Saratoga: How to bet the Prioress

Though several of the best 3-year-old filly sprinters are at Churchill Downs this weekend — including Four Graces, Mundaye Call, and, of course, Gamine — Saturday’s Prioress (G2) at Saratoga still drew two of the best in the division. Those include speedster Frank's Rockette and the eminently versatile Kimari.

The six-furlong Prioress could be a tricky spot for #5 Frank’s Rockette (5-2). With the horses who pressured her early in the July 4 Victory Ride (G3) back in the picture, not to mention some new faces with plenty of early speed, Frank's Rockette may have things as tough as she ever has.

That's great news for #1 Kimari (2-1), a filly who has only run seven times, but one who has reiterated her position in the upper echelon of the sprint division every time. She took advantage when Frank's Rockette had competition up front in the Purple Martin S. at Oaklawn last winter. That day Kimari also proved she could work an off-pace trip from the rail, making the inside draw in the Prioress less of a concern.

Even though Kimari gets a new jockey, she has been the same smart horse after many rider changes. Not only is new rider Irad Ortiz a top Saratoga jockey, he has won at a 33% rate when teaming up with Wesley Ward over the last two months.

It will be tough to make the exotics pay in the Prioress, especially with Kimari and Frank's Rockette both so likely to run well. Frank's Rockette won't have it easy up front, but she has shown good ability to battle and keep going, and has yet to run worse than second in nine career races.

For those going deeper in exotics, or looking for a longer shot with potential, #9 Reagan's Edge (8-1) fits the bill. She has tactical versatility from a clean outside gate, and rider Jose Lezcano has gotten good races out of her from both a forward position and a mid-pack spot. Her form is right, too; she came within a head of Frank's Rockette last time and has room to improve after just four starts.

$20 to win on #1 Kimari

Good luck!

The Prioress (G2) is Race 10 on Saratoga's Saturday card. Head to BetAmerica for more racing odds!