(For additional commentary, follow us on twitter @jsiegelracing).

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SARATOGA SPOTLIGHT RACES:

Seventh Race – Post: 4:29 ET
Top Pick: 1-Acoustic Ave (5/2)

Loved the way this son of Maclean’s Music graduated at first asking, doing so with complete authority, plenty left in the tank, and with a strong speed figure. Since his maiden win last month, the Christophe Clement-trained juvenile has been very impressive in the morning, so we’re expecting a significant forward move, one that should be good enough to win right back in this year’s edition of the Funny Cide Stakes. Rail and all, he’s a solid pick and 5/2 on the morning line with an excellent chance to upset the 4/5 morning line favorite, 5-Andiamo a Firenze.

Eleventh Race: Post: 6:47 ET
Top Pick: 3-Dressedforthefifth (5-1)

Second time starter returns following a 15 month layoff in a logical spot for a 4-year-old, a maiden $40,000 turf miler that looks pretty soft on paper. From a barn that has powerful stats with layoff runners (23%) and with “go-to” rider Joel Rosario in the saddle, this son of Malibu Moon sports a steady, healthy series of workouts at Belmont Park and Saratoga to have him fit and ready. We’re expecting the Christophe Clement-trained ridgeling to fire a winning shot off the bench and at 5-1 on the morning line there’s good value to be found in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics.

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SARATOGA RECOMMENDED ROLLING EXOTIC STRATEGIES:

(Races 1-5)
1st race: 3-Miracle; 3-Maple Leaf Mel
2nd race: 1a-Voleuse; 3-Photon
3rd race: 1-Price Discipline; 4-Barese
4th race: 4-Chulligan; 3-Boss Jim
5th race: 2-Fingal’s Cave

(Races 6-11)
6th race: 9-Tis a Pity; 7-Lisa’s Vision
7th race: 1-Acoustic Ave; 5-Andiamo a Firenze
8th race: 7-Marvelous Maude; 6-Make Mischief; 11-Finest Work
9th race: 3-Key Point
10th race: 5-City Man; 3-Somelikeithotbrown; 1-Therapist
11th race: 3-Dressedforthefifth; 9-Your Mission

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SARATOGA WORKOUT ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY:

FIRST RACE:

Miracle (August 18, Saratoga, 4f, :48.3b TT). Grade: B+
Breezing through the lane without being asked, final quarter in a sharp :24 flat. Graduated at first asking in clever fashion and seems very likely to step forward based on this drill.
View Workout Video


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THIRD RACE:

Montebello (August 19, Saratoga, 4f, :47.4b). Grade: B+
Even inside Mind Control (same time) while appearing a tad second beset to breezing top class older workmate, good work for sophomore son of Curlin, final quarter mile in :24.3. Likely the controlling speed in the Albany Stakes and could take the field a long way if not respected.
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FOURTH RACE:

Chulligan (August 12, Saratoga, 4f, :49b TT). Grade: B
Broke off a couple of lengths behind Endowed (4f, :49.2b) and was asked mildly to finish even with that one at the wire (workmate breezing), strong work for son of Justify, final quarter in a very sharp :23.3. Probably not an early speed type, more like a settle and pounce type of colt. Debuts over seven furlongs and the extra distance should be appreciated.
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FIFTH RACE:

Fingal’s Cave (August 19, Saratoga, 5f, 1:02.2b). Grade: B+
Cruise control through the lane while under wraps, final quarter in :25 flat. Remains on top of her game, seeking to remain unbeaten in the Fleet Indian Stakes and will be a short price to do just that.
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SEVENTH RACE:

Acoustic Boy (August 18, Saratoga, 4f, :49.3b TT). Grade: B+
Under a nice hold while even outside Song Parody (same time), slow early and full of run late, final quarter in :23.2 before galloping out with plenty left. Loved his maiden win and expecting even better in the Funny Cide Stakes.
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Andiamo a Firenze (August 20, Saratoga, 3f, :34.2b TT). Grade: B+
Was let roll from the pole and mildly ridden through the lane to record blazing time in three furlong blowout, :22.3 on our watches from the quarter pole home. Has all of his speed, for sure.
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NINTH RACE:

Key Point (August 20, Saratoga, 5f, :59.4b). Grade: B
Breezed inside Jack Christopher (same time) and held his own to the wire, slightly second best under very light coaxing, final quarter in :23.3. Has second level allowance state-bred conditions and will be tough in that category, for sure.
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TENTH RACE:

City Man (August 19, Saratoga, 4f, :49.4b TT TC). Grade: B
Broke off a few lengths in front of Gufo (4f, :49b TT TC) and finished down the lane with that one, head-and-head at the wire without being asked (workmate breezing, too), sharp drill for veteran middle distance turf specialist in C. Clement barn. On edge for another honest try after a clever win in the Forbidden Apple S.-G3 earlier this season.
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