Saratoga Friday: Grade 1 Personal Ensign, Clairiere vs. Nest Showdown

Travers weekend kicks off with the Grade 1 Personal Ensign from Saratoga. The race will see the return of superstars Nest and Clairiere. The heavyweight showdown is race #9.

Jockey Down

The weekend card at the “Spa” will be short one star. Luis Saez currently sits 2nd in the jockey standings at Saratoga with 30 wins. Since the start of the meet he has earned over $2.7 million in purses and has finished in the money in the money in 75 starts this meet.

Unfortunately, Saez will head to the sideline after suffering a collarbone and wrist injury on Wednesday’s card from upstate New York.

Saez’s Condition

Following the fall on Wednesday Saez was taken to the hospital. The Daily Racing Form reported via their X Account that the jockey was taken to the hospital, but expected to be released on Wednesday night.

However, due the severity of the injuries he is out indefinitely which will include several contending mounts on Friday’s card and most notably Kentucky Derby winner Mage in the summer’s biggest 3 year old race.

Full Card Analysis

Saratoga Race Course- 1

Post: 1:10 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight racing about 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 16

• #15 MOONLIGHT (7-2) is expected to improve following the initial start and receives the top selection. He appears sensible based on speed figures. This horse possesses the pedigree to emerge as a significant contender in this position.
• #16 GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE (8-5) looks good here at 2nd asking. He has demonstrated performances strong enough to surpass this field. This contender represents the Brown stable and has Prat as the jockey.
• #12 FORTUNE SELLER (5-1) is set to progress after the initial start and retains hope. He has exhibited notable consistency in recent races and should be prepared for a strong performance here.
• #14 SPIRIT PRINCE (3-1) is poised to improve after the first start and remains in contention. He has showcased remarkable stability in recent outings and seems ready to deliver a noteworthy performance here.

Selections: 15- 16- 12- 14

Saratoga Race Course- 2

Post: 1:44 PM ET; $35k Claiming contest spanning 7 f on dirt; Entries: 8

• #3 VAX (5-2) emerges as the leading pick. She has demonstrated performances capable of outshining this field. This horse could pose a potent threat by taking the lead early on.
• #2 LA AGUILILLA (6-1) should exhibit competitiveness in this context. She has demonstrated performances strong enough to surpass this field. This contender has previously proven her ability to handle these conditions.
• #5 TRUST THE NUMBERS (2-1) is expected to be a competitive presence in this event. She demands respect, representing the combination of Brown and Ortiz. This horse boasts commendable early pace figures in a race that appears to lack substantial front-running speed.
• #4 OUR ROSIE DIAMONDS (5-1) retains potential. She has exhibited performances capable of outshining this field.

Selections: 3 – 2 – 5 – 4

Saratoga Race Course- 3

Post: 2:20 PM ET; $150k Smart N Fancy S. contested over 5 1/2 f on turf; Entries: 8

• #5 ROSES FOR DEBRA (1-2) stands out as the top choice. She is unlikely to face challenges with the distance. This contender seems adequately suited for this competition.
• #2 BUBBLE ROCK (3-1) appears to be a prominent contender in this race. She maintains a consistent pace and anticipates a favorable pace setup.
• #4 POPPY FLOWER (5-1) seems like a key player in this race. She represents the Mott barn and has Ortiz as the jockey. This horse shouldn't encounter difficulties with the distance.
• #3 TRAIN TO ARTEMUS (10-1) serves as a higher-priced option and could contend in this scenario. She runs steadily and anticipates a fair pace setup.

Selections: 5 – 2 – 4 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- 4

Post: 2:52 PM ET; $64k Claiming race covering about 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 14

• #2 HIGH TIDE (5-2) deserves the top designation. He is regarded as the class of the field.
• #8 ARUBA (10-1) stands as a longshot contender and should be competitive in this race at a nice price.
• #7 SPEEDY HANS (8-1) holds potential in this race. He could benefit from the appropriate race setup.
• #3 ORIGINAL (8-1) seems like a borderline contender in this field who could outrun the odds.

Selections: 2 – 8 – 7 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- 5

Post: 3:26 PM ET; $88k Claiming race spanning 7 f on dirt; Entries: 10

• #1 PROVE RIGHT (3-1) secures the top spot. He possesses tactical speed and can position himself just behind the leaders, setting up for a stalking and pouncing strategy. This horse boasts the highest overall power rating in the group.
• #3 ALTERNATE REALITY (8-1) emerges as a notable contender in this race. He is likely to mount a late charge and has a chance with a competitive performance. This contender has displayed admirable consistency in recent outings and should be prepared for a strong showing here.
• #7 MR BOB (15-1) stands as a longshot contender and is a significant presence in this race. She is unlikely to face challenges with the distance. This horse displays commendable early pace figures in a race where front-running speed seems scarce.
• #10 HELDISH (8-1) is a substantial contender in this event. He could pose a threat by taking the lead early on. This contender's potential is evident in speed figures.

