Today's Best Bets5-9. And Week Six rolls along nicely... Five winners on top (3rd, $4.80; 4th, $23.80; 5th, $6.70; 8th, $4.50; 9th, $4.30). And we ran second in the 2nd with our top pick 12-1 Market Force or the results would have been that much better.
Plenty of action however as we managed to score with three cold exactas -- topped by the nice $167.00/$2 gimmick in the 4th (3rd, $12.40; 9th, $7.70). We also had the tri cold in the nightcap ($30.80). In races 3-4-5 -- with our tops picks getting the job done in all three -- we had the $332.50 P3 cold (the 10-1 winner in the 4th added the value and made for some fireworks over on the Bankroll Challenge page). Plus we had the late double cold ($8.60).
There is a carryover in the P6 -- the kicker is, we had four of those winners on top, with another one being our second selection. The 5/6 P6 conso paid $325.50.
The streak begins anew! Barely... After 250 consecutive days of crowds of 10,000 or more, Saratoga saw that record fall on Wednesday, but with 10,658 showing up on Thursday the count starts fresh. The weather was gorgeous.
Gubernatorial hopeful William Weld was at the track -- and held a press conference. It attracted more attention from the media than from race fans -- and it was probably intended that way.
FIRST RACE -- NY Turf Writers Hcp G1 $150K
Hirapour...Last year's Eclipse winner might have needed last. So be tighter today and is reunited with regular pilot.
Paradise's Boss...Solid win in Smithwick earlier in the meet. 12-7-1-1 jump record is hard to ignore.
Praise the Prince...Golden oldie might have left best days behind -- but is capable if able to recapture some of that earlier form.
Say What You See.
SECOND RACE
Larger Than Life...Could be getting too cute here -- Lasik looks to have the more solid numbers, but this gal has the meet's top jock, a 21% trainer and two recent races over the track...
Lasik...On the other hand, this filly has been off for two months, comes back for $10K less than claim price, jock winning at low percentage, trainer on an oh-fer. Those numbers are imposing but things just seem to add up the way we're presenting it. We'll see.
Pavlina...Very capable of a surprise here. Lightly raced and these can often return from layoffs with added maturity. Brings in two bullet works. Dangerous.
Oatka Idas Destiny.
THIRD RACE
Stream Cat...Beaten fave in debut after showing early speed. Expect improvement today.
Thatstheway...Win-early trainer having a big meet.
Express News...Breeding says this could be a good one.
Irene's Mom.
FOURTH RACE
Payment in Kind...We'll toss last -- it looks like an abberation compared to previous two. The 6/26 heat is especially encouraging, sat off quick early pace and closed successfully. A similar trip could be in the cards today.
Wuthering Heights...Let's looks for a return to run-and-gun style two back. A similarly quick early getaway might make him tough to run down.
Westmoreland...Has been showing early foot as well -- albeit going longer. A couple of nice works leading into this.
Come Close.
On dirt: Come Close, June the Tiger, Smoke Warning, Guy Getaway, War Marshall.
FIFTH RACE
Coastal Trieste...Expect he'll appreciate the move into the claiming ranks.
Slambamthankyamam...Seems to be in improving form.
Senza Aglio...Came back from layoff to pop a much improved Beyer. Now drops from MSW to mdn clm. Interesting.
Mr Fourth of July.
SIXTH RACE
Movie Star...Typically we're not very high on S American imports. But trainer and recent works add some intrigue here.
Asti...Clearly talented -- just having some trouble finding the winner's circle. But seems like the one to beat.
Beautiful Bay...Looks like they'll have her to catch.
Silver Charades.
Vous.
On dirt: Alfonsina, Lila Paige, Swinging, Wicked Funny.
SEVENTH RACE
Cab...Solid debut effort despite trouble. Trainer good first-out -- 24% second-out.
Testimony...Another making second career start after a good first try for a win-early outfit.
Geologist...Could come out running.
Marrouche.
Rockandahardplace.
EIGHTH RACE -- PG Johnson $65K
Southern Protocol...Impressive win in debut. The one to beat if she can handle the trip.
Ready to Talk...Improved nicely when switched to turf. Already has a win at the distance -- but will she get that soft of a pace today?
Dressed to Kill...Spotted the field plenty in debut but closed to finish nicely. Must get in from AE list.
Omi Princess.
Madame Music.
NINTH RACE
Ten Carat Ruby...Has been going well this summer and should appreciate absence of Vision of Beauty.
Childress...Typically in the hunt.
Wild Storm...Could show vast improvement in second start off of long layoff -- and with blinkers added.
Take Me There.
TENTH RACE
Towering Palace...Lightly raced and now gets a chance to string two together. Seems to be improving and looks ready to graduate.
Yes Please...Similar scenario to top pick. Only three lifetime starts and last two were near misses.
Spring Deelite...Also coming out of a couple of second-place finishes. Eligible to improve.
Jenny Joy.
Moonshine Gal.
Racing Heart.
On dirt: Jenny Joy, Racing Heart, Lorelei Lee, Saint's Play, The Queen's Stamp.
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