SARATOGA 2023: Andrew Champagne’s July 14 Selections

1st-$88,000, Maiden Special Weight, Two-Year Old Fillies Foaled in New York, Five and One Half Furlongs

#6 AWESOME CZECH (9/2): Has shown a bit more pep in her step during the last two drills, which is enough to make her a tepid top pick in a wide-open Friday opener. Horacio De Paz can win with 2-year-olds, and the barn’s first-call rider, Manny Franco, has the mount; #8 POSEIDON’S MIST (3-1): Has hinted at some precocity in works at Monmouth Park and draws a cushy outside post in her unveiling. There’s some class on the bottom side of this one’s pedigree, and it wouldn’t be a shock if she’s ready to run at first asking; #7 SHE TAKES CASH (6-1): Is kin to a pair of winners, and second dam Fleet Wahine won multiple stakes races. The pedigree screams turf to me, but damsire Stormy Atlantic is, fittingly, a strong off-track influence, which could come in handy if the skies open up.

1 Run for Your Honey, T Gaffalione, Michael Maker, 119, 4/ 1

2 Concerti, L Saez, Joe Sharp, 119, 7/ 2

3 Astoria Park, D Davis, Amira Chichakly, 119, 15/ 1

4 Book of Wisdom, J Alvarado, William Mott, 119, 6/ 1

5 Stormy Disco, J Lezcano, Michael Dini, 119, 12/ 1

6 Awesome Czech, M Franco, Horacio De Paz, 119, 9/ 2

7 She Takes Cash, J Rosario, Orlando Noda, 119, 6/ 1

8 Poseidon’s Mist, J Castellano, Carlos David, 119, 3/ 1

2nd-$136,500, Maiden Special Weight, Three-Year Old and Up Maidens, One and One Eighth Miles

#3 DREAMLIKE (3/5): Ran third in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial behind Lord Miles (you may have heard me talk about that race once or twice…) and looms very large in his return to the maiden ranks. His prior races tower over his competition in this spot, and he’ll probably be the shortest-priced favorite of the day; #4 OCASEK (4-1): Ran well when second in his debut before faltering as a 3/5 favorite last time out. That was a weird race where the winner freaked to romp by 19 lengths, so I don’t have much of a problem taking it with a grain of salt; #6 RIDE UP (10-1): Was second in his lone two-turn start to date and seems like one of the main pace factors here. If he gets comfortable beneath returning rider Dylan Davis, he’ll have every chance to hang on for a piece of it at a price.

1 Hero’s Medal, T Gaffalione, Albert Stall Jr., 118, 20/ 1

2 Mount Craig, L Saez, Ron Moquett, 124, 6/ 1

3 Dreamlike, I Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 118, 3/ 5

4 Ocasek, F Prat, Chad Brown, 118, 4/ 1

5 Moore’s Law, J.L Ortiz, Chad Brown, 118, 10/ 1

6 Ride Up, D Davis, Linda Rice, 118, 10/ 1

7 Exude, J Alvarado, William Mott, 118, 12/ 1

3rd-$149,500, Allowance Optional Claiming $62,500, Three-Year Old Fillies, One and One Sixteenth Miles (T)

#9 VENENCIA (4-1): May have been in a bit too deep last time out in the Grade 2 Wonder Again and returns to the allowance ranks here. Her two-back effort at Keeneland was very impressive, as she rallied into a very slow pace and was beaten less than two lengths. The presence of both Lasix and Flavien Prat should help considerably; #4 G LAURIE (4-1): Hasn’t been out of the barn since late-December but showed plenty of potential as a 2-year-old. She was a troubled-trip third in the Grade 1 Natalma at Woodbine, adds Lasix for her first start of the season, and has every right to have matured in her time off; #6 ROYALTY INTEREST (3-1): Was last of five as a 4/5 favorite in the Penn Oaks last time out and will likely go favored given the connections. However, of the Chad Brown trainees, I prefer my top pick. This one’s debut came back just-OK on speed figures, and her likely price hits me as an underlay

