Another big weekend of horseracing, and we go north of the border to cover The King’s Plate at Woodbine. This is Canada’s version of our Kentucky Derby, and Let’ em Run took a deep dive into the race on our Happy Hour podcast on Friday at 3PM. We will also take a look at the feature race at Saratoga on Saturday, The Christophe Clement Turf Stakes, a Grade 1 race, formerly named The Sword Dancer. Then be sure to tune in on Saturday at 12:30 after scratches, for our breakdown of the late P5 at Saratoga, races 8 – 12.
Here is how we see it playing out at Sports Talk Florida and Let ‘em Run.
Late P5 at Saratoga Races 8 – 12
Race 8 4:29 EST MSW 115K 6 Furlongs Dirt
A very tough maiden race, with some pricey horses in the field to start the sequence. The #3 Q B Rocket 4-1, purchased for 1.9 million, looks to be ready to run for trainer Brad Cox. This starter has not missed a beat in his workouts, including some serious bullet workouts. An interesting entrant is lined up on the outside, #10 Vukota 12-1. Being ridden by jockey Kendrick Caramouche is a plus, and this runner is also working out well for the unveiling.
Race 9 5:06 EST The Christophe Clement Turf Gr 1 1 ½ Mile 750K
The sentimental pick will be #2 Tawny Port, being trained by Miguel Clement. Won last time out in a 2 mile marathon, so fitness is not an issue. The 0 for 10 record at the distance is a concern. Our top pick is #7 Survie 6-1. This Ireland bred 5 y.o. ran impressively winning at this distance last out, 1st time in North America. Jockey switch to Manny Franco suits this closer well, as does the post position. The “wildcard” on our ticket, is the #1 Ancient Egypt 5-1, another Ireland Bred entrant. This runner just missed last 2x out at the distance, and may flee from the rail under jockey David Egan. The #4 Program Trading 7-2 is likely to be on a lot of tickets. Looking to win three in a row, with jockey Flavian Prat staying on for the ride.
Race 10 5:44 EST The Galway 5 ½ Furlongs Turf 200K
We could make a case for many runners here, so this is where our ticket gets deep. The #1 Gerrards Cross 6-1, may have a pace edge on the field. The change to jockey Dylan Davis is an upgrade for well liked trainer Kathleen O’Connell. Third start off the layoff is a plus. The #1 Prime Power per Brisnet, is #5 Cadenza 7-2, who is dropping in class out of 2 Grade 3 races last 2x out. The drop in class is just what the doctor ordered to get this runner to the winners circle.
Race 11 6:19 EST ALW40K 1 Mile Dirt
This is where our ticket will need to hold up, as we are taking a stand on #4 Celtic Prince 6-1. The #1 Prime Power has made a big step forward last out, 1st time routing on the dirt. The last out highest speed rating adds to the appeal. Stay tuned to see who gets the mount, as jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. is on the mend with an ankle until 8/22/26. Hope he is getting some quality Physical Therapy.
Race 12 6:52 EST MCLM50K 1 1/16 Turf
The sequence started with a maiden race, and it also ends with a maiden race. Our top choice is the #8 Gilbane 5-2. Just lost by a head last time out, at this condition. Hot jockey Manny Franco stays aboard to finish the job this time for new trainer Amelia Green. First time starter #10 Fivedollarsforsox 5-1 has appeal, debuting for trainer Miguel Clement. Trainer Clement can get new runners to do well debuting in races greater than a mile at a clip of 28%. Out of Oscar Performance by Kitten’s Joy is another plus.
So our ticket looks like this: 3,6,7,10 / 2,4,5,7 / 1,3,5,6,7,8 / 4 / 1,8,10 = $120
We have been landing winners in our P5 sequence the past weeks, and look to put 5 in a row this weekend. So take our thoughts, with your picks, and put together a winning sequence, or just pick some winners. There is a P3, and a P4 in the sequence for some other options as well. Be sure to tune in on Saturday at 12:30, when we may make some changes after scratches and conditions may change the card. We can be viewed on Sports Talk Media Network and multiple streaming apps and social channels. As always, bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses can lead to real fun and in the end, just Let ‘em Run.
