Saratoga Selections July 13, 2024
Opening weekend at Saratoga. Three stakes on the Saturday card with the Grade 1 Diana coming up tough with 10 fillies and mares set to go. Our first episode of Saratoga Saturday brought to you by AmWager is out on Past the Wire TV and we talk all three stakes and touch base with Shug!
For now, we’ll look at The Diana and I do have a somewhat strong opinion here.
Moira definitely has the look of a contender to me off the bench. She last ran in the Breeders’ Cup Fillies a nd Mares Turf and ran a good race to Inspiral. She is classy, sits a good trip, has the rail, fires fresh, Tyler Gaffalione is up and there is plenty to like. She also looks like her best race is still to come and this could be a big year for her. I like her, but I like someone a tad better.
Coppice is where I land. Contrary to popular opinion I think she will like the added ground she gets here. She had no real excuse last out but didn’t have the best or most comfortable of trips. She ran big in The Distaff two back and her UK form is excellent. Chad brown doesn’t back off after the subpar race which tells me he thinks she will like the distance and bounce back. Frankie knows her well and I see a big race and turnaround coming. This is her third start for Chad and I think it will be her best yet.
Mission of Joy is a good filly. I don’t think she is as good as some of these and hasn’t beaten this type of field just yet. She is not outclassed or overmatched but is in the deeper end of the pool.
Didia is the likely favorite or co favorite despite Chad Brown’s record in this race and the number of starters he has running this year. Didia found a new running style showing speed since Jose took the reins. That seems to suit her well and if she clears, I think she becomes more dangerous. She has won at The Spa and likes to get home first. She is the one to beat but I’ll try looking for a big race from Coppice.
Gina Romantica is another from Chad and yet another contender. She doesn’t seem to be quite as good as she has been in the past so I’ll take my shot against her in here.
Whitebeam was very good to us at past the Wire TV and Tracking Trips last year in this race. She doesn’t seem quite as good now as she was then and I am hoping she keeps Didia honest and entertained on the front end.
Fluffy Socks exploded with a huge race on soft ground last out. I am not confidant she can produce back-to-back races like that.
Neecie Marie is honest and brings it but looks a cut below these in my opinion.
Evvie Jets is another I am hoping keeps things honest and competitive up front. That will help Coppice if I am correct about her.
Chili Flag has gotten very good. She or Didia will be favored and the other not far behind in the wagering. She’ll have to go a little further than she is used to but that is likely not a problem. She likes Saratoga and is yet another contender.
As you can see, I think this race is wide open with lots of options. In these types of races, I believe you must form your opinion, be decisive and back that opinion knowing there are a few who can beat you. You can’t win using everyone.
I’ll try and win with Coppice and see what happens. I think if she can produce her best race in her third start in the new barn, she can win this.
