Saratoga Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for Wednesday, August 14 and Thursday, August 15

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, but on the flipside, some of the Kentucky invaders might not be as good as they look on paper. 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. Wednesday, August 14 Race 9 #9 Yes I See Claimed for just $8,000 on April 5 at Oaklawn, this eight-year-old gelding stepped right up into an optional claiming/starter last out at Churchill. Saving ground on the rail, he eased up closer on the turn for home, responded when asked, was hung four-wide and sustained his bid in a driving effort. Comment: He hasn't run on turf since November of 2017, but he does have seven career wins over the surface. Usable in the multi-race wagers, if you're inclined to spread. Looks like a secondary contender here. Thursday, August 15, 2019 Race 3 #1 Uncontested Overbet as the 6-5 favorite in an average edition of the Kelly's Landing, he broke slowly, losing four lengths, rushed up to battle a hot pace, and gave way mid turn. Comment: Has the speed to lead and he certainly can carry it, but in a short field of just five, I'd be willing to fade and take a stance elsewhere. Race 5 #2 Fireball Jon On May 3, enjoyed a clear, stalking trip into an honest pace and made a bold room on the turn, but proved to be no match for the forwardly placed winner over a sloppy track that slightly favored speed. On June 29 over a turf course that slightly favored speed, he was bothered entering the first turn, made a threatening move nearing the second turn but was hung five-wide and then he flattened thereafter. Comment: His only try over fast dirt produced a runner-up finish in his career debut at Keeneland over this same seven furlong distance. He'll likely fly under the radar here. Worth using in the multi-race wagers, and may be worth a play.   (c) Horsephotos.com