Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Saturday, August 5, 2006 Meet Total ... 19-76

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Yesterday

2-10. Two winners on top [3rd, $6.70; 6th, $6.90]. Shoulda had another one -- but Watchmon was nipped in the 1st right at the wire in probably the possible closest photo on can have without being a dead-heat. We flip-flopped our top two in that race for the $27.80/$2 exacta. In the third it was our top three in order for the exacta [$14.20/$2] and tri [$32.60/$2]. Otherwise not a lot of action in a day with four races washed off the turf.

22,744 enjoyed another nice day at the races. The rains that were predicted for Thursday afternoon finally came overnight. There was enough to knock out all turf racing for Friday. The track was listed as muddy early and was upgraded during the day to be fast. Otherwise, the weather continued hot and humid.

Today

FIRST RACE
Dr Bloomer...We're going to roll the dice on this runner from a trainer who has tossed some bombs at Saratoga in the past with a similar scenario -- second of the layoff, shipping in off of a dud. Fly in the ointment is that typically his longshot scores have some a compatible Beyer somewhere along the line -- while this guy is going to have to step it up. Still, we'll tread lightly but take a shot.
Elusive Image...Seems to be rounding into some good form.
Neuf de Carreau...Could be the one to beat off of the nice racers against better at Churchill in May and June.
Redefined.
On dirt: Lethimthinkhesboss, My Snookie's Boy, Harmony Hall, Neuf de Carreau.

SECOND RACE
Marina Market...$250K at 2YO sale for win-early connections.
Meritocracy...Goes out first-time for Pletcher off of a long string of works.
Sightseeing...Typically well-breed runner form Phipps/McGaughey.
Zanjero.

THIRD RACE
Ferocious fires...Debut was too good to ignore.
Personal Prince...Showed improvement in first start for Hough.
SS Crafty...Steps out of mdn clm'r but trainer is going well so far this meet.
Phillip X.

FOURTH RACE
Watchtower...Solid in US debut despite trouble. Looks tough today.
Vig...Ran best yet when switched to turf.
Benedict...AE lister. Two best races were on turf.
Open Debate.
Ace On the River.
Nasheet.
AP Jewel.

FIFTH RACE
Daza...Invades from Philly in order to meet NY -breds. Workouts indicate he should be ready first-out.
Children's Annex...Improving numbers in three starts.
Ziplocked...Might be very tough if he gained some 3YO maturity over the break.
Whistlin'.

SIXTH RACE
Operation Red Dawn...Hasn't missed the board since maiden effort. Looks tough against this bunch.
Mansmind...Will be rolling late.
Student Council...Dangerous if he takes to the turf.
Big Prairie.
Prep School.
On dirt: Student Council, Dubai Gold, Mansmind/Single Mon, Emotrin.

SEVENTH RACE - A In Sociology $70K
Yankee Master...Showed plenty of promise last year. Monday work indicates readiness.
Carnera...Plenty of potential since switching to grass.
Pure Incentive...Also seems to have found a home on the green.
Noble Deeds.
On dirt: Cotton King, Saint Daimon, Changing Weather, Pure Incentive.

EIGHTH RACE - Test G1 $250K
Wild Fit...We've liked her since last year. Off since March but working well and should appreciate the sprint trip.
Any Limit...Improving with each start. A lot to overcome from the outside post however.
Win McCool...Lone try at this distance was pretty good.
Livermore Valley.
Swap Fliparoo.

NINTH RACE - Whitney G1 $750K
Flower Alley...Should have gotten some worthwhile conditioning out of 2006 debut win. Worked well since and likes this track.
Invasor...Already a force to be reckoned with in the division after just two US starts. Looks like the one to beat.
Sun King...Plenty of speed in here should set things up for a late run by this guy.
West Virginia.

TENTH RACE
Yankee Thunder...Looks like one of those state-breds that's a notch above and should be capable of moving through this condition at first asking.
Not On My Turf...Solid in both turf tries.
Mr Sam I Am...AE lister. Solid resume. Now stretches off of two good turf sprints. Dangerous if draws in.
Sly Diamond Jim.
Conrad Crossing.
Bagavond.

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

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