SARATOGA 2023: Sam Hollingsworth’s Thursday Selections

1st-$43,000, Maiden Claiming $30,000, Three-Year Old and Up Maidens, Fillies, and Mares, One Mile

#2 SHOTGUN PATSY (5/2): Finished on an empty tank last time out but is recharged and gets the drop for Bill Mott, who does just fine in this spot with horses like this. Gun Runner filly should be nice today and anything above 3/1 is value. #4 STRANGE FRUIT (7/2): Jose Ortiz gets back aboard this filly’s eighth attempt at breaking this maiden. Bred by McMahon and owner Bill Hebert, surely you’ve seen stranger picks. Just don’t bite it. #5 CAUSE I’M ELEGANT (4/1): Gomez is back aboard after getting edged out by a neck after a picture-perfect ride that came up just short. Fits will in here and the worktab supports her case.

1 Bella Sonadora, M J Luzzi, Carlos Figueroa Jr., 118, 20/ 1

2 Shotgun Patsy, J Alvarado, William Mott, 118, 5/ 2

3 Power and Glory, K Carmouche, Glenn Thompson, 124, 7/ 2

4 Strange Fruit, J.L Ortiz, Patrick Reynolds, 118, 7/ 2

5 Cause I’m Elegant, J.A Gomez, David Donk, 118, 4/ 1

6 Alterina, K Davis, Mark Hennig, 118, 9/ 2

7 Go Susan Go, H.K Harkie, Sal Lorio Jr., 118, 8/ 1

2nd-$88,000, Maiden Special Weight, Two-Year Old Maidens Foaled in NY, Five and One Half Furlongs (Turf)

#2 SCORE THE ROCK (8/1): The apparent loss of Luis Saez to injury yesterday doesn’t help this one out too much but if this Kantharos baby is talented, he’ll be able to overcome the jock switch. Score the rock, then rob the bank. #6 ROB THE BANK (20/1): Long odds for a horse who has been speedy in the morning and gets the bug aboard for his debut. Bruce Brown doesn’t do great in this spot, but should factor into the money. #9 SEBASTIANTHE FIRST (15/1): Ships up from Monmouth after putting up impressive workouts for Jose Delgado. Clearly this one’s connections have confidence and the price is juicy. Lane Luzzi gets the call on his trip up the Northway.

1 Clavinet, T Gaffalione, Christophe Clement, 119, 4/ 1

1A Hard Par, K Davis, Raymond Handal, 119, 4/ 1

2 Score the Rock, L Saez, Michael Maker, 119, 8/ 1

3 Mithridates, J.A Gomez, Amira Chichakly, 119, 30/ 1

4 Detective Tom, J.L Ortiz, Steven Asmussen, 119, 3/ 1

5 Price Is Truth, M Franco, Christophe Clement, 119, 6/ 1

6 Rob the Bank, J.A Torres, Bruce Brown, 114, 20/ 1

7 Instamatic, J Rosario, Danny Gargan, 119, 7/ 2

8 King Freud, F Prat, Rudy Rodriguez, 119, 12/ 1

9 Sebastianthe First, L J Luzzi, Jose Delgado, 119, 15/ 1

10 Patronage, I Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 119, 9/ 2

11 Wine Responsibility, J.L Ortiz, Linda Rice, 119, 6/ 1

12 Split Strike, J Rosario, Christophe Clement, 119, 5/ 2

13 Sorority Prank, Rider TBA, Mark Hennig, 119, 10/ 1

3rd-$162,500, Allowance Optional Claiming $80,000, Three-Year Olds and Up, One and One Eighth Miles (Inner Turf)

#6 KURAMATA (6/5): Speedy turfer hasn’t won here yet but was able to use his late-closing speed at the end of July on the same course; got edged out at the finish but gets Irad back and should run well. #3 EASTER (2/1): A real contender with talent, Prat and Motion haven’t ran together often — at least at The Spa lately — and they’ve had even less success doing so here. This one could be best but likely gets edged out by the CB runner. #1 GRAND SONATA (10/1): High odds for a horse with talent in a spot that could suit him well, this Whisper Hill homebred was disappointing last time out but we all know he has more to offer. Gaffalione will find a way to use it.

