SARATOGA 2023: Sam Hollingsworth’s Thursday Selections

1st-$88,000, Maiden Special Weight, Two-Year Old Maidens Foaled in NY, One and One Sixteenth Miles (Inner Turf)

#6 DANCING MISCHIEF (6/ 1): Weaver has this son of Maximus Mischief ready to go long on the grass. Worked nicely over the Saratoga training turf and gets Castellano back after fading in his last and only race to date. #1 B D SAINTS (5/ 2): Will Walden ships this homebred in from Ellis Park; shipping for a reason. Started out slow in his debut and finished strong by a long 2 lengths. #2 GET SPOOLED (8/ 1): Mott has this Saratoga-based son of Hard Spun working nicely in the a.m. and Laoban offspring have fared well at The Spa. DIRT: Young field with no real established running styles; many will likely still run on the dirt but it should be dry up to the first race and beyond for today.

1 B D Saints, F. Prat, William Walden, 119, 5/ 2

2 Get Spooled, J Lezcano, William Mott, 119, 8/ 1

3 Cold Plunge, I. Ortiz Jr., Brittany Russell, 119, 7/ 2

4 Dillon, J. Davis, Domenick Schettino, 119, 30/ 1

5 Dancing Mischief, J. Castellano, George Weaver, 119, 6/ 1

6 Specialagentjonson, K. Carmouche, Michelle Nevin, 119, 12/ 1

7 Scoop the Pot, T. Gaffalione, Mark Hennig, 119, 12/ 1

8 Frozen Four, J. Rosario, Christophe Clement, 119, 9/ 2

9 Unaudited, M. Franco, Michael Maker, 119, 12/ 1

10 A Knight’s Courage, K. Davis, David Donk, 119, 15/ 1

11 Senegal, TBA, Gary Contessa,119, 15/ 1

2nd- $32,000, Claiming $14,000, Three-Year Old and Upward, One and One Eighth Miles

#4 INVISIBLE WAR (5/ 2): Gelded son of Exaggerator will relish the thick Saratoga dirt and should take to the distance, too — but he’s never ran it. Saez will guide him across the wire first with a smooth trip. #3 BLU GROTTO (4/ 1): Rudy sends this 5-year-old son of Bodemeister back to the mile-and-an-eighth distance for a fourth try. Never been in the money going this long but he has the confidence to make some noise. #1 THREE PLAYERS ENTRY (10/ 1): Oscar Barrera runs two Kentucky-breds around two turns, something neither have done with any success thus far. They do fit in this field nicely and should have an impact.

1 Norgay, A. Castillo, Oscar Barrera, 125, 10/ 1

1A Cheeky Tico, M. Olver, Oscar Barrera, 118, 10/ 1

2 Bert Bert Bert, K. Carmouche, Charlton Baker, 125, 6/ 1

3 Blu Grotto, T. McCarthy, Rudy Rodriguez, 123, 4/ 1

4 Invisible War, L. Saez, Joe Sharp, 125, 5/ 2

5 Cumberland Blues, J. Rosario, Orlando Noda, 125, 7/ 2

6 Union Lights, J. Gomez, Michelle Nevin, 125, 3/ 1

7 Central Pride, J. Torres, Randi Persaud, 118, 12/ 1

3rd-$70,000, Starter Allowance $50,000, 3-Year Olds and Up, Six and One Half Furlongs

#1/1A HIBISCUS ENTRY (2/ 1): Steve Klesaris moves this 4-year-old son of Violenceback to the dirt after a 3rd-place finish at Laurel last month. That race aside, he won two back from that going 6th at Delaware then finished 3rd only 20 days later at the same track. #6 IMPLEMENTATION (6/ 5): Saffire Joseph hasn’t had many starters at The Spa thus far but this one is positioned to make some noise. Prat hops aboard this 4-year-old looking for his third straight win. #5 PLAYINGWITHMATCHES (5/ 1): Linda Rice owns and trains this one that can’t be overlooked. First off the claim and surely to achieve a career-high Beyer here.

