The 18th Running of The Saranac-G3
September 4, 2021 14:30
SAR Race #5 $200.000 11/16 Turf
3YOs 122 Lbs (Plus Penalties)
Track Record-1:38.91 (Pago Lass-2012)
Stakes Record-1:39.42 (Call Me Godd-2019)
The graded stakes action at SAR on Saturday kicks-off with the $200.000 G3 Saranac for three-year olds going a mile and a sixteenth on the inner turf. All eight entrants have been assigned 122 lbs so no one will be penalized on the scales. Mb Stables (2012, 2016) leads all trainers in this event while jockeys K.J. Desormeaux (2008, 2012, 2017) and J.R. Velazquez (2009, 2015, 2016) are the only pilots to guide three mounts home. While the majority of the turf form resides in the outer half of the eight-horse field, their are nice horses in every stall. Here’s the field for the 2021 edition of The Saranac-G2:
#1 Flesh Of My Flesh (Arindel/V.R. Carrasco): Rail-horse enters fresh off of an ALW score August 7 at SAR. That win was his first since January so needs to keep the positive monetum going for this. Best runs appear to be from just off the pace, so the break will be key in establishing early position to give himself a chance to factor late.
#2 Baller Alert (D J C Racing Stables/Mario Gutierrez): $300.000 private purchase draws post two for his first turf start for the new barn after three unsuccessful graded-stakes dirt tries. Won the Mucho Macho Man back in January to start the TC trail, but hasn’t found the winner’s circle since. Lack of turf form complicates forming an opinion on his chances.
#3 Abominable (Mb Stables/T. Gaffalione): First of two for meet’s leading trainer gets post three and is a stakes-winner on the surface and at 8.5 furlongs, so all positive signs. Graded dirt foes have proven too tough, but this one is better on the grass; looks to be a player.
#4 Into Pieces (Mb Stables/E. Jaramillo): Barn’s second entrant breaks to his stablemate’s outside and proved Manila score was no fluke when a closing 4th in G3 La Jolla Handicap last month. Was only beaten a length that day and any continued improvement gives him every chance in here.
#5 Plan To Wheel (Fractious/J.R. Velazquez): Hottest barn in the game sends this guy from stall five. Saturday will be his first grass race in a year, but he did break his maiden over the lawn. Think he’ll appreciate the stretchout after racing 6.5 over a sloppy track in G1 Amsterdam in his latest. 1:34.70 work says he’s sitting on go for this.
#6 Nevada Silver (Nakamura Stables/L. Saez): Makes the eighth start of his career and takes his third shot at a graded turf event. Mixed results in those, but just missed last month when nipped in the $125.000 KD Preview Turf Cup. Looks to be involved throughout but will need to work out a trip from this stall.
#7 Off Track Torcher (Maxmillion Farm/M. Franco): $150.000 February purchase enters in fine form for current barn. Four straight board finishes including a couple in graded grass routes. Another who appears to want to be forwardly placed, only question will be if he can work out a trip. The selection in a hotly-contested bout.
#8 Pollards Vision (La Canada Racehorses/D. Davis): Outside horse comes here for the third race off of a freshening and looks to be getting back to his old self. G2 Pilgrim winner in November appears to be sitting on a big race. Sub-par mile workout on August 16 keeps him from being the pick, but he is the horse to beat on paper.
Final Analysis: 7-8-4 Good luck to all in the $200.000 G3 Saranac at SAR on Saturday!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