1 Grand Sonata, T Gaffalione, Todd Pletcher, 122, 10/ 1

2 Safe Conduct, L Saez, Philip Serpe, 122, 10/ 1

3 Easter, F Prat, Graham Motion, 126, 2/ 1

4 Main Event, J.R Velazquez, George Weaver, 122, 6/ 1

5 Unanimous Consent, M Franco, Chad Brown, 122, 5/ 1

6 Kuramata, I Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown, 122, 6/ 5

7 Bold Endeavor, M Franco, David Jacobson, 124, 1/ 2

4th-$46,000, Claiming $25,000, Three-Year Olds and Up, One Mile

#3 CLASSIC MARK (2/1): Linda Rice has this one running back following his claim from the Asmussen barn two back — and it will be a perfect 2-for-2 with Rice since that claim after he crosses the finish line 1st today. Book it. #7 BIG BOBBY (9/2): Was eased up in his last effort but Mott wouldn’t bring him back if he wasn’t able to run well in here. $25k tag seems fair for a runner who was real scary in his first five starts. Hopefully he can bring back some of that BIG BOBBY magic. #6 COMPLETE AGENDA (9/5): Formidable contender on any dirt track, this one hasn’t won at Saratoga yet and that won’t change today. Will run game and have an impact but won’t do any better than 2nd today.

1 Bert Bert Bert, A Castillo, Oscar Barrera III, 125, 15/ 1

1A Truebelieve, J.A Torres, Oscar Barrera III, 118, 15/ 1

2 Union Lights, T Gaffalione, James Ryerson, 125, 12/ 1

3 Classic Mark, J.L Ortiz, Linda Rice, 125, 2/ 1

4 Anthracite, S Camacho, Joseph Orseno, 125, 5/ 1

5 Empire Ride, T McCarthy, Jeffrey Englehart, 120, 10/ 1

6 Complete Agenda, J Castellano, Thomas Morley, 125, 9/ 5

7 Big Bobby, J Alvarado, William Mott, 123, 9/ 2

5th-$88,000, Maiden Special Weight, Two-Year Old Maidens and Fillies, Seven Furlongs

#3 LADY ARWEN (1/1): Even-money favorite on the morning line will likely only get worse at the window but a nice clean break from the start should also propel this one into a winning position. Surely could be beaten, but looks most prepared and should land a competent jock in Luis’ absence. #6 SUN AND WIND (6/1): Was tired last time out here but has been training well and has continued support and confidence from her conditioner. Add blinkers and stretches out a bit. #2 BUONA SALUTE (8/1): The other Rudy runner in here, this one by champion Vino Rosso, has also been training well but has no racetrack experience to go off of. Hibiscus and Big Dom will have this one ready to go and she should finish in the money despite her lack of experience.

1 Holder Close, J Castellano, James Ferraro, 119, 8/ 1

2 Buona Salute, J.A Torres, Rudy Rodriguez, 114, 8/ 1

3 Lady Arwen, L Saez, Jeremiah Englehart, 119, 1/ 1

4 Awesome Czech, M Franco, Horacio De Paz, 119, 5/ 2

5 Hillbilly Lady, K Davis, Michael LeCesse, 119, 15/ 1

6 Sun and Wind, F Prat, Rudy Rodriguez, 119, 6/ 1

7 Mastery’s Secret, A Castillo, Oscar Barrera III, 119, 15/ 1

6th-$156,000, Allowance Optional Claiming $62,500, Three-Year Olds and Up, Five and One Half Furlongs (Turf)

#2/2B PARADISE/DUBB COUPLED ENTRY (2/1): Possibly the two best horses in the race are coupled together here and will definitely pose a threat to the rest of the field, which is really quite formidable in itself. If this one is able to stay on the grass, these are the ones to watch. #6 SENBEI (5/2): Clement and Rosario team up on this Candy Ride gelding yet again and fit well in here, although the distance is a new one and this will be his first time on the grass at The Spa. Could stay in this one if it’s rained off and still cause some havoc. #5 SOSUA SUMMER (6/1): Was impressive last time out and has relished this distance; a well-timed ride by Tyler G could put this field to bed at a price.

