Saratoga Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for Friday, July 26

by Joe Kristufek With Churchill Downs coming off perhaps their strongest spring meet in history, the horses based in Kentucky should perform even better than they have in years past. Chances are, in many cases, they won’t get the respect they deserve. There is value to be had. That’s what I’m here for. For the entirety of the Saratoga meet, I will provide “scouting reports” for the Kentucky-based horses – good, bad and indifferent. Horses are listed in order of preference, with a short comment playability notation in the wrap. Race 3 – I CAN DO ANYTHING (#6) (2-1) Two starts back in a turf sprint, he was hung three then four-wide while stalking an even pace. Hung six-wide on the turn, he maintained his momentum and proved best late. Stretched out to a mile in the follow-up start, he overcame an outside post to secure a perfect, spying trip over a turf course that slightly favored speed. He raced on the wrong lead in the stretch and proved third best behind a sharp winner. Comment: Cuts back to a sprint and finds an average race for the level. Looks like a much use here, but would be nervous to single. Race 6 – LATEST VERSION (#5) (12-1) Enjoyed a perfect, pressing trip through even fractions last time out and finished second best behind a 21-1 (overlay) longshot. That was his first start off a two-month break but it was a very average race for the level. Comment: Entered to race on July 19 at Ellis Park (canceled card due to excessive heat). This isn’t the strongest race for the level, but using this guy in the multi-race wagers would be a bit of a stretch. Seems more like an underneath candidate. Race 7 – RIGHTEOUS RUBY (#7) (7-2) This marginally-bred daughter of Revolutionary continues to legitimize herself. A 13-1 overlay two starts back, she actually won against the outside closers bias, showing speed from the rail and coming back gamely after being headed late. She proved the performance was no fluke last out, overcoming a slow start and a claustrophobic trip to score a stalk and pounce victory. Comment: She’s never been better and could improve further in her first start off the Danny Gargan claim. Fits like a glove under starter allowance conditions and this field doesn’t appear to be all that strong. Must use. IT WAS CONSIDERED (#5) (3-1) Stretched out to a one-turn mile for the first time in her young career off an 11-month layoff last out, she lost three lengths at the start, enjoyed a clear, stalking trip, loomed boldly three-wide and then evened out a bit late, finishing third as the 7-5 chalk behind Righteous Ruby. Comment: Has a right to improve off that needed run and could turn the tables on Righteous Ruby. Must use. Race 9 – CAIRO CAT (#2) (12-1) Hasn’t been seen since September when he won the Iroquois (G3) at 17-1. Stalking from the rail behind a slow pace, he made a middle move to the pocket. Loaded on the turn for home, he was shuffled back a bit and was in tight before rallying stoutly off heels to get up in time. It was a game performance by horse and rider. Comment: To run back nine furlongs in a springboard stakes off a 10-month layoff is a super tough assignment. Looks like a safe toss, but keep tabs for next time. PHOTO: Saratoga starting gate (c) Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com