Saratoga Track update for July 26

Two weeks into the Saratoga meet, let's see how summer at the Spa is beginning to shape up!

Jockeys

With 16 wins apiece, Luis Saez (16-for-78, 21%) and Jose Ortiz (16-for-71, 23%) lead the riding standings going into this week. Close behind is perennial top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. (14-for-81, 17%). People who are betting the two leading riders are making money: two weeks into the meet, they are the only riders with a flat-bet profit over the meet. Jose Ortiz carries a +25% ROI so far; Saez, a +3% return.

Though route wins have been distributed more evenly, sprints feature some clear angles. Irad Ortiz has dominated turf sprints: 5-for-12 (42%), with a +20% ROI. No other jockey has more than two turf sprint wins. At one turn on dirt, Jose Ortiz (9-for-32, 28%) and Saez (8-for-34, 24%) are the only riders with over five wins. With fewer starts Tyler Gaffalione has shined in dirt sprints, too. He is 4-for-16 (25%) on top, and has another five money finishes among those 16 starts.

Trainers

Trainer standings at the Spa are tight early, with Chad Brown (6-for-40, 15%) one win ahead of an all-star six-way tie (Steve Asmussen, Christophe Clement, Brad Cox, Mike Maker, Bill Mott, and Todd Pletcher). Surprisingly, Brown has a flat-bet profit of +24% on the meet. Only three of his six winners have been favorites, Lake George (G3) winner Technical Analysis ($17.60) was his third-longest price of four entries, and allowance winner Sifting Sands ($58) was ignored despite being Brown's only entrant in a turf route.

As for trainer angles to watch? Christophe Clement (3-for-7, 43%, +110% ROI) and Steve Asmussen (2-for-4, 50%, +97% ROI) are the two trainers who already have more than one win with a first-time starter, making theirs worth watching. And in dirt sprints, watch Brad Cox (5-for-10, 50%, +22% ROI) and Steve Asmussen (5-for-16, 31%, 0% ROI). All of their wins so far have come at one turn on dirt.

At a Glance

For more information about trends at racetracks all over the country, read the latest At a Glance reports, available only at Brisnet!