Saturday was a dud at Del Mar. The Conductor will lick his wounds and take the train back east where they’re finally back on the turf at Saratoga. There are plenty of opportunities to be had on this card. Let’s Ride.
Race 5: 1 1/16 Mile. (Inner Turf) S.MC 40000
#2 Judge Rules (9/2) – This gelding has taken a step forward since switching to the turf. He’s run well despite two poor trips in his last two starts at this level. He finally draws a favorable inside post today and looks to get a nice ground saving trip for the first time. If Judge Rules doesn’t win this race vs this weak group, he never will.
Race 8: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) MahonyL150K Mahony Stakes
*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Yellow Card (6/1) – This colt really took to the turf last time at Churchill. He got a good trip covered 2-wide, but won with ease and galloped out miles in front of the pack. He takes a step up in class today, but there aren’t any monsters in this stakes field. There will be a contested early pace and Yellow Card should be in a perfect spot stalking along the rail. The Conductor sees this colt mowing down the competition in the stretch.
Race 9: 7 Furlongs. Clm 25000n3L
#5 Dads Good Runner (10/1) – The Conductor thinks this gelding is a serious gate to wire threat. His last race looks like it came out of nowhere, but it was only two starts after switching to a much improved barn. He was previously trained by a 0% trainer. There isn’t much other early speed in here to pressure him early, and that makes him very dangerous over a speed favoring Saratoga dirt track.