Saratoga Sunday (7/16): Quick Call Stakes Analysis, Selections

On Sunday at Saratoga, the track will pay tribute to one of the former greats. Honoring Quick Call they will run a stakes with his namesake as the feature on the card.

Early Jockey and Trainer Trends

One of the topics of discussion among horseplayers during the summer meet at Saratoga is the illustrious jockey and trainer titles that are up for grabs. As of the writing of this piece the races are just beginning, but it is worth noting who is coming into the meet in form and who may be struggling to find their footing.

Jockeys

The top of the jockey standings should come as a surprise to no one. The names at the top reflect the talent that has assembled in upstate New York.

Irad Ortiz Jr. takes the top spot with 4 victories and 9 in the money finished in just 14 starts.

Close on his heels are Kentucky Derby winning jockey Javier Castellano and Belmont Park jockey title winner Jose Ortiz, Irad’s brother.

Rounding out the top five are Flavien Prat and Kendrick Carmouche. The latter of the two probably most surprising to new fans, but not those who have followed his journey on the New York circuit.

Several other jockeys are tied for 6th with a single win.

Trainers

Much like with the jockeys, the trainer race has the familiar names at the top. Chad Brown and Belmont Park training title winner Linda Rice top the list with just 2 wins. Beyond them is a slew of trainers all looking to pick up their 2nd win.

One sneaky trainer angle is that Mark Hennig is 3 for 5 in the money. His horses can often be looked among the mega barns that dominate the meet and a high in the money percentage for an overlooked barn can be a great way for betters to make the most out of their tickets.

Sunday 7/16 Full Card Selections

Saratoga Race Course- Race 1

Post: 1:10 PM ET; $60k Claiming going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 6

• #3 SPEAKINOFTHEDEVIL (3-5) is the top selection. This horse, trained by Asmussen and ridden by Ortiz, commands respect. With impressive past performances, it has what it takes to outperform the competition.
• #6 GIROOVIN (6-1) appears to be a strong contender in this race. It has shown competitive form in previous races and possesses solid early pace figures, which may be advantageous in a race lacking front-running speed.
• #2 FIGHT FIERCELY (7-2) should be in the mix in this spot. Trained by Sharp and ridden by Saez, this horse's speed figures make it a logical choice.
• #4 GABE (5-1) also has the potential to be competitive in this field. With its impressive power rating, it stands out as the class of the group.

Selections: 3 – 6 – 2 – 4

Saratoga Race Course- Race 2

Post: 1:44 PM ET; $45k Claiming going 1 mile on dirt; Entries: 8

• #3 JOLLY MISS JILL (5-2) is the top pick. Trained by Rice and ridden by Ortiz, this horse has consistently performed well and appears ready for a strong race here.
• #5 ALICE KRAMDEN (4-1) should be competitive in this spot. Trained by Quick and ridden by Davis, it has the potential to make an impact.
• #7 YOGI (3-1) has a shot in this race. With past performances that demonstrate the ability to beat this group, it possesses tactical speed and can position itself just off the leaders for a well-timed move.
• #2 SUSIE'S SAVER (7-2) is a fringe contender in this race. Having shown the ability to handle similar conditions in previous starts, it can't be overlooked.

Selections: 3 – 5 – 7 – 2

Saratoga Race Course- Race 3

Post: 2:21 PM ET; $156k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 10

• #2 PLEASANT PASSAGE (3-1) looks strongest in this field. It shouldn't have trouble with the 1 1/16 mile distance.
• #7 VERONICA GREENE (3-1) appears to be a major player in this race. Having proven its ability to handle similar conditions before, it is expected to sit mid-pack and launch a strong late run.
• #1 MISS CAROL ANN (5-1) is a fringe contender in this race. With recent solid performances, it should be ready for a strong showing.
• #3 BEECHNUT TROPHY (8-1) shouldn't be discounted. It seems to fit well enough in this race.

Selections: 2 – 7 – 1 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- Race 4

Post: 2:54 PM ET; $32k Claiming going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 8

• #8 NORGAY (8-1) is the top selection. It seems to fit well enough in this field.
• #4 CHARGER (5-2) appears to be a major player in this race. With tactical speed and the ability to sit just off the leaders, it can make a strong move when the time is right.
• #6 ENSIGN PARKER (5-1) shouldn't be overlooked. It makes sense based on its speed figures.
• #3 MERCHANTS OF COOL (20-1) is a longshot but has potential. Having demonstrated an ability to handle similar conditions in the past, it shouldn't be counted out.

