By Mike Kratville

 

This is always a special race because people see some of the best 2 year old fillies that often end up running in the Breeders’ Cup later in the year (and perhaps also make a run at the Triple Crown next year).

 

Saratoga is a very speed-favoring track when dry. Current weather reports for Wednesday indicate at least a 40% chance of rain overnight as well as during Wednesday afternoon. If the track comes up sloppy, then front speed will be even more favored while a muddy track would obviously favor closers. Please watch the early races on dirt to get some idea of how the track is playing and make sure to play to how the track is playing.

 

On the hope that the track will be fast, there are 3 horses that stand out to me.

 

#4 Aegean took an odd prep route being shipped to Ascot to run on turf in June after having beat the boys in the Kentucky Juvenile at Churchill in late April. Horse looks like it can lead or come from just off of it and that versatility will come in helpful because of fantastic front runners like #1 Hot Dixie Chick and #13 So N So. Either of these front runners is capable of shaking loose in 44 and change so they must be respected. The early pace is likely to be hot so a pressing style will benefit #4 Aegean; and go off at a nice price to boot. One longshot to keep an eye on would be #2 Kinsolving---also trained by Steve Asmussen as is the #1---as this horse looks to lay back and come a running down the lane. If several horses would hook up on the front end, this horse might take them all down at the end.

 

Don't settle for favorites because too many are capable of winning this…

 

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Mike Kratville is co-host of the `Pick More Winners' seminar series at Horsemens Park in Omaha, Nebraska. He has designed a computer horse racing program and is also creating a turf racing program and video.