Taking a Shot in the Mahony Stakes at Saratoga

The second, third, and fourth-place finishers of the recent Quick Call S. (G3) will lead the way in Sunday’s $150,000 Mahony S. at Saratoga, although I will look to take down the trio with a Florida invader in the 5 ½-furlong turf dash. 

#9 Reef Runner (8-1) will be taking a step up in class in this field, but the fast-closing son of The Big Beast has been sharp in two straight grassy sprints at Gulfstream Park. I like his chances to be a major late contender on this occasion. 

Mahony Wagers

• $10 win and place #9 Reef Runner ($20)
• $2 trifecta key 9 with 1,3,7 ($12)
• $2 trifecta 1,3,7 with 9 with 1,3,7 ($12)

Trained by David Fawkes, the homebred from the Sunshine State didn’t flash much potential on the dirt in his first pair of lifetime tries, but he upped his game in a big way since moving to the synthetic and the green. 

The bay was an even fourth in the Texas Glitter S. on the all-weather three back, which preceded a runner-up effort in the grassy Roar S. two prior. In his most recent appearance, Reef Runner put in a bold late run to crush allowance foes in going-away fashion while posting a lifetime-best Brisnet Speed figure. 

The Mahony will have a fast early tempo as recent maiden romper #2 Howard Wolowitz (12-1), My Frenchman S. victor #4 Apollo Ten (8-1), three-time stakes star #5 No Nay Mets (15-1), #8 Works For Me (10-1), and #10 Run Carson (15-1) will all be forwardly placed and could lock horns to some measure to the top of the lane. This scenario will suit my top selection. 

I’ll use my value play with the logical runners in the heat, including Quick Call third #1 Fandom (7-2), who bagged the Palisades S. at Keeneland two back for trainer Brad Cox. This talented son of Showcasing will save ground throughout in his first with blinkers on under Jose Ortiz. 

In addition, sharp allowance winner #3 Yellow Card (6-1), horse-to-beat #7 Mansa Musa (5-2), who was a nice second in the Quick Call, will also make my ticket.