Saratoga Stakes Analysis for Monday (9-7-26)

Saratoga Race Course wraps up its summer meet on Monday, September 7, with two $200,000 stakes races on the card. The 10th race is the Funny Cide Stakes for New York-bred 2-year-olds going six furlongs on the main track, followed by the Gio Ponti Stakes for 3-year-olds going one mile on the turf.

Here’s a look at the key contenders in each race and their Today’s Racing Digest numbers.

Race 10 — $200,000 Funny Cide Stakes

The Funny Cide Stakes brings together a group of promising New York-bred 2-year-olds.

#1 Professor Plum (6-1)

Professor Plum earned a 99 final-time rating when rallying to win his debut at 5 1/2 furlongs at Saratoga on July 12. The runner-up from that race returned to win next time out, which gives the effort some added credibility.

Professor Plum figures to save ground behind the speed and could make a late run for a share. However, he’ll need to improve on that 99 rating to beat some of the faster horses in this field.

#2 Fullcup (2-1)

Fullcup looked impressive winning his debut at Saratoga on July 31. He earned a 114 final-time rating and a 129 pace rating, winning by more than four lengths.The biggest question this time is his inside post. In his debut, Fullcup was able to track outside before running down the competition. From post two, he’ll have to deal with a potentially different trip and may have to race closer to the rail.

If Junior Alvarado can work him into the clear, Fullcup has enough ability to be a major factor.

#3 Minefield (5-2)

Minefield is still a maiden, but he ran well enough in his debut to make him a serious contender here.

He finished second in that first start while earning a 119 final-time rating and a 134 pace rating. Those numbers put him right in the mix with the more experienced winners in this field.

Minefield has enough tactical speed to work out a good trip, and if he improves in his second start, he could turn the tables on one of the horses who has already beaten him (Scramjet).

#4 D I Wire (8-1)

D I Wire won his July 12 maiden special weight at Saratoga by more than a length. He earned a 95 final-time rating along with a 137 pace rating.

The pace figure is encouraging, but the final-time rating suggests he’ll need significant improvement to compete with the top contenders here.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest