Equidaily Racing Journal

Today's Best Bets

by Seth Merrow
www.equidaily.com

Saratoga Race Course
Friday, August 19, 2005
Meet Total ... 61-188

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Yesterday

3-9. Three winners on top (1st, $3.80; 2nd, $3.50; 7th, $23.60). Also the early double cold ($7.40/$2). And the second and third selections snuck in for a couple OK exactas, along with the usual assortment of gimmicks using the picks.

On-track, 20,192 attended. More of the same weather-wise: Sunny and warm. And for those folks who like to "get out" with a longshot, Thursday was their day as 39-1 Easter Guardian took the nightcap and anchored a $4K+ tri and $$59K+ super. While the numbers for Easter Guardian probably fit with this field, it would have been a bold move to put him on top -- the trainer was on an oh-fer at the meet while scoring at only 2% in 2005, while the rider was a 10-pound apprentice with only two lifetime starts (no in-the-money finishes)!


Today

Citizens Bank, 99.5 The River Family Fun Tent, Noon - 4 pm. Face painting, free kids’ activities, games and contests, sponsored by Citizens Bank and 99.5 The River. Free with paid admission.

FIRST RACE
Great Lady K...Some of her better races have been short sprints -- albeit on dirt. Could be tough if takes to grass.
Kiki B...Seems improved as a 3YO and finished behind Carlow last time in a nice dirt sprint. Another that will be tough if she can duplicate her dirt form on the lawn.
Red Snoony...The only one in the field with some turf sprint experience. Decent fourth last time at this trip.
Waytotheleft.
On dirt: Royal Fudge, Kiki B, Great Lady K, Waytotheleft.

SECOND RACE
Yes I May...Has shown good improvement in two starts. Horse that necked her for second last time followed-up with a win.
Mt Langfuhr...Split the field despite some trouble in debut. Expect better today.
Karakorum Starlet...Another likely to improve in her second start.
Let Her Be.

THIRD RACE
Vroom Hilda...Scratched from a $20K spot on Monday -- but she was second here for this tag last time so she fits.
Gold Dancer...Only question is fitness. Always leery to put a claimer on top after nine months on the bench -- but she's clearly the class and will be tough if ready.
Chunk of Love...Could step up big-time with the drop in for a tag.
Miss Park Place.

FOURTH RACE
Blenny...This should be a fun, contentious race and an argument can be made for a handful of these. We'll go here on the stretchout off of two sprints angle. Comes out of the same race as Yes I May, so you might want to keep an eye on that one in the 2nd race. 8/9 turf work seems to indicate she'll be OK on the surface.
Fairytale Story...Expect improvement in her second start -- and the dull try last time should help the odds.
Pletcher entry...Towering Escape is by Giant's Causeway and is working well for debut. J'ray makes her second start and trainer is nearly 30% in that category.
Girl in Uniform.

FIFTH RACE
Jesus Carboni...Faded late against $50K types -- drops to $35K today.
Maximum Odds...On the improve since moving to grass.
Sightseeing...Another that seems to have taken to turf and we actually would have considered him on top except for low-percentage trainer.
Sku.
On dirt: So Swanky, Jesus Carboni, Monopoly Pricing, Midas Gold.

SIXTH RACE
Record Buster...Move into G1 company proved premature. Looks capable of rebounding with drop back into alw company and cut back to sprint.
Dutrow entry...Both Tiger Heart and Bailero should prove tough.
Inamorato...Capable on best but off since March -- in Dubai.
Potrisunrise.

SEVENTH RACE
Savage Beauty...Trainer and jock a little cold at this meet and that's a concern -- but this gal has been facing some nice ones like Wend this year and can get it done against this bunch.
Positively wild...Another trainer we're leery of using. Only four wins in 2005 -- one here at the Spa. A win today means 40% of his 2005 win-total will be Saratoga scores.
Ohbeegeewhyen...Looked good the last couple of times she raced for $35K -- in for $50k today but not sure this is the strongest field assembled at that level.
Exchange Bay.
On dirt: Forgotten Promise, Savage Beauty, Very Very, Positively Wild.

EIGHTH RACE -- Lake Placid G2 $150K
My Typhoon...Three wins in five tries -- with both loses coming to the talented Melhor Ainda. Improving and comes off a win at the trip in Va Oaks.
Ready's Gal...The one to beat off of 2-2 record since moving to turf -- including G3 Lake George here on 7/29.
Naissance Royale...Euro-shipper from Clement. 'Nuff said.
Victory Lap.
On dirt: Ready's Gal, Capitulation.

NINTH RACE
He Dicho...Decent fourth in debut. From Zito which means improvement is expected this time out.
Just in Fun...2005 debut was very good despite some trouble. Dangerous if able to repeat.
Galluscio entry...Both Cardinal Rule and Notadroptodrink look like they fit with these.
Phil's Blue Way.
Mr Stan Israelite.


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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