Update: Scratches change Play of Day
Ron Flatter
Saratoga Play of the Day
All that overnight handicapping of the Thursday feature at Saratoga went out the window with two big scratches. The morning-line favorite Weekend Hideaway developed soreness in his left front foot, so trainer Phil Serpe canceled his run in the $100,000 John Morrissey Stakes. The probable front-runner early in the race – Bustin It – was also scratched. But for a change this summer at the Spa, there is no lack of early pace in this 6½-furlong race for New York breds. Gypsum Johnny (5-1), Breakin The Fever (12-1) and Brimstone (20-1) may find themselves in a who-gets-there-first dash from the gate. José Ortiz – last year’s top jockey at Saratoga – has the ride on Gypsum Johnny for the second time in a row. They won three weeks ago as the favorite in an $80,000 mile claimer at Belmont Park. The cutback in distance should not be a problem, but a burning speed contest might be. So even though Gypsum Johnny is the play, a hedge on long-shot closer T Loves A Fight (12-1) is worth a look, especially if rain makes the track muddy or sloppy.
Play of the Day: Gypsum Johnny to win, but keep an eye on T Loves A Fight.
Thursday's Saratoga stakes race in handicap order from e-ponies.com
Note: Weekend Hideaway and Bustin It have scratched.
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