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 Saratoga    Race 2   7 furlongs   Claiming $20,000 3L (1:31 ET)

Best Value Play: #1 Appearance (8/1)

Most Likely Winner: #6 Violet Hour (3/1)

Other Contenders: #2 My Place (4/1), #5 Shaunna Alexandra (7/2)

Analysis: Violet Hour runs for the high octane combo of Pletcher-Velazquez. She should be able to beat these unless the bad luck in the last race caused other problems. My Place dives into the claiming ranks for the first time for trainer Bill Mott and that may be synonymous as a for sale sign, or she may be taking the dive to steal the purse. Shaunna Alexandra has had a rest and invades from Philly. She had a big number in last and her breeding says she will like the extra furlong. Appearance has certainly seen tougher and trainer Bruce Levine claimed her a couple of races back for just a little more than today’s price. The first race after a layoff and after a jump in price pretty much says there was a plan all along.

Saratoga   Race 8   7 furlongs  Starter $25,000 (4:42 ET)

Best Value Play: #8 Non Stop (10/1)

Most Likely Winner: #6 M J Plus (4/1)

Other Contenders: #3 Readthebyline (5/1) #10 Regulus (10/1)

Analysis: M J Plus is a new student at the high percentage David Jacobson barn and comes from Philly with impressive form-he has finished first or second in nine consecutive races and now drops a little in class. Readthebyline has been popular at the claiming box and that usually indicates a sound horse has been changing hands. He has surely faced tougher and destroyed a field when close to this level in May. Regulus is coming off a big win in May and has battled much tougher in his many travels. Non Stop is one of those that can win on any surface and when he fires his best shot he can produce speed figures to beat these, plus he has graded stakes experience.