Saratoga Saturday: CCA Oaks, Caress Stakes Analysis

The Saratoga Race Course, known as the “Graveyard of Champions,” has a storied history of hosting some of the most exhilarating and memorable races in the United States.

Saturday’s Stakes

The Caress Stakes and The Coaching Club American Oaks are no exception, drawing racing enthusiasts, horse owners, trainers, and jockeys alike to witness the unparalleled display of speed, talent, and determination.

The Caress

The Caress Stakes, a turf sprint for fillies and mares, showcases the lightning-fast agility of these equine athletes as they dash across the lush turf for victory. These turf sprints are often all about trips and make for some of the most exciting races at “the Spa”.

The Coaching Club America Oaks

On the other hand, The Coaching Club American Oaks stands as a definitive test of stamina and endurance for three-year-old fillies. As the name implies it is part of the 3 year old filly division which includes the Kentucky Oaks and we will see the return of some Kentucky Oaks runners here.

With a rich history spanning over a century, this race has become a true benchmark for the rising stars of the racing world. Talented young fillies, guided by skilled jockeys, take on the grueling 1 1/8-mile distance, striving to etch their names in the annals of racing history.

Saratoga Saturday Full Card Analysis

Saratoga Race Course – Race 1

Post: 1:10 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 9

• #7 NOTED (2-1) is the top pick. Expect improvement from his first start, and he has shown enough potential to be a contender in this group.
• #4 NOBLE WAVE (5-1) should also improve off his first start and could be a dangerous front-runner. Keep an eye on him.
• #9 DETERMINISTIC (5-2) is making his debut but shouldn’t be underestimated, especially with trainer Clement and jockey Prat teaming up.
• #8 DORNOCH (7-5) is a debutant as well and could be a solid option for exotic bets, considering the trainer-jockey combination.

Selections: 7 – 4 – 9 – 8

Saratoga Race Course – Race 2

Post: 1:42 PM ET; $70k Starter Allowance going 1 1/8 miles on dirt; Entries: 7

• #5 ICE ROAD (4-1) looks like the class of the field and should be a strong contender based on speed figures.
• #2 DEPUTY CONNECT (3-1) has tactical speed and can position himself just behind the leaders, making him a major player in this race.
• #7 WHAT’S UP DOC (7-2) also shows promise based on speed figures, and his tactical speed can work to his advantage.
• #6 CENTAVO (8-1) has been in good form and could make a well-timed run to challenge the leaders.

Selections: 5 – 2 – 7 – 6

Saratoga Race Course – Race 3

Post: 2:16 PM ET; $88k Maiden Special Weight going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf; Entries: 10

• #4 VOLEUSE (4-1) appears to be the best pick in this race. Her recent form is strong, making her a top contender.
• #2 SPOOKY LADY (4-1) should be competitive, especially with her position in the first flight of runners.
• #7 STRICTLY TABOO (9-2) is a fringe contender with tactical speed, making her a possible threat if the pace is favorable.
• #1A CERRETTA (7-2) can be considered for exotic bets, with her closing kick potentially making an impact.

Selections: 4 – 2 – 7 – 1A

Saratoga Race Course – Race 4

Post: 2:46 PM ET; $45k Claiming going 1 mile on dirt; Entries: 9

• #1 CHILENO (2-1) is the top selection, being the classiest horse in the field.
• #7 ACHILLES HEEL (6-1) comes into the race in good form and is a viable choice for exotic bets.
• #6 INSPECTOR (4-1) has been consistent recently and shouldn’t have an issue with the distance.
• #8 WINNING CONNECTION (5-1) is another contender for exotic bets, as he has shown the ability to handle this distance.