1 Lifelovenlaughter, J.L Ortiz, Michael Trombetta, 122, 9/ 2

2 Modern Love, L Saez, Ian Wilkes, 122, 15/ 1

3 Beautifulnavigator, J.R. Leparoux, Kenneth McPeek, 122, 8/ 1

4 G Laurie, M Franco, Graham Motion, 122, 4/ 1

5 Bolivie, T Gaffalione, Brendan Walsh, 120, 8/ 1

6 Royalty Interest, I Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown, 122, 3/ 1

7 Quarrel, J Castellano, Robert Ribaudo, 122, 8/ 1

8 Stephanie’s Charm, J Alvarado, Jose Jimenez, 122, 20/ 1

9 Venecia, F Prat, Chad Brown, 122, 4/ 1

4th-$135,000, Wilton Stakes, Three-Year Old Fillies That Have Never Won a Sweepstakes, One Mile

#4 ACCEDE (8/5): Was outclassed in the Grade 1 Acorn, where she was fifth behind the current leader in the 3-year-old filly division. The slight cutback to a mile should help her, and anything close to her two-back effort, when she was third in the Grade 2 Eight Belles, would give her every chance in the Wilton; #5 RANDOMIZED (7/5): Graduated with an impressive 92 Beyer Speed Figure last time out before, like her stablemate, being thumped in the Acorn. She’s got plenty of early speed and should be able to make her own trip from the outside post; #3 SACRED WISH (7/2): Has a record that looks much better if you toss the two-back clunker in the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan. She bounced back with a strong second against older competition at Belmont, and John Velazquez returns to take the mount.

1 Just Katherin, J Castellano, Jose Jimenez, 120, 12/ 1

2 Unsung Melody, L Saez, John Ortiz, 122, 5/ 1

3 Sacred Wish, J R Velazquez, George Weaver, 120, 7/ 2

4 Accede, F Prat, Chad Brown, 120, 8/ 5

5 Randomized, I Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown, 120, 7/ 5

5th-$88,000, Maiden Special Weight, Three-Year Olds and Up Foaled in New York, Five and One Half Furlongs (Turf)

#9 EMPIRE SKY (7/2): Is approaching “now or never” territory, as he’s come agonizingly close to earning the diploma a few times now. However, this race doesn’t seem like it’s drawn any world-beaters, and he should be able to sit a perfect stalking trip just off the pace; #1 HOLLA AT YOUR BOY (6-1): Showed ample early speed last time out at Delaware, where he dueled early against open company over soft going. The return to the state-bred ranks could move him forward, and first-time Lasix is a very powerful equipment change; #8 KID KREESA (20-1): May have found a soft spot for the debut and is bred to like the grass. His dam’s two prior foals to race have both won, and that mare is a half-sister to multiple Grade 3 winner King Kreesa, who was a heck of a turf horse.

1 Holla At Your Boy, R Santana Jr., Keri Brion, 119, 6/ 1

2 Henson, J Cruz, Marisa Monserrate, 119, 15/ 1

3 Fuoco, F Prat, Jorge Abreu, 124, 5/ 1

4 Street Rod, L. R Rivera Jr., Horacio De Paz, 114, 6/ 1

5 Russi, L Saez, James Bond, 119, 8/ 1

6 Charming Jim, J.R Velazquez, Mark Hennig, 119, 12/ 1

7 Whiskey and Wine, T Gaffalione, Claude McGaughey III, 119, 8/ 1

8 Kid Kreesa, J.A Torres, Linda Dixon, 114, 20/ 1

9 Empire Sky, K Carmouche, Kathleen Demasi, 124, 7/ 2

10 Scherzando, J Castellano, Gary Sciacca, 124, 9/ 2

6th-$149,500, Allowance, Three-Year Olds and Up, One and One Eighth Miles (Turf)

#1 DANZIGWITHTHESTARS (6-1): Returns to upstate New York, where he’s run some of the best races of his career. This is his first start off of a long layoff, Luis Saez has been enlisted to ride, and a repeat of some of his past efforts over this oval would make him a major player; #3 BATTLE OF NORMANDY (4-1): Has burned plenty of money this year in two second-place finishes, both as an odds-on favorite. Those didn’t come against bad fields, and his best race could certainly win this, but he’s becoming a bit tough to trust despite showing plenty of talent as a 2-year-old; #7 SHUTTERS (5/2): Had an eventful trip when fourth downstate in his first start for a new barn. There are lots of layoff lines here, so it’s safe to assume he’s had some issues, but he’s proven going two turns and has shown enough versatility to give John Velazquez options.

