It looks set to be an exciting weekend of horse racing action once again at Saratoga this coming weekend. Last weekend at Saratoga saw mesmeric performances from Essential Quality, Gufo and Jackie’s Warrior. However, which horses will grab the headlines this weekend. The featured race of the day will be the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Jockey Club Gold Cup (Grade 1)
The featured race of the day at Saratoga this weekend is the Jockey Club Gold Cup. This Grade 1 is run on the dirt over 1 ¼ miles. There have been some legendary winners of this race in the past, including Man O’ War, John Henry and Cigar. But, which horse will be able to add their name to that illustrious company this year?
The market will be dominated by the top two, which will be Max Player and Happy Saver. Max Player claimed victory in the Suburban Stakes last time out, and needed the run in the Pimlico Special to get back up to speed. However, he has been slightly more inconsistent than our pick in this race, as he was third in the Travers, third in the Belmont Stakes and was eleventh in the Saudi Cup at the beginning of the season.
Happy Saver would be our selection, as we fully expect him to bounce back from the defeat that he suffered in the Suburban Stakes. He is the reigning champion in this race, and has won five from six in his career to date. This horse could still be a megastar, and back to back wins in this will further those claims.
Pick: Happy Saver
Flower Bowl (Grade 1)
The other Grade 1 taking place at Saratoga this weekend is the Flower Bowl. Fillies and mares will be running in this race over a distance of 1 3/8 miles. Chad Bown has an excellent record in this race, as he has won five of the past seven renewals. He has My Sister Nat and Great Island in the race this weekend.
La Signare could be a shorter price than many would believe for this race at the weekend. However, she hasn’t won a graded race since 2018. She is at least very competitive in the stakes company, as she was third in both the Jane Wiley and Diana, and was second in the Gamely. She isn’t without claims.
War Like Goddess is the superstar in this field, as she looks to win a fourth straight graded race this weekend. She has already won the Glen Falls, Bewitch and Orchid Stakes this season, and it looks near impossible to see past her again this weekend.
My Sister Nat could be the pick to finish second, as she has managed that in three Grade 2s already, including twice in the Glen Falls. Great Island also isn’t without a chance of a place for the leading trainer, as she won the G3 MatchMaker on her last start. But, it’s unlikely that any of the horses will be able to get close to War Like Goddess.
Pick: War Like Goddess/My Sister Nat