Selections: 1 – 7 – 6 – 8

Saratoga Race Course – Race 5

Post: 3:18 PM ET; $149.5k Allowance going 7 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 8

• #2 CUPID’S HEART (4-1) is the top pick, boasting races that are good enough to win in this field.
• #1 UNDERVALUED ASSET (2-1) should be considered a major player with the combination of trainer Brown and jockey Ortiz.
• #8 ZEITLOS (5-1) has been in good form recently and could run a big race here.
• #3 DEAR LADY (5-1) is also in contention with solid recent performances.

Selections: 2 – 1 – 8 – 3

Saratoga Race Course – Race 6

Post: 3:52 PM ET; $200k Caress S. going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf; Entries: 6

• #2 BUBBLE ROCK (2-1) looks like the best option here, boasting strong speed figures.
• #4 POPPY FLOWER (3-1) should be considered a major player in this race, given her recent solid performances.
• #5 WAKANAKA (8-1) has shown potential in previous starts and is capable of handling these conditions.
• #1 OUR FLASH DRIVE (7-2) could be a threat on the front end if he gets loose.

Selections: 2 – 4 – 5 – 1

Saratoga Race Course – Race 7

Post: 4:26 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 12

• #6 ANOINTED (4-1) is making his debut and stands out as the top selection, considering the Pletcher-Ortiz combination.
• #7 DIVE BOMBER (5-1) is another debutant to watch, with trainer Cox and jockey Geroux forming a strong partnership.
• #3 GENERAL PARTNER (9-2) has potential to be competitive with trainer Brown and jockey Prat.
• #5 VALENTINE CANDY (3-1) is making his debut and can’t be overlooked with good breeding.

Selections: 6 – 7 – 3 – 5

Saratoga Race Course – Race 8

Post: 5:02 PM ET; $149.5k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 13

• #1 I’M VERY BUSY (6-5) is the top pick, with strong performances that make him a standout in this race.
• #3 TAKING CANDY (8-1) is a fringe contender with solid speed figures and a chance to capitalize on a fair pace scenario.
• #4 SCRAMBLE (8-1) is in good form and should be competitive.
• #7 WICO (10-1) is a price horse to consider for exotic bets, with recent strong performances.

Selections: 1 – 3 – 4 – 7

Saratoga Race Course – Race 9

Post: 5:42 PM ET; $500k Coaching Club American Oaks going 1 1/8 miles on dirt; Entries: 6

• #4 GAMBLING GIRL (5-2) is the top choice, boasting races good enough to win this prestigious race. This one gets the sentimental money from me as my daughter put me onto this one in the Kentucky Oaks and we cashed.
• #2 WET PAINT (2-1) is a major player with a high overall power rating in the group and strong speed figures.
• #1 SOUTHLAWN (9-2) should be considered, especially with trainer Casse and jockey Geroux on her side.
• #6 SHE’S LOOKIN LUCKY (10-1) is a price horse with the potential to surprise based on previous performances.

Selections: 4 – 2 – 1 – 6

Saratoga Race Course – Race 10

Post: 6:17 PM ET; $149.5k Allowance going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 9

• #8 ACCRETIVE (8-5) is the top selection, being the class of the field and showing strong recent performances.
• #6 DAUFUSKIE ISLAND (2-1) should be competitive with consistent pace figures and the ability to beat this group.
• #9 A LA CARTE (8-1) is a contender with good speed figures and a chance to be in the mix late in the race.
• #7 WHO HOO THATS ME (5-1) is a threat with his class and fair pace scenario.

Selections: 8 – 6 – 9 – 7

Saratoga Race Course – Race 11

Post: 6:52 PM ET; $60k Claiming going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 13

• #1A FLINT RIDGE (7-2) is the top pick, having proven ability in these conditions. Watch out for trainer Rice and jockey Ortiz.
• #11 SAINT SELBY (15-1) is a price horse but shouldn’t be underestimated with strong recent performances.
• #12 SCILLY CAY (6-1) is another contender with the ability to handle the distance.
• #1 CATCHYASOON (7-2) shouldn’t be overlooked, having shown enough to fit well in this field.

Selections: 1A – 11 – 12 – 1