By Jarrod Horak
The Harvey Pack Stakes is Race 8 at Saratoga on Sunday, July 5, featuring a talented field of older turf sprinters competing over 5½ furlongs on the turf for a $200,000 purse.
Here’s a breakdown of the possible race shape and leading contenders.
Predicted Pace Scenario
The pace should revolve around Bring Theband Home, who projects as the quickest horse leaving the gate.
Boss Sully, Jean Valjean, and Coppola are likely to apply some pressure early. The late closers will hope the front-runners soften each other up before making their moves in the stretch.
If Bring Theband Home is allowed to dictate comfortable fractions, he may never look back. If the early pace becomes contested, the race could set up for midpack type Twenty Six Black or one of the late runners.
Bring Theband Home Looks Tough to Beat
Bring Theband Home enters the race as one of the horses to beat—and for good reason. The Mark Casse trainee is a perfect 3-for-3 at Saratoga, including two stakes victories at this distance last summer.
His Saratoga speed figures have consistently been among the best in the field, and his early speed makes him especially dangerous from the rail. If he clears the field without significant pressure, he could prove to catch.
The biggest question is fitness, as he’ll be making his first start since last November’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Still, fresh horses often perform well in turf sprints, making him a major win candidate.
Boss Sully Ships East in Sharp Form
California-based Boss Sully returned from a layoff with an impressive victory in the Siren Lure Stakes at Santa Anita, showing good early speed and determination.
Joel Rosario stays aboard after that winning effort, and the horse has earned competitive speed figures on multiple occasions.
Possiblemente Returns to Turf
Possiblemente has put together a solid resume, particularly on synthetic tracks, where he has recorded several strong speed figures.
His most recent turf effort in the Grade 2 Twin Spires Turf Sprint was compromised by a slow start, making it difficult to unleash his best run. A cleaner break under Jose Ortiz could allow him to become a bigger factor this time around.
Twenty Six Black Continues His Remarkable Consistency
Few horses in this field have been as dependable as Twenty Six Black.
He has consistently delivered quality efforts in stakes company while compiling an excellent Saratoga record. His versatility allows him to stalk the pace or rally from slightly farther back depending on how the race unfolds.
Twenty Six Black enters this race with the benefit of recent competition, and the combination of current form and proven class makes him an appealing win candidate.
Other Horses to Watch
Jean Valjean possesses enough early speed to ensure Bring theband Home doesn’t get an uncontested lead. Even if he isn’t quite as fast, his presence could influence the pace.
Late runners Chasing Liberty and Outlaw Kid both enter in good form after strong efforts at Laurel Park. If the pace becomes faster than expected, both have the closing kick to pick up pieces late.
We’re in Trouble returns for his second start of the season after a solid comeback victory at Churchill Downs. With Flavien Prat riding for Michael McCarthy, improvement is certainly possible.