SARATOGA SPRINGS — The first jump race of the meet drew 13 entrants (12 can run). Each owns one career win over jumps. All can run a little. And all will have to deal with unique pace and traffic scenarios in what will be the fastest jump race of their lives.
Best horse in the race? Left Unsaid. He screamed Saratoga when he broke his maiden in April. He comes off a better-than-it-looked fourth at Penn National on July 3. Second best horse in the race? Terpsichorean. He graduated the maiden ranks last summer, and earned a Saratoga start with strong efforts this spring. Tricky Me, Jellyberry, El Viaje and You The Man fit the next tier, though little separates this group.
A big field, balanced competition, atmosphere and a short run to the first fence add up to the winner getting the best trip. The winner will sit off (but not too far off) a quick pace, stay out of the inevitable traffic jam with six furlongs to go and come charging home after the final turn.
Terpsichorean can negotiate that sort of trip. So can Tricky Me and El Viaje. Left Unsaid, everybody’s favorite among the jump set, might have to work a bit harder.
THE PLAY: Tough call. Look for value before you bet to win (consider Left Unsaid, Tricky Me, Terpsichorean and El Viaje).
Without that luxury, I lean toward Tricky Me. He was a half-length behind Left Unsaid at Penn after going wide on the final turn and ought to be a solid price as he was 12-1 on the morning line.
Box Tricky Me, Left Unsaid and Terpsichorean in exactas. Key a trifecta part-wheel around Left Unsaid by singling him in all three spots around Tricky Me, Terpsichorean and El Viaje.
If you really want to search for bombs underneath, Jellyberry, You The Man and Better Be Ready are the most likely contenders.
THE RECORD: Solid season in 2008, with two winners ($4.70 and $8.40) on top in seven races, plus four exactas ($15.40, $27.40, $74 and $79) and four trifectas ($27.40, $207.50, $233 and $246).