I went “all in” on what is arguably the worst race on the card — the maiden claimer for New York-bred fillies and mares — and placed my two remaining entries on Afleet Aya in the third.
Afleet Aya broke forwardly and chased the winner throughout when unveiled on June 27 at Belmont Park. She challenged the winner near the quarter-mile pole and finished well in a good effort.
Of note is that she went postward as the favorite and was claimed for $35,000. It has been my experience that people do not claim first-time starters unless they have some knowledge about the animal. Afleet Aya has worked twice since, including a bullet in the mud on the training track on July 21. In addition, Edgar Prado will ride her back for her new connections.
Moreover, it has been my experience that horses run better in their second lifetime start, simply because the first time they race, they have no idea what is going on. The second time out, they know exactly what the deal is.
On Thursday, nine out of the top 10 selections hit the board. When I checked this morning, there were 345 live entries remaining in the contest.
Tags: handicapping, Saratoga showdown, SHOWdown, The Joyce Report
