Saratoga Sword Dancer Stakes, Secretariat Stakes Picks & Colonial Downs Grade 1 & 2 Selections – Expert Analysis

Expert picks and analysis for Saratoga’s Secretariat, Sword Dancer Stakes plus top selections for Colonial Downs’, Beverly D, and Arlington Million. Includes win contenders, value plays, and betting insights.

Saratoga Race 10 Sword Dancer Stakes Grade 1

9 Far Bridge has won three of his last 4 races including a Grade 2 victory in the Bowling Green Stakes over a yielding turf course here at the Spa . He’s a three-time winner in 4 starts at this distance and is in fine form. He’ll have to fend off 2 very good Charles Appleby European shippers at the wire. I believe this 5-year-old is up to the task. Top Pick

1 El Cordobes is one of two Charles Appleby Euro shippers in this Grade 1. Of the two I believe this 4-year-old son of Frankel has the best shot in here. Gelding joined the ranks of a Group 2 winner when taking the Kingdom of Bahrain Princess of Wales Stakes a month ago. If he takes to the firm turf, he’ll have something to say at the finishing line. Win Contender

5 Nations Pride is the the other Appleby runner who has had much success when shipping in to the States. This Irish Bred won the prestigious Grade1 Arlington Million back in August of 24. His recent form has not been sharp and one must wonder if this now 6-year-old has lost a step. Use Underneath

Selections 9-1-5-7

Colonial Downs Race 9 Secretariat Stakes

1 Giocoso drops in class after running a respectable 5th in the Grade 1 American Turf, losing by just 4-lengths to the very talented Zulu Kingdom. He’s been facing much tougher horses than he faces today. He’s fits well here. Top Value Play of the Day

2 Maui Strong appears to be the controlling speed in a race that lacks want-the-lead types. This son of Kittens Joy could take this group gate-to-wire. Win Contender

8 Dream On is a neat horse who ships well. Four of this Colt’s lifetime wins have been at 4 different venues. He’s been training exceptionally and makes his second start off the layoff. My only concern is his turf speed figures are nothing to write home about and he’ll be pounded at the windows. Let’s beat this morning line favorite today. Use Underneath

Selections 1-2-8-5

Colonial Downs Race 10 Beverly D Stakes Grade 2

2 Be Your Best has huge class edge versus her rivals in here. She exits from a front running score in the Grade 1 Gamely last out. This Mare is versatile and doesn’t necessarily need the lead to win . I expect Tyler Gaffalione to track some of the cheaper speed and get first run at the pacesetters. Top Pick

3 Beach Bomb is in fine form and recently ran second in a Grade 1 to the very talented She Feels Pretty. If the aforementioned doesn’t bring her A game, I like the chances of this Graham Motion trainee. Win Contender

6 Duvet Day has the best late pace numbers of this group and if they mix it up on the front end, this closer will be motoring them down late. Don’t Ignore

Selections 2-3-6-4

Colonial Downs Race 11 Arlington Million Grade 1

6 Fort Washington makes his third start of the form cycle. The last time this son War Front was making his third start off the pine, he won the Grade 3 Canadian Turf Handicap. He’s yet to win a Grade 1 but this race is more like a Grade 3 to me. I believe he mows them in the stretch drive today. Top Pick

8 Intergration has run well against some very stiff competition, finishing second three times versus Grade 1 foes in his last 4 starts. Win Contender

5 Cairo has been facing some salty runners overseas and recently ran second in the prestigious Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot. If he handles the trip and likely firm turf he’ll be a player here. Major Threat

Selections 6-8-5-1