Saratoga Saturday: Asmussen Star Returns, 2 Graded Turf Events

The Saratoga meet is officially underway. The meet features at least one stakes race every day. Saturday features the Sanford on dirt and the Diana and Kelso on turf.

Sanford Stakes

The Sanford Stakes is a Grade 3 race run over a distance of six furlongs on the dirt track. It attracts some of the most promising two-year-old colts and geldings, offering them an opportunity to showcase their potential early in their careers. The race has become synonymous with identifying precocious talent and setting the stage for future success.

Triple Crown Prep Race

Numerous winners of the Sanford Stakes have gone on to achieve victory in at least one of the Triple Crown races—the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. One of the most notable examples is Gallant Fox, who won the Sanford Stakes in 1929 and later went on to secure the Triple Crown in 1930, becoming the second horse ever to achieve this feat.

Another Sanford Stakes winner to capture the Triple Crown was Affirmed in 1977. Affirmed’s victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes solidified his status as one of the greatest racehorses in history.

In more recent years, one of the Sanford Stakes winners to achieve Triple Crown success was Street Sense. After winning the Sanford Stakes in 2006, Street Sense went on to capture the Kentucky Derby in 2007, becoming the first horse to win the Juvenile Breeders’ Cup and the Kentucky Derby.

2023 Edition

The Sanford Stakes continues to attract promising young racehorses, and while not every winner goes on to achieve Triple Crown glory, the race remains an important stepping stone in identifying potential champions. The race serves as a platform for trainers, owners, and racing enthusiasts to witness the early development of exceptional talent and sparks anticipation for what the future may hold for these young competitors.

This year Steve Asmussen’s talented Gold Sweep will carry the pressure of being odds on in the prestigious race.

Saturday Full Card Selections

Saratoga Race Course- Race 1

Post: 1:10 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight going 5 1/2 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 6

• #2 JUST STEEL (8-1) should improve off his first start and is the top selection. He has shown consistency in recent races and is poised to deliver a strong performance here.
• #6 SHERIFF JOE (8-1) makes his debut under the guidance of the Maker barn, with Franco in the irons. With his impressive pedigree, he has the potential to be a major contender in this field.
• #1 PIRATE (4-5) also makes his debut in this race and is likely to be considered for the lower positions on most tickets. Trained by Pletcher and ridden by Ortiz, he has the right combination to be a formidable competitor. His breeding suggests he is well suited for this race.
• #5 ARTETA (4-1) is another debutant who appears to be aiming for a minor placing in this contest. With a strong pedigree for this type of race, he could be a factor in the closing stages.

Selections: 2 – 6 – 1 – 5

Saratoga Race Course- Race 2

Post: 1:42 PM ET; $70k Starter Allowance going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 7

• #1 WIN FOR GOLD (4-1) is the top pick in this race. With the highest overall power rating among the contenders, he stands out as a strong competitor.
• #3 TOMMY GUN (8-1) is expected to be a major player in this race and could set the early pace. His previous performances indicate he has what it takes to surpass this field.
• #2 SUGAR GRAY LEONARD (9-5) should be competitive and might benefit from a favorable race setup. If things go his way, he has a good chance to perform well.
• #4 EAST COAST GIRL (9-2) should also be competitive and is well-suited for this race. With an expected presence near the front, she has the potential to make an impact.

Selections: 1 – 3 – 2 – 4

Saratoga Race Course- Race 3

Post: 2:16 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 13

• #5 VANISHED (3-1) appears to be the best choice in this race. She shouldn’t have any issues with the 1 1/16 mile distance and is expected to be part of the early pace.
• #11 BEST PERFORMER (8-1) is another horse to watch closely. She should handle the distance comfortably and is likely to position herself in the second tier of runners, aiming to make a well-timed run at the leaders.
• #8 NO DELI (10-1) presents good value as a price horse and should be competitive. Although she may have a lot of ground to make up in the stretch, a strong performance could put her in contention.
• #12 PORTAGE (5-2) shouldn’t be overlooked either. With no trouble expected over the 1 1/16 mile distance, she has the potential to be a serious contender.

Selections: 5 – 11- 8 – 12

Saratoga Race Course- Race 4

Post: 2:46 PM ET; $500k Diana S. going 1 1/8 miles on turf; Entries: 5

• #2 IN ITALIAN (2-5) is the top choice for this race. With previous success on these conditions, she is a strong contender. Trained by Brown and ridden by Ortiz, she commands respect.
• #1 FEV ROVER (12-1) offers good value as a price horse and could surprise in this race. With consistent performances and a favorable pace scenario, she is ready to deliver a significant performance.
• #4 FLUFFY SOCKS (8-1) is considered a fringe contender in this field. Her consistent pace figures make her a viable option in a race with a moderate pace.
• #3 MARKETSEGMENTATION (4-1) is a solid choice to consider for the lower positions on tickets. She shouldn’t have any difficulty handling the 1 1/8 mile distance.

