img HORSE

SARATOGA Race #9 (THE DIANA (G1))

July 27, 2013
img5:15 PM Eastern
Premium Pick

Top pick: #5 (CENTRE COURT) (5-2) - Hard-hitting daughter of "Smart Strike" hs gone 11-6-4-0 on the grass with the last five of those coming in "graded" stakes. Four-year-old won the "Lake George" (G2) here last year and lost by a 1/2 length to today's rival "Stephanie's Kitten" in the (G2) "Lake Placid." Stalker won her first pair of 2013 starts, but finished a very troubled fourth last out to "Stephanie." She can take this with a "clean" trip.

2nd pick: #3 (Dayatthespa) (6-1) - Her entire career has been spent on the turf (11-7-2-0), and she's 2-for-2 locally. Filly has the best early speed in this quality field and should take advantage of that fact by going right to the top. Contender, she's one of three entered by trainer Chad Brown and the trio race uncoupled.

3rd pick: #2 (Stephanie's Kitten) (8-5) - Strong and talented finisher has won six of nine on the grass and is 1-for-2 on this surface. Both "Court" and "Spa" have beaten her in the past and this Ramsey home-bred may not get much pace to rally into. Can contend, but at a short price.

4th pick: #6 (Samitar) (7-2) - Another of the Brown trio, she has talent and kept top company in Europe before coming here last fall. In shape and English-bred won a small stakes at Belmont on July 4th. In the mix.

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