Rick Francis
Staff writer
Tracksideview.com

(Rick goes solo with the With Anticipation on Friday at Saratoga Race Course)

Grade 3 With Anticipation for two-year-olds on turf at a mile-and-a-sixteenth at Saratoga

TYPHOON SLEW (1), very impressive Ellis Park score at a mile on the sod. Hats off to the DRF staff’s description in their comment line for “As rider pleased.” I guess next it’ll be, ridden out side saddle. This one steps way up. POWHATANCOUNTY (2), roughed up in Monmouth Park try, but did win at this track and distance two back. Trainer George Weaver has done well with his two-year-old stock. I like this one to move forward. GRIGIO (3), hard charging close in last almost got him there. You can’t sit 19 lengths off the lead with two year olds. They find enough trouble to get into all by themselves, why make it harder. Keep him closer, and you’ll keep him in the mix.

AIR SUPPORT (4), benefactor of Grigio’s decision to stay back. Regardless, you have to be impressed with both of these guys first distance tries. He’ll be around late as well. LOU BRISSIE (5), just like his daddy, Limehouse, has a Grade 3 win under his belt. Now it’s time to go long, but on the turf. He won’t have to deal with Kantharos, as that youngster was retired because of an injury. Still the turf question lingers for me. MANCHURIAN HIGH (6), sloppy day had little to do with the beat down he got in last. He may get another one today.

SILVER MEDALLION (7), hung on after being jostled in maiden victory. Bullet work here in last at Saratoga, and trainer Chad Brown still is hot. This guy’s quite playable. KID CURRY (8),chances for the type of improvement needed to win this race are slim. Not today. SOLDAT (9), bought dat, just haven’t won dat. Sire had a pretty decent record going shorter. Think dat is where he needs to be. SENSATIONAL SLAM (10), this is a great move by the Pletcher barn. Back to back synthetic stakes wins, good time to try the turf. Going to need to shift it into high gear to get away from that post, so we shall see how much he has left at the line.

Rick’s picks: 2,10,4,7.