Oceanport and Alydar Stakes Analysis

Sunday's racing action features stakes races at Saratoga and Monmouth Park.

Alydar S.

A strong field of six will travel 9 furlongs on the Saratoga dirt in the Sunday feature. I am not in love with the price on #1 Endorsed (7-5), but will tab the Mott pupil for victory, nonetheless. Lightly raced Medaglia d’Oro colt has always run well at The Spa, and he figures to receive a very good trip while saving ground throughout, as well. Joel Rosario rides.

I will use a pair of horses underneath the favorite. #3 Spinoff (5-1) didn’t show much going a one-turn mile at Belmont last time out, but the Hard Spun colt will appreciate the added ground on Sunday. Pletcher pupil was a dominant winner the last time he raced at Saratoga.

#2 Backsideofthemoon (15-1) has intrigue as a horse who could rally for a minor award at a price. Klesaris charge has been very consistent and exits a fine prep run when fourth in a deep allowance event most recently. The gelded 8-year-old will rally into a swift pace beneath Franco.

Wagers

• $20 Exacta: 1 with 3 ($20)
• $10 Exacta: 1 with 2 ($10)
• $5 Trifecta Key: 1 with 2,3 ($10)

Oceanport S.

A field of 12, with one being a main-track only contestant, will battle in the $100,000 turf stakes. The pace could be swift with a trio of contenders that like to be in the mix early on, and I think this will aid the late runners in the field. #5 Scared Life (7-2) looms large for Chad Brown. French-bred was a huge second off the bench in the Lure S. at Saratoga last summer, and the 5-year-old has trained forwardly in preparation of his seasonal bow.

#3 Synchrony (3-1) is a proven class horse who sports a 4-2-2-0 mark on the Monmouth green. Chestnut son of Tapit will be hard to keep off the board in the Oceanport. I will also include Grade 2 victor #4 Hawkish (6-1) from the Jimmy Toner shedrow. Artie Schiller gelding is a stakes winner from one try on this course and should appreciate the class relief on Sunday. Nik Juarez has the assignment.

Wagers

• $20 Win: #5 Sacred Life ($20)
• $5 Exacta Key Box: 5 with 3,4 ($20)