Thursday's Best Bet: Bonita Bianca can repeat in Union Avenue Stakes
Thursday's eighth race from Saratoga is the $100,000 Union Avenue Stakes for fillies and mares dashing six and one-half furlongs on the main track (Post Time 4:46 p.m. ET).
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#2 BONITA BIANCA (9-2) won this race last summer and has only raced twice this year (both non-threatening show finishes). She puts blinkers back on, cuts back in distance, and her new pilot Irad Ortiz jr. wins races with Jason Servis. I have always liked her and am expecting a return to top form.
#1 Holiday Disguise (5-2) got back on the beam in the Dancin Renee at Belmont June 15. The 8-for-16 mare is fresh and gets pace to chase in the paper race.
#8 Jc’s Shooting Star (12-1) finished in the top three in all five local outings, and the 7-year-old mare is 1-for-1 at this distance. The late runner can rally for a share.
#4 Pauseforthecause (8-1) turns back and returns to dirt. She is 2-for-3 at Saratoga and might work out a decent stalking trip.
#3 Baby Boss (7-2) exits a pair of strong front running wins at Laurel Park. Today’s rider Jose Ortiz guided her to a local show finish last summer, and her speed and sharp form must be respected.
#5 Fair Regis (5-1) and #6 Carrera Cat (9-2) also have speed and might help set the table for a patient runner.
#7 Flat Calm (15-1) figures to stalk the pace and need a career best effort to compete with these.
Wagers:
#2 to win
Trifecta Key 2/1-3-4-8
Trifecta 1-3-4-8/2/1-3-4-8
Trifecta 1-2/ALL/8
August 2019 Best Bet Winners
Aug 7 - Mr. Buff/Dynamax Prime Exacta ($8.30)
Aug 14 - EQUAL MEASURE ($9.40)