How to bet the Forego Stakes

A sensational field of 11 will vie for the top prize in Saturday’s $300,000 Forego (G1) at Saratoga.

Forego Analysis

The 7-furlong dash lacks a confirmed front runner, and I expect #6 Complexity to take command from the start. He could get away with moderate early splits en route to a wire-to-wire score.

Forego Contenders

#1 EVERFAST -- 2019 Preakness (G1) runner-up has been in solid form since arriving in the Sisterson barn this season. Recent allowance winner looked good on the surface last time out, but he takes a massive class hike while getting a tricky rail post. Santana will be in the silks.

#2 WHITMORE -- Classy chestnut continues to fire big at age seven for Moquett. Pleasantly Perfect gelding was a smart second in the Vanderbilt (G1) on the oval most recently, and he has finished first and second from two local assignments to date. Kentucky-bred would not be a surprise with Saez up.

#3 LEXITONIAN -- Second from the Sisterson barn exits arguably his best race to date when a nose second in the Bing Crosby (G1) at Del Mar. Speightstown colt has run big races in three of his last four starts, and he could challenge for a share with any kind of forward move on Saturday.

#4 FUNNY GUY -- Stout late runner exits a stakes win on the surface to move his mark to 2-for-2 at Saratoga. Terranova trainee has been first or second in eight of his last nine races in total, and the New York-bred son of Big Brown intrigues at a likely square price. Joel Rosario riding aids the cause.

#5 TRUE TIMBER -- Sisterson charge was last seen finishing third in a deep allowance race at Keeneland in preparation of this tough test. Mineshaft 6-year-old is training like a horse ready to run a big one in his local debut, but he will need a lifetime best to challenge the top contenders in the field.

#6 COMPLEXITY -- Top pick is something of an all-or-nothing type for Chad Brown. Lightly raced Grade 1 victor was a stylish winner in his 2020 debut at Belmont Park, and he has trained in fine fashion in the interim. Maclean’s Music colt could be the one to catch from the break with regular rider Jose Ortiz in the controls.

#7 WIN WIN WIN -- Stakes winner was a closing second behind the top selection most recently for Trombetta. Son of Hat Trick was unplaced in his prior pair of Grade 1 tries, and he will have to prove that he is capable of beating this kind before I could back him. Florida-bred will be making one run from off the pace.

#8 FIRENZE FIRE -- 5-year-old was runner-up in the race last campaign and is a logical win threat for Breen. Grade 2 winner was just two lengths back in the Vanderbilt most recently, and slight improvement will give him every chance in the final furlong on Saturday. Junior Alvarado has the assignment.

#9 MAJESTIC DUNHILL -- Versatile late runner is far from a win machine, but the Weaver trainee is often an exotics contender at a square price. Gelded son of Majesticperfection has a fine turn of foot, but he might not receive a swift pace to rally into on Saturday, and I prefer others on this occasion.

#10 MIND CONTROL -- Saratoga-loving colt owns two Grade 1 tallies from a trio of races on the course and finished a game third in the recent Vanderbilt. Sacco pupil possesses a versatile running style, and his affinity for the surface makes him dangerous despite the tough post slot. John Velazquez will be in the stirrups once again.

#11 FORTIN HILL -- Mucho Macho Man colt is 3-for-4 lifetime and gets a true class test in the Forego. Indiana-bred is clearly a talent and shows a fine half-mile move on the oval most recently, but this is a tough task from the widest post while making his stakes and local debut. Irad will be in the pipes.

Forego Wagers

• $10 Win and Place: #6 Complexity ($20)
• $5 Exacta: 6 with 2,4,8,10 with all ($20)