Today’s Win-And-You’re-In Woodward is Lawyer Ron’s to lose, IF he can duplicate his career best performance figure earned in the Whitney. While the odds are against that happening, given the level of performance, are slim, there’s reason to think it might.
It’s been five weeks, arguably enough time, and the fact that it’s Saratoga, where horse’s fill up quickly, given the cooler nights, environment, etc., rebounding becomes more than a reasonable expectation. Further, if you love this surface, you love it, and that effort came at today’s distance from post 10. Today Lawyer Ron (2-1) gets the pole and virtually the same rivals he beat last out.
Two of them figure to improve, however, and both are well drawn in posts two and three, respectively.
Diamond Stripes (4-1) also had a wide draw in the Whitney and didn’t run nearly as well as Lawyer Ron. But he did make a wide mid-race move and finished willingly without threatening. Returning from his Aqueduct best, he appears set for best in third start off the brief layoff.
Magna Graduate (5-1), the uncoupled mate of Lawyer Ron, never had a chance in the Whitney, stuck down on the inside--not the best place that day--all the way. Those tactics don’t suit the horse’s comfort zone, either. In his prior, a tough trip cost him a score in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster. He figures to improve here and Garrett Gomez hasn’t lost confidence in him and will ride him back.
Taking the value offered on Magna Graduate at 9-2 or greater, keying him first and second in exactas with Lawyer Ron and Diamond Stripes.
Running Totals: (94) 38-22-11. Dollar Return: $225.00 [win selections only]