Today's Best Bets2-9. Still struggling -- but not discouraged. Our horses are putting in a run and showing some life into the lane -- we're just not getting it done late. It will turn around. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
Announced attendance was 31,971 but that was obviously a 'spinner'-inflated total [Cordero bobblehead]. The crowd was clearly much less than attended on opening day. But fans were treated to another nice afternoon. Sunny and in the 80's -- with humidity again a little high.
Ready's Image was very impressive winning the G2 Sanford, while Fed Watcher looked good taking them into the lane then ducked out about mid-stretch looked a little green in his second career start.
The first of two 'twilight' racing days. First post is 2:45pm ET. And it Hat's Off weekend. There will be musical acts performing all along Broadway in downtown Saratoga from 7-11pm.
FIRST RACE
Secret Stocks...Got the wake-up call last time -- but had dropped to $20K to accomplish that. Was it the company or did he really turn it around? We'll know more today.
Dragon Fi...Nice try in a similar event at Belmont last time. Adds blinkers.
Sami's Dancer/Spirit of Gulch...Sami's Dancer was just behind Dragon Fi in latest and is usually in the hunt.
Subtitles.
SECOND RACE
Blue Flight...You can go in a few different directions here, each having something to like and something to knock. This one attracted $105K at OBS March after working the fastest 2F [21.0] of the second day. Trainer however not known for having them cranked first-time out.
Tribolet...On the other hand Pletcher is known to have them ready to go. This is another NY-bred that brought down a decent price at a 2YO in training sale. Worked 10.2 for that auction. Full-sib Doctor Freud was also a 2YO sale purchase for the same connections -- that one won his second career start [as a 3YO].
Yukon Gold Rush...Nice looking string off works, including a bullet on JUL 15.
Another Gulch.
THIRD RACE
Nar...Gutty win in latest. Would like to see him stalk today.
First Word...Very nicely bred but hasn't really lived up to that. Might be interesting making the turf-to-dirt move.
Master of Disaster...Took the lead and got caught in 2007 debut. Delaware shippers are sometimes iffy at the Spa and this one came off of a Delaware win to toss in a dud here last year -- albeit in a tough stake.
City Weekend.
FOURTH RACE
Apache Plume...Liked her last time when she tried the grass. Think that race was better than it looks on paper. Comes back fairly quickly, moves back to dirt, cuts back a furlong. Interesting.
Scarlet Love...Has shown improvement in three starts. Tossed in a bullet prepping for this.
Etro...String of good works attracts our attention.
Sequoia Queen.
FIFTH RACE
Snowstalker...Could rebound to the form shown in career debut with the move back to a sprint.
Big Train...Not telling how good this one could be -- stepped way up on turf, but that was on the drop in for a tag. We'll know more after this race.
Executive Fleet...Scratched opening day for this spot. Trainer was solid with turf sprinters here last year.
Emirates to Dubai.
On dirt: Executive Fleet, Unbridled Trust, Gold Trippi, Guns Drawn.
SIXTH RACE
Sabellina...Won a G3 at Churchill last fall. First couple this year were disappointing but she looks to be rounding back into form now.
Rahys' Appeal...Should appreciate the return to state-bred company.
Iron Goddess...Speed has been good on the turf over the first couple of days and that's the game this one plays.
Half Heaven.
On dirt: Rahys' Appeal, Mama Theresa, Laurentide Ice, Fuego Grande, Iron Goddess.
SEVENTH RACE
Jersey Bond...Usually competitive although Beyers were a little light prior to last two. Question is: Has she improved, or does she just like Churchill? We'll go with the former.
Flankers Lady...Undefeated and big Beyer win last time makes her hard to ignore. But that was done over a 'sealed' track so there are some question marks.
Tora...Trouble in last. She'll rebound with a better break today.
Gem Sleuth.
EIGHTH RACE - Lake George G3
Good Mood...Been on the improve since arriving stateside.
Rutherienne...Hard to fault her 5-for-6 record.
Dashes N Dots...Looks like the one to catch.
Classic Neel.
On dirt: Awesome Ashley, Dashes N Dots, Bees, Silky Smooth.
NINTH RACE
The Ag...Debut was just too good to let this one get away because of the flop last time at 4-5. Price should be a little better here because of that and we have to believe she's probably closer to running back to the first start than the last one. Velazquez returns.
Bella Attrice...Solidly in front of top pick last time -- in 2007 debut. Clearly the one to beat. Horse that beat her last time came back to run an OK third in NW1 here on Thursday.
Crusader's Code...Long time maiden but last tow show some promise.
Royal Natalie.
A Millions Demons.
Silver Elegance.
On dirt: Silver Elegance, The Ag, Maria's Muse, Luck.
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