1 Sainthoodforbrian, J Castellano, Steve Klesaris, 124, 2/ 1

1A Inevtabl Conection, I Ortiz Jr., Steve Klesaris, 122, 2/ 1

2 Jester’s Song, J Lezcano, Linda Rice, 124, 8/ 1

3 Big Venezuela, S Marin, Bruno Tessore, 122, 10/ 1

4 Lord Gatling, R.R Maragh, Edmund Pringle, 122, 20/ 1

5 Playingwithmatches, T Gaffalione, Linda Rice, 118, 5/ 1

6 Implementation, F Prat, Saffie Joseph Jr., 124, 6/ 5

7 Camm’ Duke, D Davis, James Ryerson, 120, 12/ 1

4th-$36,000, Claiming $12,500, Four-Year Old and Up Fillies and Mares, One Mile

#1 SUSPENDED CAMPAIGN (6/ 5): Rudy and Irad team up this Dubb-owned mare by Honor Code and they’re likely excited for the idea of running on a dry racetrack. With less-that-ideal trips in the mud then in the slop, respectively, a fast track and the elder Ortiz brother fit incredibly well in this spot. #8 ITS COLD IN DEHERE (5/ 2): Rice owns and trains this one and is, again, running her back fresh off her claim in June. She’ll be ready to rock; must include. #4 GREATEST LOVE (10/ 1): Hasn’t had much luck at Saratoga but fits nicely in here and has won at the distance before.

1 Suspended Campaign, I Ortiz Jr., Rudy Rodriguez, 118, 6/ 5

2 Vallarand, E Greenidge, Eduardo Jones, 113, 15/ 1

3 Thisladyis the Law, T McCarthy, Patrick Reynolds, 118, 20/ 1

4 Greatest Love, A Castillo, Naipaul Chatterpaul, 120, 10/ 1

5 Run Devil, M Franco, Rob Atras, 120, 6/ 1

6 Trade Secret, R.R Maragh, Edmund Pringle, 118, 20/ 1

7 R Tenderoni, D Davis, Michael Miceli, 120, 6/ 1

8 Its Cold in Dehere, J Lezcano, Linda Rice, 120, 5/ 2

5th-$95,000, Allowance, Three-Year Olds Foaled in NY, One Mile (Inner Turf)

#9 ONE HEADLIGHT (2/1): Pletcher sends this City of Light 3-year-old out with Irad aboard and he’s never been worse than 2nd. Improved Beyer in each of his races and this one will be no exception. Must include. #1 TIMBUKTU (5/2): Rick Dutrow taps Saez to drive this one after back-to-back races where each Ortiz brother had their turn. They finished 1st and 2nd in those; Saez is capable of the same. Could be best here. #2 LET’S GO BIG BLUE (4/1): August Dawn and Coach Parcells tend to find luck and strong performances at The Spa and they’re hoping this gray’s luck returns on the same course where he broke his maiden first out just last year. DIRT: Not likely to come off but if it did, I’m intrigued by BLAME IT ON DADDY for Tom Albertani.

1 Timbuktu, L Saez, Richard Dutrow Jr., 125, 5/ 2

2 Let’s Go Big Blue, J Lezcano, George Weaver, 120, 4/ 1

3 Barrel of Quests, T McCarthy, David Donk, 125, 20/ 1

4 Thethrillofvictory, M Franco, Michael Maker, 118, 15/ 1

5 Gem Mint Ten, D Davis, Raymond Handal, 118, 6/ 1

6 Mr. Kringle, J.A Torres, Jonathan Terranova II, 120, 12/ 1

7 Blame It On Daddy, T Gaffalione, Thomas Albertrani, 118, 20/ 1

8 No Regard, J.A Gomez, Mark Hennig, 118, 30/ 1

9 One Headlight, I Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 120, 2/ 1

10 Eddie the Great, R Santana Jr., Edward Barker, 123, 20/ 1

11 Be of Courage, J Castellano, John Pregman Jr., 118, 10/ 1

12 Whistler’s Honor, F Prat, Jorge Abreu, 125, 8/ 1

13 Ortus, J Rosario, Christophe Clement, 125, 4/ 1

14 Cut the Cord, K Carmouche, Jeremiah Englehart, 125, 3/ 1

15 Modern Midas, Rider TBA, Rudy Rodriguez, 123, 15/ 1

16 Safalow’s Mission, J Lezcano, Linda Rice, 123, 5/ 2

6th-$83,000, Maiden Special Weight, Two-Year Old Maidens and Fillies, Five and One Half Furlongs (Turf)

