How to bet the 2021 Saratoga Special S.

A full field of 12 juveniles will dash 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt on Saturday in the $200,000 Saratoga Special S. (G2). The dynamic and well-matched field features prospects of all kinds in an especially intriguing betting race.

I liked the way that #6 Stolen Base won on debut on the course for trainer Mike Maker and I will use him in all of my wagers, both on top and underneath in the exotics. The bargain $45,000 OBS spring purchase broke well to be perfectly placed in the early going at first asking, and he ran down the clear leader late to win in going-away fashion. 

The May foal has posted a solid half-mile drill on the oval in the interim, and he figures to improve with him having a race over the ground. I am not thrilled that Tyler Gaffalione opted to ride another contender in the field, but Jose Ortiz is a very good pick-up in his absence.

#8 Doctor Jeff won with ease while being heavily backed in an off-the-turf debut at Belmont Park and could be any kind going forward. The Rudy Rodriguez pupil set rapid splits and never tired in that heat, and the $90,000 son of Street Boss posted a bullet five-eighths on the main strip here on Sunday, as well. Joel Rosario will be in the stirrups.

Wesley Ward’s #1 Nakatomi was a sharp first-out winner at Keeneland prior to splitting a 15-horse field in the grassy Norfolk S. (G2) at Royal Ascot in his second try. The Firing Line gelding could be a really nice one, although I do have some concerns with a juvenile breaking from the rail in a huge field. Javier Castellano will guide the chestnut.

The Todd Pletcher duo of Bashford Manor S. (G3) romper #7 Double Thunder and debut victor #5 Midnight Worker, will both be on many of my vertical tickets. The former is two-for-two with a proven turn of foot, while the latter was game in overcoming the rail and a late threat in registering a gritty victory on the surface in his initial showing.

Saratoga Special Wagers

• $10 win and place #6 Stolen Base ($20)
• $1 trifecta 1,6,8 with 1,6,8 with 1,5,6,7,8 ($18)
• $2 exacta key box 6 with 1,5,7,8 ($16)