Jeff's Grade 1 Run Happy Travers Stakes Selection (Race 11)


Saratoga Race Track (5:44 PM ET)


#8 Zandon (5/1) to Win & Place



This would seem to be a competitive race on paper, except for those two longshots. I'm looking for value and it's backed by a strong double angle. Epicenter defeated Zandon by 1 1/2 lengths in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes on July 30th at Saratoga. Zandon earned a 109 Equibase speed figure, while Epicenter posted a 111 in victory. The discrepancy in the ML seems a bit too much.


Zandon has two wins, two seconds, and two thirds in six career starts, and will be making just his fifth start in 2022. Epicenter will be making his seventh start this year. This benefits Zandon in a big way, especially at Saratoga. Check this out. Trainer Steve Asmussen wins just 11%, with an ROI of -68% when his horses run in the second race off a 2-6 month layoff. On the flip side, Trainer Chad Brown wins 25%, with an ROI of +1% in that same role. The outside post seems perfect for his "sustained" running style. Jockey Flavien Prat is a master at playing the break and should have Zandon primed for a big stretch run. Hopefully, we'll get 7/2 or better! Good Luck, Jeff



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