Sign In $
Horse Racing

At the Gate – Friday

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
4 minute read
Things are heating up at Saratoga, literally.

We are going to see a high of 92 degrees on Friday, then the New York Racing Association has already canceled Saturday’s card where temps are going to hit 95.

Saturday’s card has been shifted to Sunday, including the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1). However, the high temps on Sunday are forecast to be 93 degrees, so there will not be much relief.

Among the other tracks that have already canceled for Saturday include Laurel Park, Finger Lakes, Parx and Delaware Park.




The $1 million Haskell Invitational (G1) is one of four graded stakes on Saturday’s card at Monmouth Park, and as of now the show will go on. The forecast calls for a high of 94 degrees, but with the proximity of the ocean, the heat index might not be as high as what we will see at the Spa.

The feature at Saratoga on Friday is the $150,000 Lake George (G3) for three-year-old fillies. Of course, trainer Chad Brown will be well represented.

Brown will send out three of the projected five runners in the field—Blowout (2-1), Regal Glory (7-2) and Dogtag (5-2).

Seven were entered but Espresso Shot is entered for main track only and Stillwater Cover is likely to scratch according to her trainer Wesley Ward.

Now is the perfect time to purchase my Monthly Package for just $99.95. It gives you a month of Belmont Park/Saratoga daily and Best Plays Report each Saturday and Sunday.

To purchase my Belmont Park Reports for Friday click here .

Here is the opener from Saratoga to get the day off to a good start:

SAR Race 1 Md $25,000 (1:00 ET)
#7 Theisastormbrewin 8-1
#3 Legion Storm 9-5
#5 Bourbon Mission 1-1
#4 Ridolfo 12-1

Analysis: Theisastormbrewin makes his first start since his debut in January where he was sent off at 12-1 against state bred maiden special weight company. The gelding caught a sloppy track and was not a threat in an eighth-place finish. He returns here with class drop, a gelding and with blinkers added. The Baker barn is 24% winners (with a +ROI) with runners coming back off a +180-day layoff. The colt is out of the stakes winner Stormy's Smile ($73,971) who has dropped two other foals to race, both winners, top earner Verdant Pastures ($238,536).

Legion Storm was the beaten favorite last out for a $20,000 tag. The gelding stalked the early pace and weakened to finish third behind a 14 3/4 length winner. He has now landed third six times in his 11 career starts with one runner up finish. He makes his first start here for the Atras barn that is 31% winners (with a +ROI) first off the claim.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 4-1 or better.
EX: 3,7 / 3,5,7
TRI: no play

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 9 The Lake George G3 (5:51 ET)
#7 Blowout 2-1
#4 Dogtag 5-2
#2 The Mackem Bullet 9-2
#3 Winter Sunset 6-1

Analysis: Blowout is one of three in here sent out by the Chad Brown barn. The filly prompted the early pace over good ground in the Wild Applause and took over the lead and finished gamely to win by a half-length off a two-month break. The filly graduated in her debut and was a good second in the Florida Oaks (G3) and Memories of Silver. She has improved with each outing and owns the top last out speed fig.

Dogtag is also sent out by Brown. The filly came off a n eighth month layoff to win the Hilltop at Pimlico going a mile over good ground. Three runners have come out of the Hilltop to win next out including the third-place finisher Fashion Faux Pas who won the Light Hearted at Delaware Park in her next outing by 14 1/2 lengths and then ran second in the Delaware Oaks (G3). Our second choice graduated by winning the PG Johnson last summer here in her second career start and then was fourth in the Ms. Grillo (G2) before hitting the bench. She looks capable of moving forward off her last outing and just needs to see some pace in front of her here.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 4,7 / 2,4,7
TRI: no play


Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Saratoga

R1: #7 Theisastormbrewin 8-1
R1: #4 Ridolfo 12-1
R3: #6 J J Jen 12-1
R6: #5 Herecomesyourman 8-1
R7: #2 Cape Angel 10-1
R10: #1 Goose Drank Wine 8-1
R10: #10 Dark Storm 15-1

Good luck today!

Horse Racing News

VegasInsider Staff

VegasInsider Staff

More from VegasInsider Staff
•