Saratoga Stack 9.3.23

Classic division gets a shakeup out West

Yes, Saratoga has been our focus all summer here in StackCapping.

But the most significant result in racing was out west at Del Mar on Saturday.

Three-year-old Arabian Knight, long considered by many as Bob Baffert’s best horse of this year’s crop, took on older horses in the Pacific Classic. And took them gate to wire.

Like so many Bob Baffert horses, this one found another gear at the top of the stretch, fighting off first Slow Down Andy and then fellow three-year-old and Haskell winner Geaux Rocket Ride.

In the Haskell, Arabian Knight could not see out the 1 1/8. Saturday, the extra gear got him the mile and a quarter, along with a birth in the Breeders Cup Classic. He’s a legit player.

At Saratoga, Bright Future sat a sweet trip and was able to get the bob late, beating a hard-charging Proxy in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. A 103 Beyer for the winner.

It was not a rendition I expect we’ll be telling our kids about 20 years from now. Rattle N Roll showed nothing.

Our Two-Minute Pick Fancy Feline closed big - came home sub 12 seconds - but boy just too far back. I know he has no early speed but this was ridiculous.

That was the screenshot after the quarter…his chiclet is so far back it’s off the screen!

Thin White Duke getting it done in the Harvy Pack at 9-1 was a good result, but other than that a pretty blah day.

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TODAY’S STACK IS PRESENTED BY NYRA BETS

Closing Week!

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Six race days to go - now is the time!

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Chad Brown is now four wins clear of Linda Rice. Feels like it's over that this point.

But a big Sunday at Saratoga looms.

$251,589 Pick 6 Carryover

$3 Million Late Pick 5 Bonus (if you’re the lone winner and a NYRA Bets account holder)

It is not an easy sequence. I’m not sure I’ll play as I can’t find a single.

Race 5:

Andy Serling has made the point that these restricted MSW races seem to be won by horses with experience more often than not. I’d likely lean on #10 Piccata Prince. Linda Rice 2 for 9 , dirt to turf, two-year-olds. Watch the board for smart money.

10-8-9

Race 6

From DRF’s Mike Beer: Brad Cox 2yo MSW, second career start, dirt, sprint: 30 for 73, 41%, $2.09 ROI. Those are strong numbers and make #4 Alpine Princess a lean for me. #2 Genetics showed speed after a slow start and is likely to run better. And #5 Nikitis seems meant for dirt after a turf route debut. And oh year - two Todd Pletcher firsters on the outside. I would be looking at the double will-pays from race five into race six to see who is taking money.

4-2-5-9

Race 7

Linda Rice does well stretching horses out and #2 Ski Patrol looks logical. #1A Jarreau not stuck with an entry after the scratch of the 1.

2-1A-3

Race 8
Our Two-Minute Pick Presented by NYRA Bets!

6-11-10-8

Race 9

The Spinaway looks like a showdown between #8 Ways and Means and #9 Brightwork. I prefer Ways and Means slightly - Chad said after that sparkling debut that he wanted to make sure jockey Flavien Prat didn’t overextend in the lane so they could save something for next race. I’m using both but have it

8-9-3-7.

Race 10

Yikes. Hell of a way to close a Sunday card. #1 Jet City Woman just missed at this level two back. Should be coming late with the best TFUS late-pace number. Lots of closers recently on the Saratoga turf. #7 Rosy’s tomorrow fits on the class drop. #9 Dark Pool fits and Clement barn is on fire. #13 Better Justice gets in and looks like a player. Tough finale.

1-13-7-9

Good luck if you’re playing. We’ll close the Saratoga Stacks tomorrow!