The Grade I $500,000 Test Stakes August 2 at Saratoga appears to be a wide-open even on paper as 12 fillies are scheduled to contest the seven furlong event on the main track.
Following her Grade I upset in the Acorn June 7, Sweet Reason is the 3/1 morning line favorite for trainer Leah Gyarmati. Sweet Reason has excelled in one-turn sprints further than six furlongs – always an important consideration for handicappers. In such races, Sweet Reason has two grade one victories and a second-place finish in another Grade I in three starts. Sweet Reason is unblemished (2 for 2) at the Spa.
Sweet Whiskey (6/1 ML) might offer surprising value after losing to Sweet Reason by just half a length in the Acorn. The Todd Pletcher trainee posted a bullet work at Saratoga July 27 and will be ridden by John Valazquez who has been aboard her last two starts. Churchill Downs shipper Southern Honey is the second choice at 4/1 for trainer George Arnold after a stellar victory in the Grade III Winning Colors which was run at six furlongs.
Street Story (8/1 ML) looks to be getting good at the right time as she has posted back to back wins in stakes company including the Grade III Victory Ride in her last start. Trained by Steve Asmussen, Street Story should appreciate a fast pace and will be rolling late.
The Grade 2 $1.25 million Pennsylvania Derby features the two biggest names from the Triple Crown trail September 24 at Parx as a field of 12 gathers in one of the most intriguing betting races of the year.
The $1 million Cotillion Stakes September 24 at Parx features a true clash of the titans as the six-horse field is headlined by the undefeated, five-time grade 1 winner Songbird who figures to face the most stern challenge of her career.
In a completely wide open renewal of the Presque Isle Mile September 18 at Presque Isle Downs, 13 runners including the also-eligible will contest the eight furlong trip over synthetic footing.
Champion Songbird is set to make her much-anticipated return to the races in the $200,000 Summertime Oaks at Santa Anita on Saturday. The Grade 2 event will be run at a mile and a sixteenth and has attracted a field of seven.
Pennsylvania Derby Picks and Preview
23 September 2016The Grade 2 $1.25 million Pennsylvania Derby features the two biggest names from the Triple Crown trail September 24 at Parx as a field of 12 gathers in one of the most intriguing betting races of the year....
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