1 Nolo Contesto, F Geroux, David Jacobson, 124, 15/ 1

1A Chuck Willis, K Carmouche, David Jacobson, 122, 15/ 1

2 Artemus Citylimits, I Ortiz Jr., Michael Maker, 122, 2/ 1

2B Oxymore, J.L Ortiz, Chad Brown, 118, 2/ 1

3 Mamba On Three, L Saez, Carlos David, 122, 12/ 1

4 Fluid Situation, J Castellano, John Terranova II, 124, 10/ 1

5 Sosua Summer, T Gaffalione, William Mott, 124, 6/ 1

6 Senbei, J Rosario, Christophe Clement, 122, 5/ 2

7 Noble Emotion, R Santana Jr., Horacio De Paz, 122, 20/ 1

8 Into the Sunrise, M Franco, Thomas Morley, 126, 10/ 1

9 Fauci, F Prat, Philip Antonacci, 122, 8/ 1

10 Souper Success, J.A Torres, Fernando Abreu, 117, 30/ 1

11 High Oak, K Davis, WIlliam Mott, 122, 9/ 2

12 Emerald Forest, Rider TBA, Mertkan Kantarmaci, 122, 8/ 1

13 Jake Rocks, L Saez, Domenick Schettino, 124, 8/ 1

14 Seven Nation Army, F Prat, Gustavo Rodriguez, 122, 5/ 2

7th-$100,000, Allowance Optional Claiming $45,000, Three-Year Old and Up Fillies and Mares, One Mile

#1 BUSTIN BAY (1/1): Winner of her last two out — the most recent of which was at The Spa — has appreciated the distance and the Saratoga surface almost as much as she has appreciated being trained by Linda Rice. The one to beat in here. #6 SWEET MYSTERY (2/1): Homebred 4-year-old was just necked out in her last try after pushing the pace and finishing 2nd for a second time on the Saratoga dirt. Today will likely make it three 2nds at Saratoga. #2 SWEETIE (8/1): Two wins out of her four career starts, Gary Sciacca has Javier Castellano back aboard this Effinex mare. Has been working well but Sciacca and Javi haven’t had the best luck at The Spa lately.

1 Bustin Bay, J.L Ortiz, Linda Rice, 126, 1/ 1

2 Sweetie, J Castellano, Gary Sciacca, 124, 8/ 1

3 B B’s Busted, D Davis, Jeffrey Englehart, 126, 6/ 1

4 Mia Bea Star, J.A Torres, Randi Persaud, 119, 6/ 1

5 Vallarand, O Hernandez Moreno, Eduardo Jones, 115, 20/ 1

6 Sweet Mystery, T McCarthy, Patrick Quick, 122, 2/ 1

8th-$52,000, Claiming $20,000, Four-Year Old and Up Fillies and Mares, Six Furlongs

#7 MERAVIGLIOSO (6/1): New to the Ryerson barn but keeping bug jock Jaime Tores in command up top, this Hibiscus Stables-bred daughter of Lemon Drop Kid can run and will surely be a factor in here. Will be pushing to the front early and looking to hang on for the full 6 furlongs. #2 TO A T (9/5): Zilla Racing and partners have this 5-year-old mare looking for her first win at Saratoga in what today’s attempt makes four tries; has finished 2nd once, but other than that, not much luck. Fits well in here vs. weak field and should run strong with Irad. Hasn’t won since early 2022. #8 VITAEMI (3/1): David Jacobson has Manny Franco aboard this 8-year-old after a strong showing at The Spa at the end of last month; will surely be prepared to chase the pace and maybe even cross first.

