Forgive me if you’re reading this and are from the West Coast, but for most of the horseplayers in this country, tomorrow’s opening day card at Saratoga kicks off the greatest six weeks in American horse racing. The NYRA racing office did their part in assembling a terrific lineup as the smallest field is nine on the ten-race program and the featured Schuylerville will feature a baker’s dozen seeking a move to the head of the two year-old filly division.
The Schuylerville is an incredible betting race and this entry will kick off a series that will continue each racing day at Saratoga as the featured event is analyzed in detail including a bankroll play of $60 or less. Here’s the way I see it in the Schuylerville:
The Main Contenders:
#3 COWGIRL MALLY, like seven of her rivals, scored at first asking and she recently posted a half-mile drill that shows she should once again be plenty sharp. Her trainer is not one of the best around with first-timers and her pedigree does not exactly scream five furlongs but this gal won nonetheless. She proved, quite importantly, that she can be effective from off the pace as there’s a terrific amount of early speed in here. #4 AEGEAN was taken to England by trainer Wesley Ward to race at the prestigious Royal Ascot meet after two strong wins in Kentucky but she failed miserably. She is back on dirt today, which is a positive move and Ward wins with all two year-olds at a rate of 31%. The chances that this gal will need a race are good but Ward is one of the trainers you can trust with a type like this. #1 HOT DIXIE CHICK scored handily in career start #2 as she clearly moved forward a great deal off of her debut in which she was caught late as the 2-1 favorite. She is the speed of the speed in here and should be able to get clear during the opening stages.
The Next Tier:
#7 FRANNY FREUD scored handily in her debut against males at Belmont and ran so well that trainer John Terranova opted to try this NY bred daughter of Freud against open company in Canada. She finished a very game second at 3-1 north of the border and showed that day that she has plenty of fight in her. She should move forward in career start #3, especially given how much she improved from her debut to her last run. #5 DECELERATOR is one of two stakes winners in this field as she scored in the Debutante last time out at Saratoga. She finished gamely that afternoon and is clearly effective from just off the pace, which only makes her even more dangerous in this spot.
The Play:
Trifecta 3 with 1,4,5,9,10 with ALL
Total: $55
Good luck!
Here’s a look at last year’s Schuylerville to whet your appetite for this rendition:
Nick Tammaro's Take 