Saratoga 8/23/2020 Race 8, The Grade 1 Diana, 1 Mile and 1/8, Turf
This is one of the most prestigious races on the calendar for fillies and mares on the grass each year. Chad Brown, seemed to hold the upper hand yesterday, but all four of his horses were off the board. He sends out the two favorites in here to try to salvage the weekend.
1. Call Me Love: She rebounded from a dull effort nicely to finish second in the Ballston Spa. She has rail position and should sit a good trip near the front end, likely right off Rushing Fall and Mean Mary. She’s yet to win a race stateside, beaten by three of the five other horses here, however she’s been competitive.
2. Secret Message: She’s been beaten by three of the five she’s facing as well. She won the Grade 3 Mint Julep earlier in the year at a big price, but has struggled against stronger competition. She was fourth beaten five in this race last year and that’s probably close to her ceiling today.
3. Rushing Fall: I’ve been trying to beat her in her last few starts, but it’s hard to build a solid case against a horse whose lifetime winning percentage is 77% (10-13). 9 Furlongs might be the edge of her distance capabilities, but she’s held her own in three tries at this distance. The way the course seems to be playing should favor her, as she’s just as good on the front end as she is closing. She looks very imposing.
4. Starship Jubilee: I picked her to beat Sistercharlie last time out in the Ballston Spa, and she delivered for me at 3-1. At seven years old, she just keeps getting better, showing up with a quality effort every time she comes to the races. Castellano hops off in favor of Rushing Fall, so Jose Ortiz picks up the mount. She’s probably going to go off as the fourth choice, so she’ll offer value again. I think she’ll need some type of help to beat Rushing Fall, but she’s right in the mix for the minors.
5. Sistercharlie: She’s amassed an impressive record as well, winning 62.5% of her races (10-16). However, she’s lost her last two and her last three speed figures suggest a possible decline. Deep closers have been struggling at this meet, and while a handful of these ladies like to be forwardly placed, I don’t see a strong enough pace to set up her late run. If you’re a fan, you’ll like get the best price on her since 2018, but I’m reluctant to back her at under 3-1.
6. Mean Mary: Today we’ll find out how good she really is. Visually, she has looked like a special filly, winning graded stakes races at 12, 11, and 10 Furlongs respectively. She makes her first foray into grade 1 company, and she’ll have to beat some of the best mares in training to win. Even though she’s done all of her work lately on the lead, I don’t think she’s quick enough to pass Rushing Fall early. If so, she’ll have to also show a new dimension. I’m a big fan of hers, so I’m hoping she wins, but the gambler in me thinks she’s up against it today.
My Picks: 3-4-5