breeders cup Justify (1), with jockey Mike Smith up, crosses the finish line to win the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race and the Triple Crown, Saturday, June 9, 2018, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Let ‘em Run – The Late P5 at Saratoga
Wow, what a deluge of rain that came down on Saratoga on Tuesday and Wednesday; that forced them to cancel racing on Wednesday. They will be drying out nicely for the card on Saturday, which includes The Jim Dandy Stakes, which goes off as Race 10, with a small but stellar field. If you did not catch our Happy Hour Podcast, you can see the replay on Sports Talk Media Network, where myself and partner John Kostin took an interesting look at The All Stakes P3 at Colonial Downs, including The Arlington Million. Here is Let ‘em Runs’ take on the Late P5 today at Saratoga.
This race is an example of where it becomes important to tune in to our 12:30 Podcast on Sports Talk Media Network after scratches. We love #14 Battis Grove (6-1), for our up and coming trainer William Walden. She will need plenty of scratches to get in off the AE list, but if she does we like her… a lot. So… we will land on the #3 Only for Now (5-1) with jockey Flavien Prat taking over the ride. Prat will look to work out a good trip in this sprint race. The #6 Heat Missile (12-1), is a “wild card” in the lineup, but the workouts say she may be ready to fire with jockey Jose Ortiz getting aboard for trainer Mark Casse.
Race 9 (5:06 PM EST) – The Lake George Stakes (Gr. 3) $225K | 1 1/16 Miles Turf
The #9 Lion Lake (IRE) (3-1) has loads of class and consistent races to make this runner the one to beat. Jockey Luis Saez takes the mount for trainer Brendan Walsh, and the workouts are a plus. Trainer Chad Brown sends out the #8 Deep Learning (7-2) and jockey Flavien Prat keeps the mount for this runner coming in off an extended layoff.
Race 10 (5:44 PM EST) – The Jim Dandy Stakes (Gr. 2) $500K | 1 ⅛ Miles Dirt BloodHorse
This is the race of the day, with a small, but ultra strong lineup. We have a lot of checkmarks on the #1 Chip Honcho (3-1). The Brisnet run style of E/P5 gives this colt the right angle in this compact field. He has run the distance twice, and been competitive both times. Look for jockey Jose Ortiz to break alertly from the rail and put the rest of the field behind him.
We like the #5 Blamicker (12-1) best here. He is the lone E8 per Brisnet, and has a pace edge on this field, which could come in handy in a sprint. Jockey Kendrick Carmouche is the perfect rider, taking over for jockey Andrew Worrie. The #1 Illmatic (9-2) must get away quickly from this rail position, and jockey Flavien Prat is the guy for the job. The cutback to 5 ½ furlongs helps the case for this runner. The M/L favorite, #9 Dakota Country (8-5), may be hard to beat, but chaos can be a player in sprint races. This runner ships in from the West Coast, and I am certain my partner, John Kostin will not have this runner on his ticket !!
FanDuel
Race 12 (6:51 PM EST) – Maiden Special Weight $115K | 1 1/16 Miles Turf
If we get this far, this race is the most likely race to be a “spread race” on handicappers tickets. We landed on several runners, including #4 Timeless Melody (10-1). Trainer Phillip Antonacci is starting to heat up, and has runners ready to win, 2nd time out (36%). On the rail 1st time out, this post position will be better. Certainly the #5 Nonconsecutivetrms (5-2) will be on many tickets. Jockey Jose Ortiz takes the reins for this runner, who also gets Lasix for the 1st time. The #6 Fancy n’ Flight (4-1) had a horrible trip last time out, and still finished with a flurry. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. taking over adds to the appeal.
Suggested Late Pick 5 Ticket Breakdown
Official Play Structure
Leg 1 (Race 8): 1, 3, 5, 6, (14)
Leg 2 (Race 9): 6, 8, 9
Leg 3 (Race 10): 5
Leg 4 (Race 11): 1, 5, 9
Leg 5 (Race 12): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Total Ticket Cost:$112.50
Be sure to tune in today at 12:30, when myself and partner John Kostin will make any adjustments after scratches and any changes. We can be followed on Sports Talk Media Network, as well as multiple streaming apps and social channels. And as always, bet smart, cheer hard, fast horse can lead to serious fun, and in the end Let ‘em Run. Good luck !!
