Welcome to Stabile’s Saratoga Special. Throughout the 36 day meet at America’s most revered racetrack, VegasInsider.com writer and handicapper Anthony Stabile, dubbed “King of the Spa” after his record setting ROI for a public handicapper at the 1999 Saratoga meet, will take a look at the stakes action for the day as well as give you a free play in one of the stakes that day. For all of Stabile’s daily Saratoga selections and plays, CLICK HERE!!!
A couple of G2 sprints highlight the Sunday card up at the Spa as week 2 is quickly coming to an end. After yesterday’s upset wins by Flashing in the Test and Bullsbay in the Whitney over apparently unbeatable favorites, the betting public will get their chance to try and upset two more today.
We’ll talk briefly about the Honorable Miss because it looks like Game Face has the five others in here over a barrel. When she shows up, she’s sensational, as she was in her almost seven length score in the G1 Princess Rooney at Calder during their Summit of Speed in July.
When she’s bad though, she’s really bad, but that usually happens at Belmont Park. This will be her Saratoga debut and she figures to work out a good trip under Edgar Prado, who’ll ride from post 3 for trainer Todd Pletcher.
Porte Bonheur figures to be the filly with the best upset chance and already owns a pair of stakes wins over the course. Last out, Porte Bonheur won the G2 First Flight under Ramon Dominguez by a nose over another Pletcher trainee, Spritely. Dominguez returns for trainer Dave Duggan from post 4. Keep the Pace, P.S.U. Grad, Lady Chace and All Giving round out the field.
The Vanderbilt is a far different story however. While Fabulous Strike figures to be sent off a deserving favorite, he appears to be in a bit tougher than his female counterpart is.
Firstly, it will be his first start at Saratoga, a track notorious for unraveling much tougher in the past than Fabulous Strike. Secondly, and more importantly, it appears as if he’ll have some company on the lead in here.
While there is no doubting his ability as evident by his 10 wins in 15 starts at the distance with earnings hovering just under the $1 million mark, and an overall record of 13 for 22 and career earnings of over $1.1 million, there are plenty of layoff lines in his PPs. In fact, his Spa debut was scheduled for last season but was derailed due to a foot injury. In three starts this year, Fabulous Strike finished second in the G2 General George and G1 Carter before winning the G2 True North last out. Ramon Dominguez takes his usual seat aboard Fabulous Strike for trainer Todd Beattie from post 6.
Synthetic specialist Fatal Bullet figures to duke it out with Fabulous Strike in the early going though that may be all we see of him. He’s only tried conventional dirt once and that effort was abysmal. Combine that with the fact that his big win in a minor Woodbine stakes last out was his first start since his runner-up finish in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint last October, making him a huge bounce candidate. Eurico DaSilva has the mount from post 5 for trainer Reade Baker.
Defending sprint champion Benny the Bull is seeking his first win in over a year, having finished second in his first two starts off an eight month layoff. Rick Dutrow will give Edgar Prado a leg up from post 3.
One of Benny the Bull’s second place finishes came behind Fabulous Strike in the True North. The other was in the Smile at Calder, a race won by live Vanderbilt longshot Eaton’s Gift. Eaton’s Gift rated just off the pace to upset last out at almost 15-1 and should get a similar trip in here, his first start for new trainer Chad Brown. Jose Lezcano rides from post 4.
Kodiak Kowboy will try to get his trainer Larry Jones one more Spa stakes victory before he retires in November. No stranger to the Spa, Kodiak Kowboy owns a pair of victories from three starts upstate, including the G2 Amsterdam last year. Gabriel Saez rides from post 2.
Finally, Go Go Shoot will break from the rail under John Velazquez for trainer Bruce Levine. Another with a ton of early speed, Go Go Shoot has won his last two starts at Monmouth in gate-to-wire fashion.
THE PLAY
Kodiak Kowboy should get an amazing set-up in the Vanderbilt. Bet $30 to win on Kodiak Kowboy and make a $10 exacta box part-wheel using Kodiak Kowboy with Benny the Bull and Eaton’s Gift.
BANKROLL: minus $42