1 Danzigwiththestars, L Saez, Domenick Schettino, 125, 6/ 1

2 Blue Devil, R Santana Jr., Jeff Hiles, 125, 10/ 1

3 Battle of Normandy, T Gaffalione, Claude McGaughey III, 120, 4/ 1

4 Tiz a Giant, J Rosario, Michael Trombetta, 125, 20/ 1

5 Al’s Rocket, I Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 123, 3/ 1

6 Fighter in the Win, M Franco, Michael Maker, 125, 8/ 1

7 Shutters, J.R Velazquez, Mark Hennig, 125, 5/ 2

8 Oglethorpe, D Davis, Danny Gargan, 125, 6/ 1

9 Ouster, D Davis, Mark Hennig, 125, 6/ 5

10 The Prince’s Spur, J.R Velazquez, Paul Bauer, 123, 2/ 1

11 Alfio, J Castellano, Anthony Quartarolo, 125, 12/ 1

7th-$42,000, Claiming $16,000, Four-Year Olds and Up, Six Furlongs

#3 NO MORE TALK (2-1): Drops in class and cuts back to six furlongs after finishing third as a 7/5 favorite last time out. He won two and three back, and in doing so beat several rivals that also show up here. A return to his preferred level and distance should suit him, and he looks like a formidable favorite; #9 TOWING (6-1): Has found career-best form as a 6-year-old, as he’s won both of his 2023 starts. He goes first off the claim for Norm Casse here, and he’s got a shot if his Churchill Downs form travels with him; #2 BUSTIN SHOUT (10-1): Hasn’t won in a while, but fits on speed figures and was a decent second last time out at Finger Lakes. He’s also got four top-two finishes in six starts over wet tracks, so he figures to benefit in the event of a Saratoga monsoon (copyright Tom Amello, all rights reserved).

1 Poppy’s Pride, J Lezcano, Gustavo Rodriguez, 118, 8/ 1

1A Gandy Dancing, L Saez, Gustavo Rodriguez, 123, 8/ 1

2 Bustin Shout, K Carmouche, Bruce Levine, 118, 10/ 1

3 No More Talk, I Ortiz Jr., David Jacobson, 123, 2/ 1

4 High Tone, F Geroux, Robertino Diodoro, 118, 10/ 1

5 Cash Now, M Franco, Rob Atras, 118, 8/ 1

6 First Deputy, D Davis, James Begg, 120, 10/ 1

7 Heir Port, J.L Ortiz, Rudy Rodriguez, 118, 8/ 1

8 Printrack, J.A Torres, Patrick Quick, 113, 20/ 1

9 Towing, R Santana Jr., Norm Casse, 120, 6/ 1

10 Striking Speed, J Rosario, Charlton Baker, 120, 6/ 1

8th-$80,000, Claiming $50,000, Four-Year Olds and Up, Six Furlongs

#2 DOT’S DOLLAR (8/5): Has won six of his last 10 starts dating back to early-2022, including his last-out race at Belmont where he topped a solid group of optional claimers. His lone start here was a wire-to-wire score at this level, and his usual race makes him the one to beat in a race filled with easy-to-root-for stalwarts of the NYRA circuit; #4 HAPPY FARM (6-1): Goes first off the claim for a capable outfit here and has two wins and a second in four local starts. Flavien Prat rides back when he likely had some options, and this consistent gelding’s usual effort would get him a piece of this; #3 CEES GET DEGREES (7/2): Tired against a better group last time out at Belmont, but cruised to an easy score two back on the Preakness undercard at Pimlico. He looks like the main speed in this race, and if it rains, an off track won’t bother him, judging by that runaway December score in the slop at Aqueduct.

