Saratoga Hotlist - July 22

Today’s NY Hot List races to watch – Friday, July 22, 2022 at Saratoga 
                By Matt Shifman and Bob Ehalt

Hot List Key:
 A: A preferred horse to watch                         B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

2^nd race [Md Sp Wt, 1 mi TURF] – (6) Oglethorpe (B) was entered for the turf but raced on a muddy track at Belmont Park, got off slowly, and rallied to be a close second well ahead of the others. He shows a recent turf work at Saratoga. (1A) Growth Capital set the pace last month, finished second, and now the blinkers come off for Chad Brown. (3) The Prince’s Spur was third in the same race as the top choice and Johnny V. opts to ride this one over the other Todd Pletcher runner in the field. (2) Clubbing was also in that June 3 race in his first career start for Shug McGaughey.

4^th race [Md 75000, 1 1/16 mi TURF] – (8) Beachfront Bid (A) was badly impeded in the stretch run and this Chad Brown runner makes a first start for a tag. (6) Regina (B) made two starts in the winter and moves to the turf for the first time which is a high percentage move for Linda Rice. (4) Whiskey Lullaby was third in a similar spot back last month for Linda Rice. (7) I’m Glad puts blinkers on and drops in for a tag for the first time in his third start. Trainer Thomas shows 56% wins from nine horses making that step down in class.

5^th race [Clm 35000 N3L, 1 mi TURF] – (7) Girl Dad (D) came back from a six-month layoff and ran sixth after being on the lead early and getting bet down from 5-1 to 5-2. (8) Future Victory was a close second in his last two starts and now drops into a N3L for the first time. (6) Our Country was a winner the last time that he raced for a tag and since then ran in starter allowances. (4) Bricco was second in his first start of 2022 for the Bond barn and should move forward from that race.

8^th race [NY, OC45/N2X, 5½ F TURF] – (6) Sassy Melissa (A) is in the best form of her career with a pair of seconds and a win since returning from a winter layoff. She encountered heavy traffic in the stretch drive last time and was probably best that day. (1) Makin My Move (C) had a very fast victory in her second start of this year. (5) Palace Gossip is also in excellent form since coming back to racing this year. (3) Kokopelli won her first two races for the Clement barn and will make her 2022 debut now with Joel Rosario who many consider to be the best turf sprint rider in the world.

Best bets:  Oglethorpe (2^nd); Beachfront Bid (4^th). Best value:  Girl Dad (5^th); Sassy Melissa (8^th).