1 Timed Out, J Castellano, James Ferraro, 123, 4/ 1

2 To a T, I Ortiz Jr., Orlando Noda, 118, 9/ 5

3 Midtown Rose, K Carmouche, Michael Moore, 120, 8/ 1

4 Jackie the Joker, D Davis, Patrick Quick, 118, 10/ 1

5 Happy Sophia, G Huayas, Amira Chichakly, 120, 12/ 1

6 Triple P, O Hernandez Moreno, Eduardo Jones, 111, 20/ 1

7 Meraviglioso, J.A Torres, James Ryerson, 113, 6/ 1

8 Vitaemi, M Franco, David Jacobson, 118, 3/ 1

9th-$300,000, Mohegan Sun Ballston Spa Stakes (Grade 2), Four-Year Old and Up Fillies and Mares, One and One Sixteenth Miles (Inner Turf)

#8 TECHNICAL ANALYSIS (9/5): This one has raced almost perfectly here (4-for-5 with a 2nd-place finish) including an impressive win here earlier in the meet. After winning the Lake Placid in 2021, she captured the 2022 edition of this race beautifully with a gate-to-wire victory. Speedy and dangerous and Jose Ortiz knows it. #2 CONSUMER SPENDING (3/1): Coming off back-to-back Grade 3 wins at Monmouth, this one is poised for a big showing here with Rosario aboard. Must include. #6 SPEAK OF THE DEVIL (12/1): Has been running well and is fast enough to have a major impact; just hasn’t finished well down the stretch. Prat is back yet again so you know she has the talent to be a major player.

1 Jumbly, J.R Velazquez, Joseph Patrick O’Brien, 120, 6/ 1

2 Consumer Spending, J Rosario, Chad Brown, 122, 3/ 1

3 Evvie Jets, L Saez, Mertkan Kantarmaci, 120, 15/ 1

4 Fluffy Socks, I Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown, 122, 9/ 2

5 Surprisingly, J Castellano, Claude McGaughey III, 120, 8/ 1

6 Speak of the Devil, F Prat, Chad Brown, 122, 12/ 1

7 Sister Bridget, K Davis, Cleveland Johnson, 118, 50/ 1

8 Technical Analysis, J.L Ortiz, Chad Brown, 122, 9/ 5

9 Gam’s Mission, T Gaffalione, Cherie DeVaux, 120, 12/ 1

10 Into Happiness, J.R Velazquez, Mark Hennig, 119, 8/ 5

10th-$136,500, Maiden Special Weight, Three-Year Old and Up Maidens, One and Three Sixteenth Miles (Turf)

#2 SACRED RHYME (4/1): Chad Brown-trainee has this one going for his maiden in his third try; Mendelssohn 3-year-old hasn’t shown too much thus far but stays in the MSW level so you have to think Chad has confidence. Adds blinkers, which helps get CB horses to the finish line about 25% of the time. #5 WAR OFFICER (5/1): Irad stays committed to this Todd Pletcher-trained son of War Front who was rained off the grass last time out but still took a shot. He was way back in that one after getting off a bit too slow. #8 DR KRINGLE (6/1): Among the fastest Beyers in this field today, Ian Wilkes is trying to get off the duck and likes DR KRINGLE’s chances at getting him to do so. Finished 2nd in the slop last time out.

1 Weyhill Road, J.L Ortiz, Claude McGaughey III, 118, 7/ 2

2 Sacred Rhyme, T Gaffalione, Chad Brown, 118, 4/ 1

3 Timo, M Franco, Patrick Reynolds, 124, 15/ 1

4 Jamestown, D Davis, Barclay Tagg, 118, 20/ 1

5 War Officer, I Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 118, 5/ 1

6 Atlantic Dancer, R Santana Jr., Nicholas Zito, 124, 12/ 1

7 Game Keeper, J Rosario, Wayne Lukas, 118, 15/ 1

8 Dr. Kringle, F Prat, Ian Wilkes, 124, 6/ 1

9 Toofareastiswest, L Saez, Michael Trombetta, 118, 5/ 2

10 Lucency, Rider TBA, Todd Pletcher, 118, 2/ 1

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