#3 GALA BRAND (8/1): Field loaded with turf potential so you have to look for some value while still covering the obvious ones in exotics and sequences. Arnmore and Even Keel send out this speedy daughter of Violence with Prat aboard. She’s been based in Saratoga since May and moving along nicely in the morning. Big price for Mott-trained firster with strong turf bloodline. #4 DESTINY STAR (4/1): Tim Hamm and Siena Farm have big hopes for this homebred baby of Catholic Boy who gets Johny V as her pilot. Been working strong in the morning on both dirt and turf. #10 TEMPTING LADY (15/1): Jason Barkley ships this one in from Ellis Park who was turning in bullets each morning; worked out well on Saratoga dirt as well. $40k purchase just a few months ago will be a big price and should be considered in this turf sprint. DIRT: You have to assume multiple horses from the original field would remain since there’s not a lot of experience in here and all are working out on the dirt. Still, you have to consider LADY PROSPECT if this one gets washed off; owned by Hibiscus and rained by Rudy Rodriguez, Saez would like to put this one in position and blaze a trail.

1 Khozy Colby, I Ortiz Jr., Mark Casse, 119, 5/ 2

1A Mo Twilight, F Prat, Mark Casse, 119, 5/ 2

2 Baytown Kitty Cat, G McEntee, Paul McEntee, 119, 15/ 1

2B Happy Baytown, T Heard, Paul McEntee, 119, 15/ 1

3 Gala Brand, F Prat, William Mott, 119, 8/ 1

4 Destiny Star, J.R Velazquez, Timothy Hamm, 119, 4/ 1

5 Stuck On You, T Gaffalione, William Ward, 119, 8/ 1

6 Little Minsky, Shaun Bridgmohan, Melanie Giddings, 119, 15/ 1

7 Shoresy, M Franco, Phil Schoenthal, 119, 8/ 1

8 Hidden Class, L Saez, Joe Sharp, 119, 10/ 1

9 Leslie’s Loot, J Castellano, James Chapman, 119, 6/ 1

10 Tempting Lady, R Santana Jr., Jason Barkley, 119, 15/ 1

11 Goats On a Tree, T McCarthy, Jose Fransisco D’Angelo, 119, 8/ 1

12 Lady Prospect, L Saez, Rudy Rodriguez, 119, 5/ 1

13 Althena, Rider TBA, Jennifer Paragallo, 119, 15/ 1

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

#4 I’MHAVINGAMOMENT (5/ 2): Looking for her second straight win, Mott and Alvarado expect a top-tier performance by this Uncle Mo filly who has been moving swiftly in the mornings. Certainly a factor and likely the winner. #3 DIVA BANKER (6/ 1): Hasn’t fared too well on the Saratoga dirt but this could be the one that turns it around. Jose D’Angelo turns her right back around fresh off the claim and she will surely appreciate the dry track. #1/1A NOVAK STABLES ENTRY (10/ 1): Two runners who fit well here and will have an impact. Neither seems to be a fan of the Saratoga surface but can’t change that if they don’t try.

1 Ok Honey, G Huayas, Amira Chichakly, 122, 10/ 1

1A Happy Sophia, J.A Torres, Amira Chichakly, 119, 10/ 1

2 Ribot’s Valentine, K Davis, Raymond Handal, 122, 8/ 1

3 Diva Banker, I Ortiz Jr., Jose Fransisco D’Angelo, 122, 6/ 1

4 I’mhavingamoment, J Alvarado, William Mott, 120, 5/ 2

5 Silver Fest, J Castellano, James Lawrence II, 124, 9/ 2

6 Security Code, J Lezcano, Philip Serpe, 120, 7/ 2

7 Tempermental, J Rosario, Chris Englehart, 124, 6/ 1

8 Cinderella’s Cause, M Franco, Rob Falcone Jr., 124, 8/ 1

8th-$156,000, Allowance Optional Claiming $62,500, Three-Year Olds and Up, One Mile

