Today's Best Bets1-9. As predicted it was a very contentious card that had plenty of potential for pitfalls and we only managed one winner on top (9th, $9.20). Otherwise our bottom three combined for the $78.50/$2 tri in the 3rd.
13,794 showed up to enjoy another superb day at the Spa. The weather continues to be picture perfect with plenty of sun and comfortable temps. On-track the highlight was probably the win by jockey John Velazquez in the feature. That "W" was number 62 at the meet for the rider -- a new season-high record. Johnny V has two more days of riding to add to that total (he'll be at Philly on Monday to ride Pollard's Vision).
The G1 $250K Forego will be broadcast this afternoon on ESPN2 at 4pm ET.
Also, the Final Stretch music fest helps to close out the season with musical acts performing all along Broadway downtown this evening from 7-11pm. The fun continues Sunday night as well.
Another very contentious card for Saturday...
FIRST RACE
My Kinda Town...Laid off from Jan to June and gave a decent try in what looks like a key race. Might have gained some maturity during the layoff.
Storm Boot Gold...In good improving form making third start off layoff.
Slippery Slick...Another one coming in off two good improving efforts.
Megatrend.
SECOND RACE
Ms Storming Angel...That maiden win was just too good to ignore.
Lasik...Outside post is no bonus but June race seems to indicate she gained some nice 2-to-3YO maturity.
Front Line...Last indicates she's in good form.
Ardent Sister.
THIRD RACE
Clarins...Off a long time but imp[roved in every start so far. Capable if ready.
Fusaichi Towani...Looks to be getting the hang of it.
Yellow Heat...Good looking debut despite a poor start.
Summer Rainbow.
FOURTH RACE
Indy Moon...Firster from Pletcher/Velazquez and they're on fire.
Our Friend Timmy...Expect improvement from Zito trainee in second start.
Jim's Smokin Pinot...Working well for debut.
Kansas City Boy.
FIFTH RACE
Celtic Memories...Winless this year and that's a concern but could be the controlling speed.
Wasabi Cat...In good form this summer.
Frankel entry...Ten Cents a Shine woke up at $35K tag, back in against alw company and first time on turf -- but maybe ready for this. Guardian also trying the lawn for the first time and comes off a long layoff but looks capable if ready.
Private Scandal.
SIXTH RACE
Remuneration...Pletcher/Velazquez 2YO had a good debut and they often improve second time out for this trainer.
Storm Warning...Also looked good in first start.
Quiet Period...Trainer a little quiet this year but has been known to spring some nice 2YOs at this meet.
Elder.
SEVENTH RACE
Devine Wind...Won a similar event last time. See no reason to doubt a repeat.
Ravaro...Usually in the hunt.
Sovereign Kit...Fits with these and should improve on latest with jock switch.
Hot Hand.
EIGHTH RACE -- Forego G1 $250K
Midas Eyes...Returned from the bench to win prep for this convincingly. Not sure this is his best trip but if able to move forward off of last he'll be tough.
Clock Stopper...Finished second to Speightstown -- perhaps the best sprinter in the land -- and will contend here with similar effort.
Strong Hope...Lightly race as a 4YO but clearly another potent bullet in the holster for Pletcher/Velazquez.
Unforgettable Max.
NINTH RACE
Capital Peak...Hmmm, we used this guy on top last time and he got into so much trouble the chart-caller need an extra pen. Big jock switch today and even though we're not sure he's ready to string two big efforts together, we're going to stick.
Victory Circle...Trainer's been going well the last few days and this one was in front of top pick in last.
Brickell...Mott turfer is usually in the mix.
Saint Stephen.
Free Admission.
Kyungbokung.
Prep School.
TENTH RACE
One Eyed Joker...Back on turf and looks like Gill/Shuman team have him placed for a top effort.
Flamingo Springs...In good form now.
Simon's Birch...Might be ready to fire best shot.
Severado.
ELEVENTH RACE
Sell the Rallies...Showing some nice improving form in each 2004 start.
Galluscio entry...Showmesomelove won a similar race despite a slow start last time. Western Times won at $45K last time, drops to $35K today.
Amazem Grace...Claimed two back off of a just-miss in a similar event. Tried turf, two-turns and $55K last time. Back where she belongs.
Sun Sapphire.
Miss Crafty Pal.
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. |
