Applebee: Closer Look/Clement – Galway SAR 8.15.26

Happy Christophe Clement Turf Stakes Day! Very competitive Christophe Clement Turf with a field that includes the top three finishers from the Bowling Green, the winner of the United Nations along with several quality Euros including a mare who just won the Glens Falls two weeks ago. None of the seven entrants were off the board in their most recent start – all of which were against graded stakes company. Trivia Question: The Sword Dancer, now the Christophe Clement, has been contested since 1975. Which trainer has the most wins in this Grade I? Race 9  The Christophe Clement Turf  Stakes – Grade I One Mile and a…

READ MORE

Nadeau: Play of the Day Saratoga Sat 8.15.26

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 8/15/26 Featured track Saratoga Race number 10   Race overview A deep and competitive renewal of the 200k Galway for 3yo fillies at 5 ½ furlongs on the Mellon Turf Course.   Pace It looks potentially supersonic, as there are more than a few who want to roll early, which suggests this could fall apart in the lane. Trends The turf has been fair throughout the meet, and has seen plenty of off-the-pace winners, though monitor the weather/course condition, after there were rains earlier in the week. Best Play #5 CADENZA (7-2) (turf only): Stalker didn’t handle the…

READ MORE

Nadeau: Play of the Day Saratoga Fri 8.14.26

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  8/14/26      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  8       Race overview  An extremely strong OC80K/N2X for 3up at 7 furlongs.       Pace  It looks hot, as more than a few want to motor early, which suggest they could come back in the lane at this demanding distance.      Trends  The main track continues to play fair, and even had a bit of an off-the-pace feel to it over the weekend.      Best Play  #5 ELIMINATE (9-2): Rice charge ran huge winning for fun off-the-claim and off-the-pace at BAQ,…

READ MORE

Nadeau: Play of the Day Saratoga Thurs 8.13.26

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  8/13/26      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  5       Race overview  A meek 20k n3l for fm3up at 6 furlongs on the main track.       Pace  It looks honest enough, as more than a few want to be close and contesting things early on.      Trends  The main track continues to play fair, and even had a bit of an off-the-pace feel to it over the weekend.      Best Play  #3 VEKOMANCER (2-1): Stiff class dropper ran relatively well in two turf starts against much better, and was…

READ MORE

Nadeau: Play of the Day Saratoga Wed.8.12.26

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  8/12/26      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  4       Race overview  A strong 45k claimer for 4up at 6 ½ furlongs on the main track.       Pace  It should be hot, as #1 Mischievous M (4-1) is going, and, provided he breaks, #8 Trust Issues (15-1) is too, which suggests this could land in the lap of a stalker/close in the lane at this tricky distance.      Trends  The main track continues to play fair, and even had a bit of an off-the-pace feel to it over the weekend.      Best Play  #5 INEXORABLE (5-2): Stiff class dropper was…

READ MORE

Nadeau: Play of the Day Saratoga Sun 8.9.26

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  8/9/26      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  7       Race overview  A strong 85k MCL for fm3up at 6 ½ furlongs on the main track.       Pace  It looks on the tepid side, with just #1 Immaculate Moon (5-2), wanting to go early, so being able to lay close is key.      Trends  A fast main track seemed a bit forward Wednesday and Thursday, but nothing too out of the ordinary.      Best Play  #5 ROSE TO RICHES (3-1): Brown filly woke up on the switch to dirt off a long…

READ MORE

Nadeau: Play of the Day Saratoga Sat 8.8.26

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 8/8/26 Featured track Saratoga Race number 5   Race overview A typically solid N1X for 3up at 7 furlongs on the main track.   Pace It looks honest enough, as there are more than a few who want to be close early, though there are no true burners signed on either. Trends A fast main track seemed a bit forward Wednesday and Thursday, but nothing too out of the ordinary, though on big race days, expect things to be tightened up and playing potentially to speed. Best Play #6 PRETTY BOY MIAH (2-1): Talented sort finally gets the…

READ MORE

Applebee: Closer Look – Whitney and Fourstardave/SAR 8.8.26

Happy Whitney Day! Big time card today with four Grade I’s led by a loaded Whitney and The Fourstardave which honors the “Sultan of Saratoga”. Trivia Question: Nitrogen takes on the colts in the Whitney as she attempts to become the seventh filly to win this prestigious Grade I. Who was the most recent filly to win the Whitney? Race 10 – The Fourstardave – Grade I One Mile on the Inner Turf For Three Year Olds and Upward Rhetorical: In the Turf Classic at Churchill on Derby Day he took the field all nine furlongs (107 Beyer). Then in the Manhattan his early lead evaporated as he…

READ MORE

Nadeau: Saratoga 8.7.26 Play of the Day

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 8/7/26 Featured track Saratoga Race number 8   Race overview A relatively modest 20k N2L for 3up at 1-mile on the main track.   Pace There’s little to none here, so at this tricky distance around the Wilson Chute, being able to lay close early seems imperative. Trends Inconsistent weather has made the main track tough to get a gauge on, though it has played fair and consistent when it’s been fast. Best Play #9 SHANGRALA ROAD (3-1): Rice runner will make his first start on the main since he was claimed at Kee in April, so getting…

READ MORE

Nadeau: Saratoga 8.6.26 Play of the Day

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 8/6/26 Featured track Saratoga Race number 4   Race overview An extremely strong 12.5k claimer for fm4up at 6 furlongs.   Pace It looks hot and contested, as more than a few want to roll early, which suggests this could fall apart in the lane. Trends Inconsistent weather has made the main track tough to get a gauge on, though it has played fair and consistent when it’s been fast. Best Play #8 JACKSON’S DIXIE (7-2): Stretch runner drops after facing better in three starts off the Dutrow claim, so while her form doesn’t look great of late,…

READ MORE