#2 PIPELINE (3/ 5): This one is just too good for this field, and this field is not full of slouches. Two triple-digit Beyers and never out of the money at The Spa. Send it. Single it. #4 GALT (7/ 2): Loves the distance and gets regular rider and veteran Castellano up. Can’t ignore but won’t be better than 2nd. #1 GUNTOWN (5/ 1): Rice will have this one ready who has been strong in the mornings and likes this distance. Could be a threat to the winner but likely finishing from behind watching the winner cross first.

1 Guntown, J Lezcano, Linda Rice, 124, 5/ 1

2 Pipeline, I Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown, 122, 3/ 5

3 Mystic Night, R Santana Jr., Robertino Diodoro, 122, 15/ 1

4 Galt, J Castellano, William Mott, 122, 7/ 2

5 Bold Endeavor, M Franco, David Jacobson, 122, 8/ 1

6 Ruggs, T Gaffalione, Ron Moquett, 122, 10/ 1

9th-$250,000, Glens Falls Stakes (Grade 2), Four-Year Old and Up Fillies and Mares, One and One Half Miles (Inner Turf)

#1 WAR LIKE GODDESS (3/ 5): Mott goes for three straight Glens Falls wins with this 6-year-old mare by English Channel; hard not to imagine it happening just like that. There’s plenty of competition — especially runners with familiarity to her and the rest of the field — that will make her earn it, but she can. After she wins, you can expect her to make her return to the Flower Bowl on Closing Weekend at The Spa. #4 MCKULICK (7/ 2): Chad surely has this one ready to return to top form after a couple mediocre showings against strong company. Third off the layoff may be just what she needs. #VIRGINIA BOY (8/ 1): Brown’s other runner has been spitting out 90+ BSFs for years and even has a triple-digit Beyer as recently as last May. Must be considered and used.

1 War Like Goddess, J Rosario, William Mott, 122, 3/ 5

2 Virginia Joy, F Prat, Chad Brown, 120, 8/ 1

3 Amazing Grace, T Gaffalione, Christophe Clement, 122, 5/ 1

4 McKulick, I Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown, 120, 7/ 2

5 Sopran Basilea, M Franco, Graham Motion, 122, 15/ 1

6 Elegant Taste, J.A Davis, Lawrnece Smith, 118, 50/ 1

7 Vergara, J.R Velazquez, Graham Motion, 120, 12/ 1

10th-$50,000, Maiden Claiming $40,000, Three-Year Old and Up Maidens, Five and One Half Furlongs (Turf)

#6 SINALOA (5/ 2): Gelded son of Good Magic has some solid experience and has a couple warm workouts in the morning. Irad for Rice surely helps. #8 P MONEY(12/ 1): Seidman Stables NY-bred for Bob Klesaris gets the 5-lb. handicap and is freshly gelded. My money says this one could pull a mac truck. Use and reap the rewards. #9 RIPE FOR MISCHIEF (3/ 1): Saez and Bond team up in this sprint with this More Than Ready gelding who clearly prefers the grass. Multiple strong workouts published and I like this spot.

1 Bankingonachance, F Prat, Christophe Clement, 119, 7/ 2

2 Whiskey and Wine, T Gaffalione, Claude McGaughey III, 119, 8/ 1

3 Academy Choice, K Davis, James Bentley Begg, 119, 10/ 1

4 Spoofy, R Santana Jr., Charlton Baker, 119, 15/ 1

5 The Golden One, J.A Gomez, Amira Chichakly, 119, 30/ 1

6 Sinaloa, I Ortiz Jr., Linda Rice, 119, 5/ 2

7 War Prince, M Franco, Rob Atras, 119, 6/ 1

8 P Money, J.A Torres, Robert Klesaris, 114, 12/ 1

9 Ripe for Mischief, L Saez, James Bond, 124, 3/ 1

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