US racing tips: Tom Collins has two fancies on a brilliant evening at Saratoga

Royal Spirit
8.55 Saratoga
1pt win

Whitmore
10.03 Saratoga
1pt win

Belmont Stakes winner Essential Quality is the standout performer on a thrilling evening of racing at Saratoga as he returns after nearly two months off to contest the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes (10.39).

The Brad Cox-trained three-year-old should arguably boast a record of seven wins from as many starts, but endured a tough trip in the Kentucky Derby earlier this campaign and finished a close-up fourth. It would be a surprise if he didn't prove too classy in the Jim Dandy, though his price reflects his likely dominance.

The Grade 1 Vanderbilt Handicap (10.03) provides a better punting opportunity with morning line favourite Mischevious Alex appearing vulnerable – his Carter victory came against a weak field and he may be compromised by the pace here.

I prefer the claims of eight-year-old sprinting stalwart Whitmore, who has won 15 times in his career and finished a gallant second in this race last year behind all-the-way leader Volatile.

He proved that he was still capable of winning at the top level when he plundered the Breeders' Cup Sprint in November and has performed well on all three starts this term, including when third in the Churchill Downs Stakes last time.

The drop back to 6f should suit given he flattened out over a furlong further on that occasion and he has the tactical speed to sit in prime position under Ricardo Santana.

Earlier on the card, keep an eye on Royal Spirit on his debut in the $100,000 maiden special weight (8.55) for trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey Irad Ortiz.

This $450,000 yearling purchase is a son of leading US sire Into Mischief and has caught the eye with a selection of fast works ranging from 4f to 7f in the mornings.

He doesn't appear to have been drawn up against the strongest group of juveniles and I fancy him to make a winning start.

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