THE ASPIRING HORSEPLAYER

2-year-old Juvenile Filly Champion Indian Blessing

Two-year-old Juvenile Filly champion Indian Blessing headlines a short field in the Grade 1 Test at Saratoga on Saturday. Now in the midst of her three-year-old campaign, the daughter of Indian Charlie displayed a new ability to stalk and pounce last time out while romping to a five length victory in the Grade 1 Prioress at Belmont on July 5th.

Five other contenders will square off against Indian Blessing in the 7 furlong Test.  From the rail, the runners with odds and jockeys sets up like this:

1. Tequilas Dayjur (Edgar Prado) 15/1
2. Palanka City (Eibar Coa) 8/1
3. Sweet Hope (Ramon Dominguez) 5/2
4. Ms. Margaret H. (Robby Albarado) 30/1
5. J Z Warrior (Kent Desormeaux) 12/1
6. Indian Blessing (John Velazquez) 3/5*

The key to the Test for Indian Blessing and the rest of the field will be the early pace.  On paper, it appears that it could be white hot.  J Z Warrior will likely show speed from the 5 hole.  In fact, she could wind up as lone speed if the others decide to rate behind her.  Indian Blessing and Sweet Hope could go either way and contest the early pace or sit back in stalking position. Tequila Dayjur and Palanka City figure to rate comfortably and will hope for some zip in front of them that they can try to jump on turning for home.  Ms. Margaret H. would appear to be the closer of the pack.

If Indian Blessing is able to rate comfortably behind J Z Warrior in the early going, this whole race could be a foregone conclusion.  That being said, prior to her win in the Prioress Indian Blessing was something of a pure front runner.  The scary thing with Indian Blessing is that she’s only won 1 of her last 3 starts, yet the Beyer speed figures are clearly climbing.  It seems to have been the right move cutting her back to sprinting distance and she’s handled the tricky 7 furlong mark here at Saratoga before.  Also note that her debut came last August here at Saratoga.  It goes without saying that she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Of the rest of the field, I expect Sweet Hope will take quite a bit of play exiting a 108 Beyer run last out in a non graded Delaware Park stakes.  On the one hand you can say she had trouble classing up when out in Hollywood for the Railbird last May. Still, that was on synthetics, and her last two dirt races do look formidable underneath.  Today’s 7 furlong distance would not appear to be a concern as Sweet Hope owns a win and a show in three such starts lifetime.

Palanka City comes into the race off of three straight victories.  You’ve got to like that kind of form and her victory in the Miss Preakness (which I saw firsthand) was impressive to say the least.  I have a feeling this may be the main contender with the best shot to upset Indian Blessing, but she will need to step up today.  It is most impressive though that as she’s progressed forward class wise she has turned in better and better races.

I’ll play Indian Blessing as the obvious selection on top, with Sweet Hope and Palanka City underneath in the exacta.  I’d probably cover the rest of the field underneath if trifecta wagering is available.  Reason being - J Z Warrior could hang on for a share if loose on the lead up front, and I wouldn’t count out the closer Ms Margaret H if they did indeed get a hot pace up front. 

There won’t be a lot of value available here, so don’t expect to break the bank in this one.  Your best bet at a price is a surprise for place or show.

6/2,3/1,2,3,4,5