Today's Best Bets5-10. A solid afternoon as we start to wind up Week Five. Five winners on top (1st, $2.60; 4th, $5.30; 6th, $4.40; 8th, $7.50; 9th, $3.70). Plenty of the gimmicks in the mix. First over third choices for exactas in the 1st ($14.40/$2) and 9th ($15.40). In that 9th our second pick completed the $42.80 tri. Reversed exactas in the 2nd ($21.00) and 5th ($16.60). Besides the 9th our top three boxed for a tri in the 7th as well ($290.50). And with our top pick winning three, our second pick winning another three, and our third pick winning one -- we had a good mix of doubles and 'picks'.
19,748 attended 'the day after'. That kind of a crowd seemed light on a Sunday which meant plenty of elbow room for the rest of us on a warm, lazy summer afternoon. Sunny, warm, and humid. Folks got to enjoy a fun feature race as Lady Tak ran her Saratoga record to 2-2 after winning the Test last year. This summer she added the Ballerina as she held on to win by a head and then survived an inquiry. There was some bumping late amongst the top three finishers and looking at the replays a DQ wouldn't have been a surprise -- but it wasn't enough that the non-DQ was inappropriate either.
In the day's finale Icicle Charlie took a nasty looking spill on the far turn and dumped jockey Jean Luc Samyn. The ambulance pulled up to the winner's circle area about ten minutes after the race and thankfully Mr Samyn hopped out and walked back to the jock's room under his own power.
In the day's opener Zito's NY-bred continued to look superb staying undefeated with his second straight huge win. One to keep an eye on... And another special runner was unveiled in the 6th. Bill Mott put first-time starter My Typhoon on the turf for her debut and the half-sis to Galileo won by about six in a very good looking effort.
Early word is that the 4th is off turf.
FIRST RACE
Absolute Rocks...Gill/Shuman entry switches turf-to-dirt and looks to fit well at this level.
My Names Nicole...Was showing good form this spring -- then threw in a clunker last time. Nice work on 8/26 might indicate a rebound to prior form.
Bold Jubilation...Looks to be spotted at proper level.
Come Dance.
SECOND RACE
Forty Five...Pletcher/Velasquez 3YO put in two good dirt tries at Gulfstream. Could be tough with that experience under belt.
Manipulator...McGaughey/Phipps firster is bred to be a nice one and is working well.
Liquor Cabinet...Showed good speed in a similar event last time. Might last longer with a trip over the track in the holster.
Space Shot.
Salic Law.
Uncle Jack Casey.
THIRD RACE
Navesink River...Was up close early then faded late to be a decent third in first try around two turns. Should benefit from that one.
Confirmed...Got up late to break maiden in a good effort here on 7/30.
Capital Spending...Showed some good improvement last couple.
Every Mountain.
FOURTH RACE
Tiffany Touch...Could go well for Pletcher in scratch reduced field.
Shoot the Bugler...Ran well here last time over a sloppy track.
Sister Concern...Just behind Shoot the Bugler last time and had some trouble in that race.
Swither.
Slammin Success.
FIFTH RACE
Ready's Gal...Solid win in debut for Pletcher/Velasquez despite poor start. Eligible to improve in second start and could possibly offer some value here for top connections.
Should Be Royalty...Likely fave won last nicely for Biancone.
Partners Due...Look for rebound to good form shown tow back with drop into alw level.
Megascape.
SIXTH RACE
Totally Cosmic...We've vowed not to miss another Sheppard Special. The obvious knock is the layoff -- but this one was Group-placed in Europe and she came back off nine months to win lone start of 2003. Intriguing.
Vicereine...Two solid races this season including a good try here last time despite some trouble.
Cozy Cay...Expect this Mott filly to improve off of last.
Serendipitous.
Chic Joy.
On dirt: Pleasant Home, Right Out Ro, Joyful Chaos, Oh Pine, Ellieonthemarch.
SEVENTH RACE
Philanthropist...Really took to the track last time and a repeat would move him through this condition.
Zakocity...This 3YO disappointed us in a few of the early season sophomore stakes -- but seemed to wake-up a little in first try at the Spa.
One Nice Cat...Capable on best.
Broadway View.
EIGHTH RACE -- Ballston Spa BC H'cp G3 $200K
Ocean Drive...Think this one is better than last. Might go better is the turf is a little firmer today -- of course, some rain is in the forecast, so keep your eyes on the sky.
Delta Princess...Mott mare really woke-up to run best last time. Had some time off and should be prepared to go well again.
Film Maker...Stakes winner here last year. Big stakes win at Colonial in latest.
Personal Legend.
On dirt: Misty Sixes, Bounding Charm, Mariakel, Halory Leigh.
NINTH RACE
Wholehearted...Seems to have improved nicely since arriving upstate.
Fixcall...Third off a layoff and could be ready to move forward.
Rapid Rickey...Trainer is good second off a layoff.
Midnight Summit.
Admiralinthenavy.
Best Bets Homepage Today's picks The Challenge Calendar Track Info Weather 
| Note: Pages on this site are labelled with the equidaily.com logo. Some links are for information only and lead to pages at other sites. equidaily.com is responsible only for the pages on this site. equidaily.com assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Always check with official sources to verify info. |