1 Thinkaboutit, D Davis, Raymond Handal, 118, 20/ 1

2 Dot’s Dollar, J.L Ortiz, Linda Rice, 123, 8/ 5

3 Cees Get Degrees, I Ortiz Jr., David Jacobson, 123, 7/ 2

4 Happy Farm, F Prat, Antonio Arriaga, 121, 6/ 1

5 Emerald Forest, J Alvarado, Mertkan Kantarmaci, 121, 12/ 1

6 Prime Factor, T Gaffalione, Cherie DeVaux, 118, 12/ 1

7 Ram, J.R Velazquez, Dwyane Lukas, 118, 15/ 1

8 Jake Rocks, L Saez, Domenick Schettino, 123, 6/ 1

9 Nifty, J Castellano, Robertino Diodoro, 123, 8/ 1

9th-$150,000, Coronation Cup Stakes, Three-Year Old Fillies, Five and One Half Furlongs (Turf)

#4 LOVE REIGNS (7/5): Had lots of potential excuses in the Limestone last time out, but overcame an extremely unlucky trip and won despite the trouble. The recent bullet drill at Keeneland seems like a sign she’s doing well, and her best effort sure seems like it would thump that of her rivals in the Coronation Cup; #2 LOVE APPEALS (3-1): Has improved with every start and came alive when cut back to one turn by Christophe Clement. She won by nearly five lengths over a next-out winner, and she may have found what she wants to do; #8 BOSSERATI (8-1): Has won all three starts since being switched to the turf by a powerhouse mid-Atlantic outfit and gets a class test here. She’s led every step of the way in her last two tries and figures to be a prominent pace factor.

1 My Sweet Affair, I Ortiz Jr., George Weaver, 118, 7/ 2

2 Love Appeals, M Franco, Christophe Clement, 120, 3/ 1

3 Anna’s Arbesque, F Geroux, Paul Bauer, 118, 8/ 1

4 Love Reigns, J Rosario, William Ward, 122, 7/ 5

5 Violet Gibson, J L Ortiz, Saffie Joseph, 118, 12/ 1

6 Wildhawk, K Carmouche, Thomas Albertani, 118, 30/ 1

7 Unified Alliance, J Castellano, Thomas Morley, 120, 20/ 1

8 Bosserati, T Gaffalione, Brittany Russell, 122 8/ 1

9 L Street Lady, M Franco, Brittany Russell, 122, 9/ 5

10th-$50,000, Claiming $35,000, Three-Year Olds and Up That Have Never Won Three Races, One and One Sixteenth Miles (Turf)

#8 OUR COUNTRY (10-1): Gets considerable class relief and is my top pick in a race where I honestly don’t have a strong opinion. He hasn’t won since January of 2022, but has spent the last 18 months or so running against much better horses. He’s won over this turf course before, and his back class could carry him through; #11 ENCOURAGE (5-1): Is another class-dropper, and while he has to contend with a terrible post, he’s making his third start off the bench and has races from last summer that stack up well against this group. If he finds the form that inspired bettors to send him off at 5/2 in a $100,000 stakes race last fall, he’ll have every chance; #9 SPLENDID SUMMER (8-1): Adds blinkers in his second start off the claim for Rudy Rodriguez. Prat going elsewhere is a concern, but underrated turf rider Jose Lezcano hops aboard a runner with enough versatility to win wire-to-wire two back and rally from 10th to second in his lone local try last summer.

1 Amani’s Eagle, R Santana Jr., Jason Barkley, 123, 10/ 1

2 Penner Ash, J Castellano, Carlos Martin, 125, 8/ 1

3 Hilliard, I Ortiz Jr., Michael Maker, 123, 7/ 2

4 Arrio, E Cancel, Mertkan Kantarmaci, 123, 12/ 1

5 Truebelieve, A Castillo, Oscar Barrera III, 123, 20/ 1

6 K P All Systems Go, J Alvarado, Jeffrey Engliehart, 123, 15/ 1

7 Invisible War, L Saez, Joe Sharp, 125, 15/ 1

8 Our Country, F Prat, Mark Hennig, 123, 10/ 1

9 Splendid Summer, J Lezacano, Rudy Rodriguez, 125, 8/ 1

10 He’s Got It, D Davis, Jorge Abreu, 123, 30/ 1

11 Encourage, J.R Leparoux, Kenneth McPeek, 123, 5/ 1

12 My Romeo Lima, J.L Ortiz, Jose Camejo, 123, 4/ 1

13 More Than Work, M Franco, Carlos Martin, 125, 10/ 1

14 Tallahatchiebridge, T Gaffalione, Saffie Joseph Jr., 125, 8/ 1

15 Magnolia Midnight, J.L Ortiz, Linda Rice, 123, 5/ 2

16 Valenzan Day, I Ortiz Jr., Oscar Barrera III, 120, 6/ 1