triple Bogey Blues

Race #5

Intercoastal (Best Bet) – wide trip in debut at 9-2 for Mott, sharper second time out.
Rogue Victory – had a eventful start, but rallied fast to get second, stretch threat.
Yuletide – Sheppard shipper has no early foot, bullet work on the turf course here.
Superfecta includes: Whywhy Cat & Allegre

Race #6

Baronial – gets the call here if draws into the race, sharp maiden win at a price for McGaughey in last start.
Big Stick – seeks third in a row, huge improvement in last two starts & may be a square price.
Parc des Princes – tried to wire the field last time out only to drift out late & was D.Q., gunning from the rail today?
Superfecta include: Baletti

Race #7

Sir Lowry – right there in all four starts this year on the weeds, most likely the favorite due to that record & connections.
Prussian – highly regarded three year old colt hasn’t reproduced his two year old form, faces older horses for the first time.
Holiday Trip – 13 for 17 lifetime on the grass, hard hitter always there.
Longshot add-in: Baron Von Tap

Race #8

Indyanne – undefeated three year old filly has won her four starts by over 32 lengths, runner is from Lost in the Fog connections.
Informed Decision – Sheppard runner much the best on the polytrack in April, may be a price in this spot.
Sly Storm – Proctor shipper comes off solid victory in Monmouth stake last time out, evenly matched group after top pick.

Race #9

Distorted Reality – rallied in the Fourstardave Handicap at 24-1, third different distance in last three starts, price again in this field.
Proudinsky – no factor last time out going a mile & a quarter in grade I stake, improves with better trip today.
Shakis – winner of this race last year, form dull this year though.
Superfecta include: Thorn Song

Race #10

J Be K – never been better, pointed for this race since his victory in the Woody Stephens Stakes on the Belmont Stakes undercard.
Kodiak Cowboy – game victory in the Amsterdam Stakes, the prep race for this event.
Desert Key – set the pace in the Amsterdam Stakes just missing, the one to catch.
Saver : Golden Spikes

Race #11

Harlem Rocker – the “now” horse in this year’s Travers, once pointed for the Preakness & regarded as the 2nd best 3yr.old by some.
Mambo in Seattle – game victory in the overnight three year old stake on the Jim Dandy undercard, the “Grasshopper” of this year?
Colonel John – tries “real” dirt for only the second time, ships in from the west coast for a reason.
Superfecta includes: Pyro & Macho Again
Longshot add-in: Cool Coal Man

Race #12

Fra Lippo – weakened late first time route, better this time out.
Burnished Copper – still getting closer with nose lost last time out, most likely the favorite today.
Night in Tunsia – first time starter for Pletcher, watch the board.
Rockon Rockoff – Philly shipper with two recent good efforts, price here.
Longshot add-in: Mail Heroics

The “Wm DoubleFeature” 2-3 double play

Coal Baron (2nd) & Mahwell (3rd)