Selections: 1 – 3 – 7 – 10

Saratoga Race Course- 6

Post: 4:00 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight contested over 6 f on dirt; Entries: 8

• #1 AIR OF DEFIANCE (5-2) makes a debut here and is the leading choice. He is affiliated with the Cox barn and has Saez named as the jockey. A change will need to be made.
• #2 ANCHISES (6-1) is anticipated to enhance performance after the initial start and stands as the top contender. He should position himself among the second group of runners and aim to make a well-timed move towards the front.
• #8 DAILY GRIND (15-1) serves as a longshot contender and should exhibit competitiveness in this event. He enters the race in excellent form.
• #6 FIERCENESS (2-1) debuts here and could be a significant presence in this race. He deserves respect, being associated with the combination of Pletcher and Ortiz.

Selections: 1 – 2 – 8 – 6

Saratoga Race Course- 7

Post: 4:34 PM ET; $156k Allowance Optional Claiming covering 6 f on dirt; Entries: 8

• #1 YOU LOOK COLD (4-1) earns the top selection. She has displayed impressive consistency in recent races and should be prepared to deliver a strong performance here. This contender's potential is evident in speed figures.
• #3 HEADLAND (8-5) is considered a key player in this race. She demonstrates aptitude in terms of speed figures. This contender demands respect, with Rice and Ortiz as the combination.
• #7 FIRST TO ACT (8-1) is a significant presence in this event. She maintains consistently strong pace figures, which should serve her well in a moderately paced race. This contender has previously shown an ability to handle these conditions.
• #8 ONTHEONESANDTWOS (5-1) is poised to contend in this race. She demonstrates aptitude in terms of speed figures. This contender maintains consistent pace figures, which should be advantageous in a moderately paced race.

Selections: 1 – 3 – 7 – 8

Saratoga Race Course- 8

Post: 5:10 PM ET; $149.5k Allowance race spanning about 1 3/8 m on turf; Entries: 13

• #4 ANATOLIAN (3-1) secures the leading position. She will mount a late surge and possesses a strong closing kick that could prove successful here.
• #8 LULLABY LAND (8-1) is poised to contend in this race. She appears to be suitably positioned for this competition.
• #1 AVENUE NIEL (2-1) retains potential. She has previously demonstrated an ability to handle these conditions.
• #6 SWEET DUTCHESS (7-2) emerges as a contender on the fringes in this context. She demonstrates aptitude in terms of speed figures. This contender is projected to settle mid-pack and execute a late charge.

Selections: 4 – 8 – 1 – 6

Saratoga Race Course- 9

Post: 5:44 PM ET; $500k Personal Ensign S. contested over 1 1/8 m on dirt; Entries: 6

• #6 CLAIRIERE (5-2) stands as the top contender. She has previously demonstrated an ability to handle these conditions.
• #5 NEST (4-5) is a prominent presence in this race. She commands respect, being affiliated with the combination of Pletcher and Ortiz. This contender is unlikely to face challenges with the distance.
• #1 IDIOMATIC (3-1) appears to be a significant presence in this race. She is likely to position herself among the first group of runners and will have a chance towards the end. This contender demands respect, representing the combination of Cox and Geroux.
• #4 SIXTYTHREECALIBER (15-1) is a longshot contender and could mount a challenge in this race. She demonstrates aptitude in terms of speed figures. This contender has previously demonstrated an ability to handle these conditions.

Selections: 6 – 5 – 1 – 4

Saratoga Race Course- 10

Post: 6:18 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight spanning 5 1/2 f on turf; Entries: 12

• #2 COWICHAN (3-1) captures the top spot. She is associated with the Ward barn and has Geroux as the jockey.
• #9 OOLONG HAI (6-1) appears to be a contender on the fringes in this context. She maintains consistently strong pace figures, which should serve her well in a moderately paced race.
• #10 ARRASOU (9-2) is likely to enhance performance after the initial start and remains in contention. She has displayed impressive consistency in recent races and should be prepared to deliver a strong performance here. This contender will mount a late surge and possesses a strong closing kick that could prove successful here.
• #5 RISK FREE (8-1) is likely best suited as a lower-tier option on most tickets. She demonstrates aptitude in terms of speed figures. This contender maintains steady pacing and anticipates a favorable pace setup.

Selections: 2 – 9 – 10 – 5