The Grade 3 Sanford Stakes headlines the early stakes action at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, July 4. The $225,000 event is contested over six furlongs on the main track for 2-year-olds, with a scheduled post time of 2:54 p.m. ET.
With several impressive maiden winners making just their second career starts, this year’s Sanford features plenty of upside and an intriguing pace scenario. Below is a look at the field and the leading contenders.
Scratches
Two horses are expected to scratch from the field:
- #1 Waggley (trainer Wesley Ward)
- #7 Ashcroft Lane (trainer Robert Falcone Jr.)
With Waggley out, #2 Booked moves to the rail.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
#2 Booked
Trainer Steve Asmussen’s colt enters as the morning-line favorite after breaking his maiden in convincing fashion at Saratoga.
Booked endured a troubled start in his debut at Churchill Downs before finishing second. He returned at Saratoga, broke much better, pressed the pace, and drew away to win by 1¾ lengths. He owns a victory over the track and has logged multiple workouts at Saratoga since arriving in May.
The key question is whether he can break sharply from the inside post. If he leaves the gate cleanly, he should secure another favorable stalking trip.
#3 Goodbye to Romance
Goodbye to Romance made a highly professional debut, tracking the pace before taking command and winning by 3¼ lengths at Aqueduct.
Trainer Jenna Antonucci has prepared him with four five-furlong workouts over the Saratoga surface, suggesting he’s ready for another forward move. Flavien Prat takes the mount after previously enjoying success with the Antonucci barn.
The son of Complexity appears well suited to the added distance and projects to enjoy an ideal stalking trip.
Read more at Today's Racing Digest
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