Saratoga Sunday: Adirondack Introduces Kentucky Oaks Hopefuls

Sunday’s Adirondack Stakes at Saratoga is a prestigious horse race for fans and bettors alike. It will be an early look at the Kentucky Oaks hopefuls for 2024.

The Adirondack

This annual race, which takes place at the iconic Saratoga Springs, New York, has a rich history filled with memorable moments, exceptional run styles, and the unforgettable achievements of famous jockeys, trainers, and horses.

History of the Race

The Adirondack Stakes has a history that dates back to the late 1800s when it was first introduced in 1892. Named after the Adirondack Mountains, this race has consistently showcased the raw talent and athleticism of two-year-old thoroughbreds. Since its inception, the Adirondack Stakes has evolved into a prominent event on the Saratoga racing calendar, drawing spectators and participants from far and wide.

Kentucky Oaks Trail

Perhaps the most exciting part about summer racing for fans and horse players is the chance to see the next generation of superstars hit the track for the first time. These two year old stakes races at places like Saratoga and Del Mar produce a collection of talented fillies and colts with Kentucky on their mind.

These races serve as early attempt to get on the fast track to the Kentucky Oaks or the Kentucky Derby. Although there are a lot of things that can happen between now and the first Friday in May, these races can put early movement on future pools for the race.

Top Run Styles

Over the years, the Adirondack Stakes has seen various run styles, but the one that has had the most success is the early-speed style. Given the shorter distance of 6 1/2 furlongs, horses with exceptional early speed often have a clear advantage. These nimble contenders are known for setting a blistering pace from the start, allowing them to take control of the race and fend off late challengers effectively. While a strong start is crucial, maintaining that speed and stamina throughout the course is equally vital for securing victory.

Sunday Full Card Analysis

Saratoga Race Course- 1

1:10 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight going 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 15

• #1 IT’S HOT IN HERE (5-1) makes her debut here and receives the top selection. She possesses the potential to be a strong contender in this race.
• #1A DR. RAY D. (5-1) is expected to improve from her first start and emerges as a major player. She is projected to sit mid-pack and make a strong late run, having shown the ability to handle similar conditions in previous races.
• #5 BACKSTRETCH ROSE (12-1) offers good value and should be competitive in this race. Positioned in the second tier of runners, she will be looking to make a well-timed move towards the front.
• #9 SMOOTH WAVES (8-1) is considered a fringe contender. Anticipate her involvement in the early pace of the race.

Selections: 1 – 1A- 5 – 9

Saratoga Race Course- 2

Post: 1:44 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight going 6 f on dirt; Entries: 9

• #5 WAYS AND MEANS (5-2) is making her debut here and stands out as the top pick. Trained by the Brown barn and ridden by Prat, she has promising credentials.
• #6 SHORE WAR (8-1) also debuts here and should be a competitive force. With strong pedigree, she has the potential to be a major player in this race.
• #9 NORISKIT NOBISCUIT (12-1) offers value as a price horse and is expected to be competitive. She, too, possesses a strong pedigree and is a potential contender in this field.
• #4 SIX PACK SENORITA (15-1) is another price horse, and while she may be considered a fringe contender, her pedigree suggests she has a chance to perform well in this race.

Selections: 5 – 6 – 9 – 4

Saratoga Race Course- 3

Post: 2:20 PM ET; $50k Claiming going 5 1/2 f on turf; Entries: 10

• #3 U SHOULD B DANCING (4-1) appears to be the strongest option in this race. She enters the competition in excellent form and has previously demonstrated the ability to outperform this field.
• #4 MISS DOMINA (5-1) is a prominent figure in this race, expected to be the class of the field.
• #7 SHINFULL (3-1) is a competitive force and projects to sit mid-pack, launching a strong late charge. She is also considered one of the top contenders.
• #2 CHROMEPLATED HEART (7-2) should be competitive in this spot, boasting respectable speed figures.

Selections: 3 – 4 – 7 – 2

Saratoga Race Course- 4

Post: 2:52 PM ET; $156k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 3/8 m on turf; Entries: 8

• #7 EVER SUMMER (4-1) is the top selection due to her consistently strong performances. She is expected to deliver a solid run in a fair-paced race.
• #6 FEDERALIST PAPERS (6-1) is a competitive force and has previously shown an aptitude for these conditions.
• #5 MYRISKYAFFAIR (9-2) has a chance to make an impact in this race based on her speed figures.
• #4 TALBEYAH (3-1) is a fringe contender, but with the right competitive run, she could be in the mix. Trained by Casse and ridden by Ortiz, she has the potential to surprise.

