How to bet the Test Stakes

A compact, but fantastic, field of six 3-year-old fillies will take aim at the $300,000 Test (G1) at Saratoga on Saturday.

Test Analysis

I expect a fast and contested pace, as #4 Wicked Whisper, #5 Gamine, and #6 Venetian Harbor have each done their best work on the front end.

Test Contenders

#1 UP IN SMOKE -- Stakes winner makes her second graded run following a fourth-place result in the Victory Ride (G3) last out. Weaver pupil owns a big turn of foot, and I think that she will rally in the stretch to challenge for a placing at a price under Saez.

#2 PERFECT ALIBI -- Sky Mesa filly is a Grade 1 winner on the surface and can’t be ignored with her affinity for the course. Casse charge was dusted in her 2020 debut, but improvement is expected in her return to the Spa. Tyler Gaffalione will be in the controls.

#3 MRS. DANVERS -- McGaughey trainee posted a 100 Brisnet Speed figure in her maiden triumph on the oval as a juvenile. Tapit gray has been runner-up in a pair of allowance tilts this campaign, and she could rally for a minor award third time back on a strip that she obviously likes. Jose Ortiz will be up.

#4 WICKED WHISPER -- 2019 Frizette (G1) starlet has been outrun in two tries since her biggest win for Steve Asmussen. Speedy Liam’s Map lass had a tough trip when chasing lone speed in the Beaumont (G3) at Keeneland in her 2020 debut, and she figures to move forward for a barn that is solid second time back. Santana will ride the potential early leader.

#5 GAMINE -- $1.8 million Into Mischief filly has yet to be headed from three appearances, including an eye-popping 18-length tour-de-force in the Acorn (G1) most recently. Baffert trainee has posted five strong morning works since that romp, and the race goes through her and pilot John Velazquez. Budding superstar will be impossible to defeat with something like her latest.

#6 VENETIAN HARBOR --  Grade 2 vixen has been second to a pair of fine fillies in advance of her Saratoga bow. Munnings filly draws well outside in the field and could sit a nice trip behind dueling leaders to the top of the lane. Win contender is training swiftly as of late, and the sophomore will have Joel Rosario in the silks.

Test Wagers

• $20 Trifecta Key: 5 with 1,6 ($40)
• $2 Trifecta: 6 with 1,5 with all ($16)