Today's Best Bets2-9. Two winners on top (2nd, $3.20; 6th, $6.30). Ran second in the 9th at 7-1 and looked to maybe be the best but we didn't get out and running until a little too late and couldn't catch the winner who got first jump in the lane. Otherwise, the usual mix of gimmicks were available using the selections.
On-track, 19,159 turned out to another nice day weather-wise. Plenty of sunshine. Although the card was not particularly appealing. The slated overnight stake race was scrapped due to lack of entries. And that was unfortunate because that small $65K race could have been one of the highlights of the meet -- it was to feature the American debut of Alinghi. She was recently named a champion in her division in Australia. Their ultimate goal with her is the BC Mile and they're shooting for the Atto Mile at Woodbine prior to that. But they want to get a race into her in the meantime. Hopefully we'll see her race at Saratoga before the end of the meet.
The Fasig-Tipton yearling sales concluded Wednesday night. The evening was eventful with the sales topper drawing oohs and aahs from the crowd as the bidding spurted past $2.5 mil and then $3 mil, to finally settle on $3.1 mil for the lone son of Storm Cat to be offered at the sale. As usual the Fasig-Tipton pavilion and backyard was literally a who's who of the racing world. Spotted among the crowd: Patrick Biancone, John Servis, DW Lukas, Angel Cordero, Ron Ellis, Rick Violette, John Kimmel, Mark Hennig, Terry Meycocks, Dinny Phipps, Tracy Farmer, and others.
There was some rain in the area late Wednesday night. The forecast calls for about a 30% chance of some more rain Thursday morning.
FIRST RACE
Charming Jill...We'll give her another chance. Beaten fave last time but came into that one after having raced well prior in some nice heats against open company. In with the state-breds again today and maybe she'll fire with a try over the track under her belt.
Zippy Missy...Good looking debut. Tough if able to improve off of that effort.
Oprah Winney...Solid string of works at F'Lakes.
All About Allison.
SECOND RACE
One Eyed Joker...Comes into this off of two nice wins at Churchill.
Blues Highway...Third start of year with nice improvement shown start one to start two. Could be ready for another nice try.
Love to Tango...Plenty of early foot. There are some others in here capable of pushing this one -- but if he sneaks away he could be tough.
Lethimthinkhesboss.
On dirt: Mach Speed, Light Night, Love to Tango, Blues Highway, Lethimthinkhesboss.
THIRD RACE
Moonshine Gal...It was a decent debut in the Windy City last month -- and note she bled. Goes with Lasix today and trainer shows a profit with that move.
Yes Please...Clearly the one to beat off of near-miss last time.
Twoifbysea...Likely to have gotten some education from debut. Expect better today.
War At the Top.
FOURTH RACE
My Dynomite...Debuts for high-percentage trainer and shows nice string of works.
Silver timber...Similar scenario: Trainer hot at the meet and runner is going well in the morning.
Bachelornumberone...Could be in the mix.
Our Bisquit.
FIFTH RACE
Blue Forest...Doesn't seem to be a whole lot of early zip in here. This gal might clear the field and be hard to catch.
Esplanade...Super debut on dirt. Follow-up on grass not so impressive. Maybe there was a little bit of a bounce. She worked well on the lawn on 8/9.
Contagious...Typically in the hunt going longer.
Wicked Funny.
On dirt: Esplanade, Theschemeofthings, Wicked Funny, Faster Tapper, Blue Forest.
SIXTH RACE -- De La Rose $65K
Bright Abundance...Seems to be in top form right now -- will need to be to take this very contentious stake.
Broad Hopes...Sheppard/Augustin. always dangerous as a Sheppard Special. We're tempted to put her on top but the numbers are a little light -- of course, that's what makes her a Sheppard Special. Could add some value to the gimmicks.
Fast Cookie...Won this stake last year.
Path of Thunder.
On dirt: Summer Rainbow, Provincial, Aesculus, Path of Thunder.
SEVENTH RACE
Maytown...Fired a career best Beyer in latest. A repeat takes this.
Funk...They thought highly enough of him last year to try a couple of nice stakes. Long layoff but can compete here if ready.
Storm Legacy...A little bit inconsistent but capable on best.
Tashdeed.
EIGHTH RACE -- De La Rose $65K
My Lordship...Let's toss the latest -- it seems like an aberration. Prior it appeared that she had come back as an improved 4YO.
Cloakof Vagueness...Pretty solid on the dirt, she seems to have found a home on the weeds of late.
La Reina...Rounding into top form. Dangerous.
Dynamic Cat.
On dirt: La Reina, Cloakof Vagueness, My Lordship, He Loves Me.
NINTH RACE
Stepanootz...Nice works for top trainer and doesn't have to be a world-beater to take on this bunch.
Chopping Wood...Looked to be on the improve prior to turf experiment.
Wild Cee Two...Nothing eye-popping -- but might be good enough to contend with these.
Distinctive Flag.
Sudden Burst.
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