Let ‘em Run Review of 08/29/26 and Preview of 9/5/26
We have reached the final weekend at Saratoga, and as always, the meet delivered drama, surprises, and a Travers finish worthy of the stage. Leading Charge and Napoleon Solo battled through the stretch in one of the most compelling duels of the summer. Leading Charge emerged as the star of the day and is now a runner to watch as we move toward the Breeders Cup in late October. The excitement continues with the opening of the new Belmont Racetrack on September 18th, where a potential showdown between Sovereignty and Forever Young could headline the card. That one is worth circling.
Below is how our Travers Day card played out.
Race 10
Our top pick managed to finish third, but it wasn’t enough to make an impact. The longshot we flagged, #8 Ultimate Love, ran a huge race on the front end and nearly stole it. Ireland‑bred #5 Naomis closed with authority to win, but Ultimate Love rewarded longshot hunters with a solid $11.32 for second.
Race 11
The scratch of heavy favorite #5 Book ’em Dano opened the race considerably. Our selection, #1 Tip Top Thomas, never got the early lead we expected and faded to fifth. No help for our tickets in this one.
Race 12
Most players landed on #7 Ways and Means, and we did too. The classy filly delivered, flying late to secure the win and paying a chalky $4.70. She remains a strong contender moving forward.
Race 13
The Travers lived up to its billing. Our top pick, #3 Napoleon Solo, ran a tremendous race and looked home in mid‑stretch. But #2 Leading Charge found another gear and nailed Solo at the wire. Our tickets were built around Solo as a single, so the narrow defeat stung. Still, both runners stamped themselves as major Breeders Cup threats.
Race 14
The day ended the way many Saratoga days have ended this summer: with a longshot blowing up the board. #5 People Watching paid a hefty $37.48 and keyed a $6,246 Pick 5. If you had it, congratulations. Our top choice, #7 Alone Time, finished third and returned $8.40.
Looking Ahead to 9/5/26
We will be live on our Friday Happy Hour podcast at 3 PM. John Kostin and I will break down the Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga and the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante. Both races are seven furlongs for two‑year‑old fillies, and both winners will be runners to watch as fall stakes season unfolds.
On Saturday, we pivot to an all‑stakes Pick 5 at Kentucky Downs, covering races 6 through 10 with more than ten million dollars in purses. Join us Saturday at 12:30 PM for full coverage. Both shows stream on Sports Talk Media Network and Capital Sports Network.
As always, bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses can lead to serious fun, and Let ’em Run.
