Equidaily Racing Journal

Today's Best Bets

by Seth Merrow
www.equidaily.com

Saratoga Race Course
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Meet Total ... 54-169

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Yesterday

Dark day. No racing.

You can check yesterday's recap page for a Mid-season Handicappers Scorecard giving the results for the public handicappers covering the first three weeks of the meet.


Today

There was some rain in the area on Tuesday so check track conditions.

FIRST RACE
El Guardaespalda...Put her on top in latest and felt good as they entered the stretch -- but he was caught late and perhaps jock moved a little too soon.
Raise A Storm...Stakes winner could be ultra-tough with drop into claimer.
Hendriks entry...Irish Actor might appreciate this company. Swoop and Soar could be rounding into form.
Big Brush.

SECOND RACE
Thermostat...Has looked good in three tries over the jumps. Good second here in latest despite avoiding a spill.
Voss entry...Jazzitupgeorge was over-matched on the flat last time but had three good jump starts prior. Illusionary also has taken to the jumps.
Western Fling...This guy was a solid flat performer and has done well in this game too. Toss last start -- he's better than that.
Seattle Band/Underbidder.

THIRD RACE
Curly Kayo...Showed some decent speed before fading in 4.5F debut. Good work for this. Drops from MSW to mdn clm.
Out of Rock...Toss turf experiment. Prior two against MSW company make him dangerous.
Elizabul...Sired by a win-early type.
Again and Again.
Paving the Way.

FOURTH RACE
Sabre Baby...Closed to be an up-close fourth in similar event here on 7/30. Rounding into form in third start off of short break.
Matzoh toga...Just ahead of top pick last time and has been going well since start of 2005 season.
Bis Repetitas...Stakes-placed as a 3YO in 2003. Lightly raced since. Dangerous if able to recapture past top form.
Full Flow.
On dirt: Light Night, Hunter's Tale, Grand, S Cherry Legacy.

FIFTH RACE
Formal Appeal...Purchased for $750K at 2YO sale by win-early connections. Hot work on 7/27 says he's ready.
Unification...Similar scenario to top pick. Bought at 2YO sale for $750K for owner/trainer combo that are looking for precocious youngsters.
High Cotton...Pletcher/Velazquez firster. 'Nuff said.
Dade County.

SIXTH RACE
Sagitta Ra...Only broke through NW1 two back. Followed that up with a G3 try. Probably has faced better than these for most of her career -- so she's capable her if able to give a top effort.
Hold a Moonbeam...Bested the top pick three back and seems in good form now.
Dynamite Lass...Like the top pick, has been banging around with a little bit better company for most of her career.
Baymont.
On dirt: Miss Coronado, Pleasant Emily, Baymont.

SEVENTH RACE -- Yaddo Hcp $75K
On the Bus...Just missed in this race last year over a yielding course. Could be ready to fire a big one in third start off of layoff.
Sabellina...Nipped the top pick for the victory in this event in 2004. Toss last on dirt -- prior starts seem to indicate she's in top form.
Beebe Lake...Another that could step up in third start after vacation.
Finlandia.
On dirt: So Sweet a Cat, Finlandia, Beebe Lake, Buck Mountain, If It's Meant to B.

EIGHTH RACE
Skip the Melody...Like the nice, improving form since the claim. And the win in a similar event here last time just adds to the appeal.
Cat Stalker...Hmmm, nicely bred runner from DW Lukas was a $340K yearling purchase. Has disappointed in MSW -- but will he get the wake-up call with move into $20K claiming company?
Kid Hendrix...Another that might find this company more to his liking.
Suave Prince.

NINTH RACE -- Yaddo Hcp $75K
Nurse Culkin...Seems to really be getting the hang of it now as a 4YO. Note Keeneland start four back where she was a good fourth behind Angara. That one scored in a G1 at Arlington this weekend.
Kate Winslet...Winner in Europe has been a little disappointing since arriving stateside -- including two off-the-board finishes against NY-breds. However, in a similar event in June she showed good speed before fading -- this track has been kind to those types, although pay attention to earlier turf races on card to see how Tuesday rain might have affected things.
The Lamp Is Lit...Fits with this bunch.
Lady Bi Bi.
Rahy's Appeal.
On dirt: Capeside Lady, Irish Princess, Mother's Sacrifice, Rahy's Appeal.

TENTH RACE
Spring Stroll...This could be the Sheppard Special of the meet we've been hoping for. Seemed to get the hang of it in three tries last year -- including a decent third over this course. Off almost a year and then set-up for this with a grass sprint at Colonial. Should be ready to roll with Bailey onboard.
Towering Palace...Figures improved nicely in 2005 debut. Adds blinkers and Johnny V. Should be a tough customer.
Diary Entry...Wouldn't be surprised to see her improve in her second start for Frankel.
Giant Redwood.
Oodles of Noodles.
On dirt: Pleasant Laughter, Saint Kris, Saint's Play, Diary Entry.


If we are interested in both halves of an entry -- in event of a scratch -- it is noted that way. If only one-half of the entry is named, then we prefer that half and will move to our next pick listed in event of a scratch.

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