Today's Free Race

Today’s feature race is the 9th, the Birdstone $200k Stakes race for horses 3 years and older in a rare marathon event going 1 ¾ miles on Saratoga’s main track. At times, it’s difficult to judge horses on their speed figures as these marathons tend to vary significantly from race to race on the early pace as horses manage their energy to have something left for the stretch run. Let’s take a look at the field: 1-Parchment Party: Won 4 in a row before throwing in a clunker in his last race here at Saratoga on July 4th. Not sure what to make of that race but glad to see his regular jockey is back onboard today. The horse is 2 for 2 at this distance and looks to be the eventual post time favorite. He’ll do his best running late. The one to beat 2-Annexperience: An interesting play here at what should be long odds. The only speed in this race so I expect he will get an easy lead and have a nice jog around the track assuming he controls the pace to his advantage. He is stretching out and stepping up in class significantly, two things that are difficult to overcome for the win. But a long shot contender with a real shot here. 3-Stars and Stripes: A relatively lightly raced 4yo that also had a bad last race here at Saratoga on July 4th. Prior to that he won a nice G3. Shows he “tired” in his last race, which is one of my favorite plays. Often these horses fire in their very next race at decent odds. Contender 4-Passing Game: Been missing lately at lower class events and appears a step or two slower than others. Pass. 5-Wait List: Stepping up in class while missing at the lower level. Pass. 6-Interceptor: Been in the money in his last 7 races and now gets Irad, who loves a big stage. On paper, he looks good enough to use underneath in exotics. The Irad factor is always a mystery. Somehow he finds ways to have horses win that show little ability on paper. Don’t think that happens today. Under 7-Jokestar: Jose takes over and it is difficult to judge this 5 yo as his performance is often inconsistent. His two races on dirt look to be his best while the synthetic efforts vary. Finished 2nd to the 1 horse two back. He could surprise but I am looking elsewhere. 8-Carolo Rapido: I wonder what that name translates to? You hope speed but that’s not my interpretation. Pass. So a good race with a lone speed horse who could steel this race, the 1 horse who looks to be the class of the field, the Irad factor, and the 3 horse who would rebound nicely off his last effort to take the prize. Makes for a nice betting opportunity and fun to watch. Good luck!