img HORSE

SARATOGA Race #9

August 18, 2013
img5:15 PM Eastern
Premium Pick

Top pick: #4 (CHANNEL MARKER) (3-1) - Lightly raced gelding has finished second in both grass sprints, the latest coming here on July 25th racing at this level and distance. That was a career best, and came second back from a pair of layoffs. The fine barn of Al Stall Jr. has her sitting on a big race.

2nd pick: #2 (Never the End) (5-1) - Speedy colt is lightly raced, and hasn't run since breaking his maiden at Gulfstream sprinting on the lawn facing special weights. Working locally for the past month, he's in a capable barn (Ed Kenneally), and his "go to" rider (Jose Lezcano) is aboard. Major force if ready.

3rd pick: #6 (Partly Mocha) (6-1) - Strong finisher is a professional turf sprinter, and has gone 11-4-1-2 on the infield. He's two for five at this trip, and rallied strongly to win here on Aug. 11 facing similar.

4th pick: #1 (Shadow Rock) (8-1) - Very lightly raced, he rallied to finish third here on July 25th, and was 2 1/2 back of "Marker" that afternoon. Gelding will be making back-to-back starts for the first time, but draws the tricky rail. Can factor late if he doesn't get buried going into the turn.

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