7/27: Saratoga Race 1 Steeplechase: NW2L ALW $70K

[Flatterer]

Saratoga steeplechase race 1 is a tough non-winner of 2 races over jumps lifetime.

Flat track speed is an important consideration since there are only 8 jumps.

I believe there are 4 possible winners, #1 Ancient Times, #2 Proven Innocent, #5 Spring Heeled Jim and #7 State of Affair.

#1 Ancient Times won on the flat at Saratoga in 2020 with one of the highest Beyers in the field. At Charlotte, he was going easy in front when he fell at the 7th fence and came back to win in front running style at Colonial with a respectable time but carries 156 high weight.

#2 Proven Innocent ran fast to break his maiden on the flat at Belmont and had a strong run at Charlotte but was compromised by the course undulations and erratic runners inside. He came back impressively to win with a strong late rush at Nashville on a relatively flat course.

#5 Spring Heeled Jim had a strong finish breaking his maiden at Charlotte. Cross out the race at Radnor because of oppressive heat, 105 degree heat index in blazing sun. He runs without Lasix and gets Smithwick stakes winning jockey Bernie Dalton for 2nd place trainer Keri Brion.

#7 State of Affair ran respectably in his 2 races against winners this year. Both races were run in tough conditions. The race at Great Meadow was in a bog but #7 State of Affair ran a very good time for the conditions and Radnor had oppressive heat.

The other runners have a chance to hit the board in the 3rd or 4th hole so playing trifectas and superfectas will be difficult. The “ALL” button underneath may be the way to go.

Selection:

A) 2 (2nd) - 5 (4th) -7

B) 1

Good Luck at the races!