Selections: 7 – 6 – 5 – 4

Saratoga Race Course- 5

Post: 3:26 PM ET; $36k Claiming going 1 m on dirt; Entries: 9

• #3 HIGHER QUALITY (8-1) takes the top spot in this race. Her ability to handle the distance and projected mid-pack position make her a compelling contender.
• #7 HAMMERIN AAMER (7-2) is considered a major player, intending to make a well-timed move towards the leaders from the second tier of runners.
• #1A DURKIN’S CALL (3-1) is likely to be in the first flight of runners and should have a chance late, particularly if the pace up front is fast.
• #2 SOUPER CATCH (4-1) also has a shot in this race, with the potential to be among the frontrunners and contend late.

Selections: 3 – 7 – 1A – 2

Saratoga Race Course- 6

Post: 4:00 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight going 6 f on dirt; Entries: 9

• #4 GYPSY TALES (5-2) is expected to improve from her first start and stands as the best choice in this race. With strong performances, she is a dangerous threat on the front end.
• #5 LADY MOSCATO (6-1) is a major player, projected to be part of the early pace. Her past performances show an ability to handle similar conditions.
• #2 HOLIDAY ROAD (8-1) makes her debut here and is likely to compete for a minor placing in this contest.
• #3 PHILANTHROPY (12-1) is a price horse and also appears to be running for a minor placing.

Selections: 4 – 5 – 2 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- 7

Post: 4:34 PM ET; $52k Maiden Claiming going 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 15

• #1 ADDRESSABLE MARKET (7-2) is the top selection in this race. Positioned in the second tier of runners, she is anticipated to make a strong late run. Additionally, being trained by Brown and ridden by Ortiz adds to her credibility.
• #13 VOLATILITY (9-2) is considered a major player and appears to be the class of the field.
• #5 GET RESPECT (6-1) is a fringe contender but has the potential to perform well, given her recent solid performances.
• #12 FANCY STAX (6-1) should improve from her first start and also falls into the fringe contender category. With a strong closing kick, she could be a threat.

Selections: 1 – 13 – 5 – 12

Saratoga Race Course- 8

Post: 5:10 PM ET; $200k Adirondack S. going 6 1/2 f on dirt; Entries: 10

• #10 BECKY’S JOKER (7-2) is the top pick, expected to improve from her first start. She holds the highest overall power rating in the field and has been performing consistently well.
• #6 SARATOGA SECRET (8-1) has previously shown an ability to handle these conditions, making her a strong contender.
• #4 BRIGHTWORK (9-2) is also considered a major player and is projected to be part of the early pace, which should work well in a moderately paced race.
• #3 HERE U COME AGAIN (5-2) should be competitive and is respected, especially with Cox and Geroux as the trainer-jockey combination.

Selections: 10- 6 – 4 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- 9

Post: 5:44 PM ET; $70k Starter Allowance going 1 3/8 m on turf; Entries: 9

• #1 DONTMESSWITHTESS (2-1) appears to be the strongest choice here. With good performances under her belt, she is well-suited for this race.
• #2 CAN’T FOOL ME (10-1) is a price horse and should be competitive. Her late-closing kick could make her a threat in the race.
• #3 RUDA (7-2) is competitive in this spot, and being trained by Gonzalez and ridden by Ortiz adds to her potential. She will likely have to make up ground in the late stages but could contend with a strong run.
• #4 PENTAGON (5-2) is a contender in this race, having shown performances good enough to beat this group.

Selections: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4

Saratoga Race Course- 10

Post: 6:18 PM ET; $50k Maiden Claiming going 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 16

1. #3 FORWARD MOVE (5-2) should improve from her first start and takes the top selection. Positioned in the second tier of runners, she will be looking to make a well-timed move towards the leaders. Trained by Weaver and ridden by Ortiz, she carries strong credentials.
2. #2 STOW ON THE WOLD (7-2) should be competitive, given her previous performances under similar conditions.
3. #14 FLUORESCENT BAY (20-1) is a price horse and is considered a fringe contender, with potential to hit the board in this competitive race.
4. #12 ZAPRUDER (6-1) is also expected to be competitive, and being the class of the field adds to his chances. Trained by Rice and ridden by Lezcano, he is a contender to watch.