Selections: 2 – 1 – 4 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- Race 5

Post: 3:18 PM ET; $95k Allowance going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 9

• #8 MARIACHI (5-2) is the top pick based on his speed figures. He has demonstrated an ability to handle these conditions in previous starts.
• #5 AGILITY (7-2) is a major contender in this race. With performances that stack up well against this group, he appears to be the classiest entry.
• #7 G MUNNING (5-1) is another horse expected to be a major player. With no issues regarding the 6 furlong distance and recent solid performances, he should be ready for a strong showing.
• #1 ZEEBEAR (5-1) also seems like a serious contender. Based on speed figures, he possesses strong early pace in a race that lacks significant front-running speed.

Selections: 8 – 5 – 7 – 1

Saratoga Race Course- Race 6

Post: 3:52 PM ET; $95k Allowance going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 16

• #6 SALS DREAM GIRL (6-1) appears to be the best choice in this race. Having proven her ability to handle these conditions in previous starts, she is ready to deliver a strong performance.
• #10 SILVER SKILLET (7-2) is expected to be a major player in this race. Trained by Clement and ridden by Rosario, she has the right combination to be a top contender.
• #2 SOLIB (4-1) should be competitive in this race. With the Maker-Ortiz combination, she demands respect and has the potential for a strong performance.
• #9 SNOWY EVENING (9-2) is another horse to watch closely. With recent solid performances, she appears ready for a significant run.

Selections: 6 – 10- 2 – 9

Saratoga Race Course- Race 7

Post: 4:26 PM ET; $156k Allowance Optional Claiming going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf; Entries: 9

• #1 PLAYLIST (2-1) gets the top selection in this race. Trained by Ward and ridden by Velazquez, she should be respected. With a potential hot pace up front, she may benefit from a favorable race setup.
• #5 LADY MILAGRO (5-1) appears to be a major player in this race. Considering her competitive profile, she seems well-suited for this field.
• #7 TRACY ANN’S LEGACY (10-1) offers good value as a price horse and could surprise in this race. With solid speed figures and a proven ability to handle these conditions, she should not be underestimated.
• #4 BREEZE EASY (9-5) is considered a fringe contender. With no trouble expected regarding the 5 1/2 furlong distance, she is likely to sit mid-pack and launch a late charge.

Selections: 1 – 5 – 7 – 4

Saratoga Race Course- Race 8

Post: 5:02 PM ET; $88k Maiden Special Weight going 7 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 11

• #5 BON ADIEU (10-1) is the top pick in this race. As the class of the field, she has the pedigree to be a major contender.
• #10 ICHIBAN (4-1) is expected to be a major player. With solid speed figures, she demands respect. Trained by Rice and ridden by Ortiz, she has the right combination for success.
• #7 SWEET LIBERTY (8-1) should be competitive in this race. Coming in with good form, she is worth considering based on speed figures.
• #8 FOXY CARA (5-1) is another horse expected to be competitive. With a strong closing kick, she could make an impact. Her performances suggest she can beat this group.

Selections: 5 – 10- 7 – 8

Saratoga Race Course- Race 9

Post: 5:45 PM ET; $175k Kelso S. going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 9

• #2 ANNAPOLIS (8-5) looks like the best choice in this race. Trained by Pletcher and ridden by Ortiz, he demands respect. With no issues regarding the 1 mile distance, he is a strong contender.
• #8 CASA CREED (5-2) is also expected to be a major player. With recent solid performances, he should be ready to run a big race. A hot pace up front could benefit his chances.
• #6 FILO DI ARIANNA (5-1) could be in contention. With good speed figures, he may take advantage of a fast pace scenario.
• #7 ANACONDA (6-1) is considered a fringe contender. If the pace is hot, he could benefit from it and potentially make an impact.

Selections: 2 – 8 – 6 – 7

Saratoga Race Course- Race 10

Post: 6:19 PM ET; $175k Sanford S. going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 10

• #9 GOLD SWEEP (3-5) gets the top selection. Trained by Asmussen and ridden by Ortiz, he is expected to be a strong contender. With previous performances that stack up well against this group, he has what it takes to win.
• #7 TRIPLE TREA (10-1) offers good value as a price horse. While aiming for a minor placing, he has the potential to surprise. Trained by Minshall and ridden by Saez, he deserves consideration.
• #1 CALL THE CAVALRY (8-1) is likely to improve off his first start and could contend for a minor placing. Having demonstrated an ability to handle these conditions, he is worth keeping an eye on.
• #3 DICKENS (8-1) should also improve from his first start and contend for a minor placing. Based on his speed figures, he is a solid option.

Selections: 9 – 7 – 1 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- Race 11

Post: 6:52 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf; Entries: 15

• #2 BEER RUN (2-1) is the top pick in this race. Coming in with strong recent form, he is poised for a competitive performance.
• #14 LUDWIG (9-5) should be competitive and is expected to handle the 5 1/2 furlong distance. With a potentially fast pace up front, he may benefit from the setup.
• #12 BAIE LONGUE (5-1) could contend in this race. Based on his previous performances, he has the ability to beat this group.
• #4 FLAT TOP BOX (9-2) is a fringe contender who should not be overlooked. Trained by Abreu and ridden by Ortiz, he could make an impact in this race.

Selections: 2 – 14- 12- 4