Saratoga Sunday: Bowling Green Closes Out Weekend

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29 July 2023

Saratoga Sunday: Bowling Green Closes Out Weekend

Sunday’s feature at Saratoga is the Bowling Green. Rebel’s Romance looks a solid favorite, but on the turf there is plenty of competition for an upset.

The Bowling Green Stakes

The Bowling Green Stakes is an esteemed Grade 2 horse race held annually at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. Named after the Bowling Green area in Manhattan, it serves as a highlight of the summer meet at Saratoga. The race is contested on turf and typically takes place in late July or early August, attracting top turf horses and offering a purse of $250,000.

History of the Bowling Green

Established in 1960, the Bowling Green Stakes has a rich history, and over the years, it has become a significant event for turf runners. The race covers a distance of 1 3/8 miles, making it an ideal test for horses that excel in longer turf races. As a Grade 2 event, the Bowling Green Stakes draws a competitive field of talented runners, many of whom are using it as a stepping stone to even bigger turf races later in the season.

The race has witnessed some memorable performances and showcased the talents of both horses and jockeys. Over the years, several legendary horses have etched their names in Bowling Green history. Past winners include turf stars such as Manila, Sunshine Forever, English Channel, and Red Rocks, among others.

Prep for the Breeders’ Cup

Saratoga‘s lush turf course adds to the allure of the Bowling Green Stakes, providing a scenic and challenging setting for the competitors. The undulating layout of the Saratoga turf course can impact the race’s dynamics, making it essential for jockeys to navigate their mounts effectively. Horses with a strong finishing kick often have an advantage on this turf course, as the long stretch run allows them to unleash their late burst of speed.

The Bowling Green Stakes also serves as a crucial prep race for some of the premier turf events later in the season, including the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Turf. Trainers often use this race as a gauge of their horses’ readiness and suitability for these high-stakes contests.

Betting the Bowling Green

From a betting perspective, the Bowling Green Stakes offers an excellent opportunity for astute handicappers to capitalize on competitive odds. With a talented field of turf specialists, the race often presents attractive betting options, including exactas, trifectas, and superfectas. Bettors can analyze past performances, jockey assignments, track conditions, and recent form to make informed wagers.

Saratoga Sunday Full Card Analysis

Saratoga Race Course- Race 1

Post: 1:10 PM ET; A $136.5k Maiden Special Weight race going 1 1/16 miles on turf; 12 Entries

#4 BUCHU (6-1) is the top selection, expected to improve off the first start and display a strong closing kick that could secure victory in this competitive race. This well-bred contender looks promising for this spot.
#6 JUSTDENY (9-2) makes her debut and appears to be competitive. With a strong pedigree, she could make her presence felt in this race.
#8 SMOOTH WAVES (12-1) is a price horse who merits consideration. With a promising pedigree, she could be a major player in this event.
#5 SANDS OF WAR (8-1) also debuts here and might be a fringe contender. Her well-bred lineage makes her an interesting prospect in this race.

Selections: 4 – 6 – 8 – 5

Saratoga Race Course- Race 2

Post: 1:46 PM ET; A $35k Claiming race going 1 mile on dirt; 8 Entries

#8 DASHING DELLA (8-1) receives the top pick. Expected to be near the lead, she will attempt to fend off the competition to secure victory.
#5 MAGGIE (8-1) should be competitive in this race and could benefit from the right setup. Her previous starts show she can handle similar conditions.
#6 SHIGEKO (2-1) also looks competitive, with a chance to capitalize on a favorable setup. Holding the top overall power rating in the group, she’s one to watch.
#7 OUR ROSIE DIAMONDS (4-1) appears to be a fringe contender, likely to be among the front runners and contending late. A fast pace might play to her advantage.

Selections: 8 – 5 – 6 – 7

Saratoga Race Course- Race 3

Post: 2:25 PM ET; A $136.5k Maiden Special Weight race going 1 1/16 miles on turf; 13 Entries

#1 GROWTH CAPITAL (8-5) stands out as the top choice, being the class of the field.
#9 FLY RIGHT (7-2) should be competitive and has shown races good enough to challenge this group.
#1A RIGHT TO WIN (8-5) is not without hope, representing the Brown barn and with Ortiz as the jockey. This well-bred contender has the potential to be a major player.
#2 CONVERSING (6-1) is likely a strong candidate to place underneath on most tickets. Having proven her ability to handle similar conditions in previous starts, she enters the race in good form.

Selections: 1 – 9 – 1A – 2

Saratoga Race Course- Race 4

Post: 3:00 PM ET; A $70k Starter Allowance race going 6 furlongs on dirt; 9 Entries

#1A APRIL ANTICS (3-1) gets the top selection, as she appears to fit well in this race. While she might have work to do in the lane, a competitive run could see her prevail.
#8 ICY REPLY (4-1) should be competitive and can stalk the leaders for a favorable trip.
#2 LIBERTY FLAME (8-1) looks to be the class of the field and has previously handled similar conditions successfully.
#7 OBRIGADA (2-1) also seems competitive, holding the top overall power rating in the group.

