How to bet the New York Stallion Series Stakes

A total of nine Empire State-bred three-year-olds, with one entered as a main-track only contestant, will travel one mile on the Saratoga inner turf course in Thursday’s $150,000 New York Stallion Series S. (Cab Calloway Division).

The top-two finishers of the Spectacular Bid S. division of the New York Stallion Series will return in this spot and lead the way. #7 Ramblin’ Wreck (7-5), who put in a fine late run to pick up his first stakes victory at Belmont Park in the event, gets the nod to win right back for conditioner Danny Gargan. By Redesdale, the $140,000 yearling purchase flashed a lot of potential as a two-year-old and commenced 2023 in a big way when rallying behind a slow pace to score under today’s pilot Irad Ortiz Jr.

Ramblin’ Wreck has never run a bad race on firm turf and will improve in his second run of the season following a pair of solid morning drills in advance of the contest. The gelded chestnut will likely have a swifter early pace to rally into on this occasion, as well.

#8 Twenty Six Black (5-2) sports a 4-2-1-1 career line, all on the lawn, for conditioner Horacio De Paz. Second in the Spectacular Bid most recently, the son of War Dancer has improved his Brisnet Speed figure with each lifetime performance to date, and I believe that the stretch out in distance will be well within his scope. The bay colt has enough tactical speed to overcome drawing widest of all in the cast with Manny Franco in the stirrups once again.

I like the chances of #1 Gem Mint Ten (6-1) to make noise in the tilt while saving ground throughout. The bay son of Laoban has displayed steady improvement for trainer Raymond Handal and is better than he showed in the Spectacular Bid last time out. The $130,000 yearling purchase displayed a nice turn of foot in his first pair of grassy outings when blinkers were added, and he will add value to my plays with regular jockey Dylan Davis staying in the silks.

Cab Calloway Wagers

$20 win: #7 Ramblin’ Wreck ($20)

$1 superfecta: 7,8 with 1,7,8 with 1,7,8 with all ($20)

$.50-cent trifecta: 7,8 with 1,7,8 with all ($12)