Saturday's Best Bet: Mind Control takes over in Forego
Saturday's 8th race from Saratoga is the Grade 1 Forego Stakes for four-year--olds and up traveling seven furlongs on the main track (Post Time 3:37 p.m. ET).
#4 MIND CONTROL (7-2) has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. It is never easy to defeat Firenze Fire at Belmont Park, and it was nice to see this one get back on the beam that day in the Nerud (G2) at seven panels July 4. That was his first start for Todd Pletcher and his winning rider John Velazquez has running style options with the two-time local winner.
#7 Yaupon (5-2) is 5-for-6 in dirt sprints at six furlongs in this country, and he looked good winning in his first start back from Dubai in the Lite the Fuse Stakes at Pimlico July 4. He is 2-for-2 at Saratoga and figures to make his presence felt throughout.
#8 Firenze Fire (6-1) is not the same horse away from Big Sandy but he drew well and should work out a clear outside stalking trip. He is better at six panels as well.
#6 Chance It (20-1) probably should not be such a big number on the board. He always fires exacta shots around one turn and his tactical speed should play well in this extended sprint. The lightly raced four-year-old still has upside and Tyler Gaffalione is 2-for-2 with him.
Wagers:
#4 to win
Exacta 4/6-7-8
Exacta 6-7-8/4
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