A great day of racing awaits at Del Mar and Saratoga! Here’s who I’m looking to play in the afternoon action:
Del Mar Race 9: San Clemente (G2)
East Coast turf horses often hold a class advantage over their West Coast rivals, so I’ll favor the speedy #6 Cheermeister to lead all the way in this 1 1/8-mile event for 3-year-old fillies.
Del Mar Race 10: San Diego Handicap (G2)
Three-time Grade 1 winner #5 Maximum Security is the obvious favorite, but he’s returning from a layoff and making his first start for a new barn. #1 Higher Power dominated the Pacific Classic (G1) over this track last summer and can spring an upset if Maximum Security fails to bring his A-game.
Saratoga Race 10: Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1)
#4 Volatile looked like a superstar sprinter in the making when dominating the Aristides Stakes at Churchill Downs by eight lengths in 1:07.57, missing the track record by 0.02. #5 Mind Control, a two-time Grade 1 winner at Saratoga, can round out the exacta.
Good luck!
