Problem Ponies – Horses to Watch – 8/9/16

There is nothing like the Saratoga meet. – Even if you’re in Kentucky and a million miles away, you can still love the action. There are a few meets that captivate my inner-horse player and this New York track has a magic hold on me. It’s fair to say I’ve always been a big fan of The Spa, and have it on my bucket list for sure. But in the meantime, I’ll just have to enjoy the action from a distance and look forward to making that summer trip down the road. – Here are some runners I’ve caught getting a bad trip, compromised beginning, or just a bad day at the office.

 

Saratoga

 

8/7/16

 

Race #2 – #6 – Box Office – 7f

Broke out wide from the start and at several points during the race found himself 3 wide, 4 wide, and 6 wide and still managed to finish 4th.

 

Race #5 – #2 – Indygita – 1 1/16 on the turf

Checked hard into the clubhouse turn, and was kept in the 3-4 path most of the race. Tried to make a bid and was carried wider. – Next time out for this guy.

 

Race #7 – #5 – Kerjillion – 1 mile on the turf

Chad Brown runner who settled out despite being kept off the rail. Ran into very heavy traffic and checked off heels to finish a game 3rd.

 

Race #8 – #10 – Mighty Souper – 1 1/16 on the turf

Stumbled badly at the break and was forced to swing wide to find clear sailing. Ran a solid 4th this day for Mark Casse

 

Race#10 – #3 – Dream Dancing – 1 1/16 on the turf

Steadied and bumped soundly at the start and came running late to be a very nice 2nd.

 

 

Saratoga

 

8/8/16

 

Race #2 – #3 – Haul Anchor – 6f

Two-year-old for the red-hot McLaughlin barn and was bumped around at the break with Count on America. Forced to move quickly to get back on track and finished a game second.

 

Race #3 – #1 – Rooftop View – 1 mile on the turf

Luis Saez in the saddle and he gave a perfect ride. – Grabbed the lead from the break after stalking close and was nabbed at the wire by a dirty nose. – He’s going to be a tough customer moving forward.

 

Race #4 – #3 – Mighty Moses – 6f

Del Mar shipper who was kept bottled up along the rail and squeezed back at the start when he commenced a run. This pushed him back from 2nd to 5th.

 

Race #6 – #2 – Syndergaard – 6f

Two-year-old for Todd Pletcher who wired the field running green. – This New York-bred will only get better moving forward.

 

When they make their next trip to the races, be sure to check them against the E-Z Win Forms to see where they measure up against the competition. – There is nothing like taking in the action at Saratoga. No matter if you’re in the historic grandstand or in front of your computer the racing is some of the best of the year. – If you’re like me, keep it on your list of tracks to see. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to see Keeneland in the fall and the beauty of the spring. For a handicapper from the “Bluegrass,” this is about as close as you can get to Heaven on Earth. Be sure to take in the races, because before we know it the summer action will be in the rear view mirror.- Best of luck from your friends at Winning Ponies !