Selections: 8 – 4 – 6 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- Race 5

Post: 3:32 PM ET; $88k Maiden Special Weight going 5 1/2 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 10

• #1 ANTONIO OF VENICE (8-5) is the top pick. With races good enough to beat this group, it has shown solid recent form and is poised for a strong performance.
• #1A KHADULLAH (8-5) is a fringe contender in this spot. Trained by Rodriguez and ridden by Prat, it has displayed consistent performances and should be ready to deliver here.
• #3 DIXIE PHARAOH (8-1) is a debutant with potential. Trained by Handal and ridden by Davis, it shouldn't be discounted.
• #9 A KNIGHT'S COURAGE (15-1) is a longshot that could contend for a minor placing in this race. It enters the race in good form.

Selections: 1 – 1A – 3 – 9

Saratoga Race Course- Race 6

Post: 4:06 PM ET; $60k Maiden Claiming going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 13

• #2 DR KRINGLE (7-2) looks best here. With solid recent performances, it should be ready for a strong showing.
• #10 MO SATURDAYS (8-1) should be competitive in this spot. It makes sense based on its speed figures.
• #4 CUMBERLAND (9-2) has a shot in this race. It makes sense based on its speed figures, and its pedigree suggests it could be a major player in this field.
• #11 HE'S GOT SWAGGER (4-1) can't be overlooked. Having shown the ability to beat this group in the past, it may benefit from a hot pace up front.

Selections: 2 – 10 – 4 – 11

Saratoga Race Course- Race 7

Post: 4:40 PM ET; $149.5k Allowance going 1 3/16 miles on dirt; Entries: 7

• #6 FILM STAR (2-1) gets the top selection. It seems to fit well enough in this field. With consistently strong pace figures, it should fare well in a moderately paced race.
• #2 OUSTER (5-2) appears to be a major player in this race. With the highest overall power rating in the group, it possesses consistently strong pace figures that should work to its advantage in a moderately paced race.
• #3 THE PRINCE'S SPUR (5-1) also appears to be a strong contender in this field. It shouldn't have trouble with the 1 3/16 mile distance and has displayed solid recent performances.
• #4 COMPLETE AGENDA (10-1) is a longshot but has potential. With strong pace figures, it looks to be the class of the field and can't be overlooked.

Selections: 6 – 2 – 3 – 4

Saratoga Race Course- Race 8

Post: 5:15 PM ET; $162.5k Allowance Optional Claiming going 7 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 6

• #3 BABY YODA (6-5) is the top pick. With tactical speed and the ability to sit just off the leaders, it has the potential to make a well-timed move and has races good enough to beat this group.
• #2 NAKATOMI (5-2) appears to be a major player in this race. It shouldn't have trouble with the 7 furlong distance and is expected to position itself mid-pack and finish strong.
• #1 MR PHIL (10-1) is a longshot but should be competitive in this spot. With recent solid performances, it should be ready to deliver a strong performance. Trained by Atras and ridden by Franco, it has a chance to surprise.
• #5 SHERIFF BIANCO (7-2) should also be competitive in this spot. With the combination of Rice and Ortiz, it seems to fit well enough in this race.

Selections: 3 – 2 – 1 – 5

Saratoga Race Course- Race 9

Post: 5:48 PM ET; $175k Quick Call S. Presented by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf; Entries: 12

• #10 GASLIGHT DANCER (7-2) looks strongest in this field. With races good enough to beat this group, it could benefit from the right setup in this race.
• #3 EYE WITNESS (4-1) should be competitive in this spot. It makes sense based on its speed figures and has been consistently solid in recent starts.
• #1 NO NAY HUDSON (6-1) should also be competitive in this spot. It seems to fit well enough in this race and has been performing well recently.
• #7 BRITERDAYZAHEAD (6-1) should also be competitive. It shouldn't have trouble with the 5 1/2 furlong distance and possesses tactical speed, allowing it to sit just off the leaders for a well-timed move.

Selections: 10 – 3 – 1 – 7

Saratoga Race Course- Race 10

Post: 6:21 PM ET; $43k Maiden Claiming going 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 10

• #4 MAGGIE (3-1) gets the top selection. With tactical speed and the ability to sit just off the leaders, it has the pedigree to be a major player in this race.
• #5 MARLEY'S GHOST (8-1) is a fringe contender in this spot. Trained by Trombetta and ridden by Lezcano, it has a chance to surprise.
• #1 NORTHWAY (4-1) shouldn't be overlooked. It shouldn't have trouble with the 6 1/2 furlong distance.
• #7 IRISH EMPRESS (8-1) is probably best to put underneath on most tickets. It seems to fit well enough in this field.

Selections: 4 – 5 – 1 – 7

Summer Racing Coverage

Betting News will continue to provide horse racing analysis throughout the summer’s hottest meets. Each week we will have coverage of the Saturday and Sunday cards from Saratoga and Del Mar as well as select other cards from the premier summer tracks.