Wednesday wagers: Straight Arrow flies to score at Saratoga
Fans of long grass races are in for a treat at Saratoga this Wednesday, as the Grade 1 Jonathan Sheppard Handicap for steeplechase runners over 2 3/8 miles and the John’s Call Stakes at 1 5/8 miles are co-featured.
My picks for five of the day’s 10 races are below.
Best bet: Pioneering Spirit (race 7)
Best value bet: Straight Arrow (race 9)
Race 1
No. 1 L’Imperator (9-2) has won each of his last two races over hurdles, including an allowance heat over this course by daylight. No. 9 McTigue (7-2, morning-line favorite) was much the best in the Kiser Novice Stakes but lost to Hoffman – who was crushed by the top choice when last seen – two starts ago. No. 3 Awakened (6-1) lost to McTigue last time out but was well clear of the rest of the field. Can move up if one of the top pair falters.
How I’d bet it (based on a $100 budget): $7 exacta box 1/9, $3 exacta 1,9/3
Race 3
No. 6 Bring Me a Check (9-2) won consecutive seven-furlong turf sprints at Belmont before closing fast for third vs. similar at Saratoga. We’ll see if Tyler Gaffalione can get this son of Fast Anna going a little earlier this time around. No. 3 High Front (2-1, morning-line favorite) won the Dark Star Turf Sprint at Canterbury in a highly rated effort under the care of Johnathan Thomas, and now runs for Christophe Clement. Irad Ortiz Jr. sees fit to climb aboard. No. 1 Mid Day Image (5-1) was last seen flopping going long on yielding ground. Dismiss that effort and look back at a solid four-pack of turf sprint efforts (4: 2-0-2) to start the year. He’s coupled with No. 1A Cazadero.
How I’d bet it: $8 exacta box 3/6, $2 exacta 3,6/1
Race 4
No. 5 Slapintheface (5-2, morning-line favorite) rallied smartly for place in just his second career start, off a long layoff no less. Expect him to put the pieces together and graduate today. No. 6 Tony O (4-1) hasn’t shown much improvement over his five career turf starts, but his usual effort should land a share. No. 8 Laurel Valley (5-1) may appreciate stretching out, he nearly graduated vs. lesser two back. No. 9 Lt. Mitchell (9-2) was blocked late in his last turf try, could potentially show more late.
How I’d bet it: $10 exacta 5/6, $5 exacta 5/8,9
Race 7
No. 4 Pioneering Spirit (5-2, morning-line favorite) has won each of his last four turf starts for Linda Rice, all going long, and all with room to spare. It’s hard to see this solid distance runner faltering in the John’s Call. No. 3 Burning Bright (12-1) could be the value of the race after checking in second in two straight grass races. He’ll be forwardly placed under Luis Saez for Norm Casse, who’s 5-for-9 at Saratoga so far. No. 5 British Royalty (7-2) should be respected off his third-place run in the trying two-mile Belmont Gold Cup.
How I’d bet it: $10 exacta 4/3,5
Race 9
No. 1 Straight Arrow (8-1) is moving through the ranks nicely and takes another small step up today. The lightly raced son of Arrogate should prove tough at the rail. No. 6 Radio Red (7-2, morning-line favorite) crushed allowance foes two-back before settling for second in the Mike Lee Stakes. Inconsistent but talented sort is the main danger. No. 4 Aggregation (5-1) was off to a great start with two wins in three starts (much like the top choice) before something went wrong in the 2022 New York Derby. His comeback race left much to be desired, but he could move forward with the rust shaken off, and the cutback should help.
How I’d bet it: $10 win 1, $5 exacta 1/6
Robert Criscola is a free-lance handicapper based in New York.