Selections: 1A – 8 – 2 – 7

Saratoga Race Course- Race 5

Post: 3:34 PM ET; A $156k Allowance Optional Claiming race going 1 3/8 miles on turf; 10 Entries

#2 EVER SUMMER (7-2) is the top pick, expected to handle the 1 3/8 mile distance well. With a strong recent performance record, she seems poised to run a strong race here.
#3 MYRISKYAFFAIR (4-1) should be competitive, with solid speed figures making her a genuine threat to break loose on the front end.
#1 TALBEYAH (3-1) is another competitive contender. Although she might need a strong late run, she could be in the mix with a competitive effort.
#4 AMANI’S IMAGE (12-1) is a price horse and has a shot to surprise in this race. She could be a dangerous threat if she gets an advantageous front-running position.

Selections: 2 – 3 – 1 – 4

Saratoga Race Course- Race 6

Post: 4:08 PM ET; A $136.5k Maiden Special Weight race going 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt; 9 Entries

#5 LIFE TALK (5-2) makes her debut and appears to be the best choice, earning respect going out for the Pletcher-Ortiz combination.
#9 ALAMO (20-1) is a price horse but should be competitive. Her recent solid performances suggest she’s ready for a strong effort.
#4 MUGEN (7-2) debuts here and should be in contention. With the Asmussen-Rosario partnership, she’s one to watch.
#6 ALYS BEACH (8-1) debuts as well and could be in the mix. Her pedigree indicates she could be a major player in this field.

Selections: 5 – 9 – 4 – 6

Saratoga Race Course- Race 7

Post: 4:41 PM ET; A $162.5k Allowance Optional Claiming race going 1 1/16 miles on turf; 16 Entries

#2 KURAMATA (7-2) is the top selection, having shown consistency in recent starts. Expected to sit mid-pack and make a late surge, he stands a good chance in this race.
#11 JERRY THE NIPPER (9-2) appears to be a major player based on speed figures and previous performances.
#13 COMMANDEER (12-1) is a price horse but has the potential to be a contender in this race, given his previous performances.
#6 DOMINICAN PIONEER (10-1) is another price horse and should be competitive. He has shown the ability to handle the 1 1/16 mile distance and enters the race in good form.

Selections: 2 – 11 – 13 – 6

Saratoga Race Course- Race 8

Post: 5:16 PM ET; A $43k Maiden Claiming race going 1 mile on dirt; 11 Entries

#2 UNCLE MARTY (4-1) is the top pick, with a pedigree suggesting he could be a major player in this race. His late closing kick could be the key to success.
#11 UTAMARO (6-1) could be a contender as well. His previous solid performances and ability to handle the 1-mile distance make him a viable option.
#8 RULE BREAKER (5-2) might be best to place underneath on most tickets. He’s a strong candidate based on speed figures and has a promising pedigree.
#6 LEFTEMBEHIND (6-1) is also one to consider placing underneath, being the class of the field and possessing the pedigree to contend.

Selections: 2 – 11 – 8 – 6

Saratoga Race Course- Race 9

Post: 5:49 PM ET; The $250k Bowling Green S. going 1 3/8 miles on turf; 11 Entries

#5 SOLDIER RISING (4-1) looks best here, showing consistent pace figures that should serve him well in this race with moderate pacing.
#9 REBEL’S ROMANCE (8-5) appears to be a major player, having displayed performances good enough to challenge this group. His current form is impressive.
#2 ROCKEMPEROR (12-1) is a price horse but should be competitive, boasting consistent pace figures that suit a moderately paced race.
#1 HIGHEST HONORS (8-1) should be competitive as well, representing the Brown-Ortiz partnership. With a recent string of solid races, he’s ready for a big run.

Selections: 5 – 9 – 2 – 1

Saratoga Race Course- Race 10

Post: 6:21 PM ET; A $136.5k Maiden Special Weight race going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf; 14 Entries

#9 OOLONG HAI (6-1) receives the top selection, having proven her ability to handle similar conditions in previous starts. With performances good enough to challenge this group, she is a promising contender.
#7 SPUN SPECIAL (5-1) appears to be a major player, running consistently and expecting a fair pace scenario.
#2 RISK FREE (8-1) could be in contention as well. With tactical speed, she might sit just off the leaders for a strong stalking trip.
#14 LITTLE PRANKSTER (2-1) seems to be a fringe contender, expected to handle the 5 1/2 furlong distance well. Her consistent pace figures make her a strong choice in a moderately paced race.