Five talented horses vying for Grade II Amsterdam victory

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A small but talented group of horses looking to take their next steps forward in their 3-year-old seasons will face off in Friday’s Grade II Amsterdam at Saratoga Race Course.

Headlined by morning-line favorite Jefferson Street — a Street Sense colt coming off an impressive 8-length win with a 102 Beyer Speed Figure — who will be up against multiple challengers with plenty to like.

But it could very well be the contenders with less experience that have the biggest impact in here.

The undefeated Brad Cox-trainee Pure Force opens up with generous 9-2 odds and very little to dislike. He’s been forward placed in both of his wins and he made light work of his foes both times at distances of 6 ½ and 7 furlongs. The distance surely won’t be a question for him.

Tom Morley’s horses have been running well so far at the Spa and Donegal Momentum just missed last time out despite the solid 93 Beyer to follow up on his 92 Beyer debut.

Jockey Flavien Prat is always a threat and the lightly raced but always-in-the-money talent for Rudolphe Brisset — World Record — constantly stays involved. Like any son of Gun Runner, this Siena Farm and WinStar-owned horse will be ready and likely shooting for the lead.

Jockey race remains tight at the top ahead of Week 3 weekend

Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., is back in a place he knows well: atop the jockey standing at Saratoga. 

After notching a win in the feature race on Thursday when he won the Grade III Caress Stakes aboard Dontlookbackatall, Irad put himself in the lead by himself with 13 wins so far at the Saratoga Race Course meet.

Ortiz was tied with Flavien Prat coming into Thursday, then Prat experienced a rare off day where he only hit the board on one of his five mounts on the day (a third-place finish in Race 1).

With...