Four years ago the event record for the Gr. II Lake Placid broke the 1:46 mark at the wire with a final time of 1:45.96. Will we see another effort break this title here at Saratoga on Saturday?

• The Lake Placid- Grade II Purse $200.000
• Saratoga Race Course – For Fillies Three Years old
• One Mile and a sixteenth – Inner Turf course
• August 17th, 2019

So back in 2015, a sophomore by the name of Altered Skeleton from Chili King Stables broke the record set the previous year with a final time of 1:45.96. The task had the help from rider J R Leparoux in the irons and has been the only final time for this race under 1:46.00. As far as history repeating itself this season, Chili King Stables has been absent in the past three years of this event, but has brought Brutal Heat to do battle. Also J R Leparoux is back in the irons to try and get another victory. So will this trainer/jockey work their magic once again? If you believe in Karma, this should be a done deal. Here’s this years field of eleven runners;

1 Limited Risk ( Fractious ) – Has two wins and a runner-up effort in her past three events. Took some time off between her last two efforts of 44 days and that seem to help. 41 day return for this event, but she is still in search of his first stakes title. Post is good, but the talent here may leave her out of the spotlight.

2 Brutal Heat ( Chili King Stables ) – Was only purchased just 12 days prior to this event taking place, and her new trainer must have rushed to get her placed here. Her last race at WO against Clm47.5 was only her second try on the turf, but she was impressive finishing second with a stalking effort behind a 1-5 favorite. Was making up ground late till she was passed by Limited Risk, but will appreciate the added sixteenth.

3. Poetic Princess ( Allinthegate )- All three of her starts this season have come over the grass, all protected allowance company affairs, and a record of two wins and a runner-up placing. Attempted one non graded stakes race as a juvenile, but that was unsuccessful. Definitely has a feel for the footing, but the class may be a bit too high. Looking elsewhere.

4 Low Key Desires ( Aer Stables )- Granddaughter to Cherokee Sunset, she has been struggling to find a victory this season in six starts. Her last two tries have come over off tracks and that footing seemed to tire her down the lane. Showers are in the forecast for race day, so it looks like there in no relief in site for this gray, at least not for this weekend. Another fading effort if she doesn’t scratch.

5 Smart Watch ( EasyMoney Stables )- Has not missed a paycheck in five starts this year with a record of (3-0-2 ). Is coming of a brilliant win in the Gr. III ONT Colleen Stakes at a mile on the turf. That day the footing was listed as soft and it didn’t hamper her spirits in the least. Should be poised to strike once again in this event, so watch for a move at the head of the stretch. In the Mix.

6 Warmed Up ( Mb Stables ) Trainer scratched this entry from the Gr.I DMR Oaks to compete in this lesser event, feeling she would have a better chance to finish well here. Of her last four events where she finished either first or second, see only had 114 or less pounds on her back. Add eight more pounds today and I think we will be looking at a whole new outcome. Fringe effort due to weight I’m afraid.

7 Lit Up By The French ( Mb Stables)- Second entry for this trainer, and should definitely have a better finish in this race. Since the purchase that brought her here, she won the Gr. III Honeymoon stakes, then placed second last time around in the Gr. II San Clemente going a mile. Distance should not be an issue and if we get an off surface on the day, she has proven she can close as well. Top three finisher.

8 Di Magni ( Gdp Inc ) – Was having a love affair over at Monmouth Park in her last two starts. Won an Alw 47.5 at today’s distance by a length, then returned to compete in the Gr. III Matchmaker and squeaked out a win by a head in the photo. She too will have to take on some additional weight from her past two efforts, but will be closing. Has never raced on a wet surface yet, so could be questionable for tomorrow.

9 Chais Princess ( Maxmillion Farm )- This bay filly hasn’t been able to settle since her Gr. I SA Oaks victory back in April. Was sold then placed fifth in the Black Eyed Susan Stakes. Sold once again then raced in the Gr. I Diana where she would place seventh. Max has given here 35 days since the Diana to get settled in her stall finally, and she may now feel like competing. Only concern is her jockey has only two wins in 15 starts from outside posts.

10 Rules Are Madness ( Angelos Stable )- Horse has been responding well for this trainer in the last three starts since her purchase. Won the NYSS-Joy event two starts ago, then came back and captured the Gr. III Lake George from start to finish. Is four for five this season in wins, and they have all came on the turf. The addition of Bute seems to have also helped her efforts. Has never competed on off surfaces, so lets wait and see if she stays. Like her chances if she does.

11 46 And 2 ( John Henry ) -After only finishing two lengths out in this years Gr. I BEL Oaks race, it was surprising to me that this filly would be sold for a mere ten bucks. New trainer must be happy with that deal and he has gone away from the mile works, to get her concentrated on focus with shorter sprint works at this oval. Was the post time favorite in her last three starts, so don’t discount to easily. Upsetter if the post isn’t a deterrent.

Duffer’s Picks- 5-7-10

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES