Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Friday, August 3, 2006 Meet Total ... 15-77

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Yesterday

2-9. A couple of winners on top. A couple of little gimmicks using the selections. Overall, not a wipeout, but not a lot to write home about either.

13,740 attended and suffered through a swelteringly hot and humid afternoon. The highlight of the day was the winning return of Shakespeare after almost two years on the sidelines. It will be interesting to see where he goes and how he progresses through the remainder of the turf season.

Today

There is the possibility of rain in the forecast for Friday. The hot, humid weather could produce some summertime T-storms in the afternoon. Three of the day's five turf races are maiden events that don't offer many clues as to dirt form -- so we'll stick with our plays in those races regardless of the surface. In the other two we offer up dirt alternatives.

FIRST RACE
Ocean Forest...Got a little ambitious in first start after the claim. He should fit with this bunch.
Freedom Isnt Free...Fifth as the fave against lesser last time but was competitive at this level in prior races.
Manset...Delaware shipper shows a nice closing kick on occasion.
Great Point.

SECOND RACE
Unbridled Trip...The $410K price at 2YO sale attracts our attention. Worked 22.0 at that auction. Trippi Has produced some nice turfers.
Caravel...A couple of grass works in prep for this. Mott going well.
Pletcher entry...Ready for May with More THan Ready on top is eligible to improve on turf. Strike It Ritz could come out running.
Starbank.

THIRD RACE
Shaky Town...Claimed out of three of last four. Doesn't have a "W" on the resume this year but last time spotted at about this level was a near-miss.
Maddy's Lion...There is some back class here and it might come to the forefront in this third start back from a layoff.
Bold Mon...Was going well over the inner earlier this year. Might wake-up amongst this group.
Royal Moment.

FOURTH RACE
Predate...Put in three improving efforts for win-early connections -- but was claimed out of latest. Working well since the claim including a bullet on 7/25 and trainer has good first-off the claim stats.
Ellie's Buddha...Just ran last Thursday. Didn't fare well but drops in for a tag today.
Vinery entry...Cherokee Time moves MSW to mdn clm'r -- but Spanish Coin [2nd in that MSW] flopped big-time here on Thursday. Wild Logic just got nipped after dropping in for a tag.
Huge Party.

FIFTH RACE
Dubliner...If this guy can eventually get into a race from the AE list he'll be formidable.
Tsunamic...Improved significantly when moved to turf. Adds blinkers today.
Kick Up Your Heels...On the improve since switching conditioners.
Howdyamissthisone.

SIXTH RACE
Stormtalk...Precociously-bred and brought $800K as a yearling.
Celestial Comet...Mott is having a bang-up meet so far.
Pletcher entry...Flying Dismount has the benefit of a start under his belt and trainer is solid with second-timers. Il Girasole well-bred and working well for debut.
Ya Think.

SEVENTH RACE
Leo...A group winner in Europe as a 2YO. Should be fit after the last and wouldn't be a shock to see marked improvement with return to grass.
Niagara Causeway...Three nice improving races at Churchill.
Whale...Lightly-raced 6YO showed some promise early in his career. Second to Shakespeare here in 2005 and that one looked good returning yesterday.
Bon Marie.
On dirt: City Attraction, Leo, Chippewa Trail, Got the Last Laugh.

EIGHTH RACE - Honorable Miss G2
Miss Macy Sue...She's put together a phenomenal 4YO season.
G City Gal...Dangerous in this, her third start back for a layoff.
Indian Flare...Lacks enough consistency for us to use on top.
Burmilla.

NINTH RACE
In for a Dime...Last seems to indicate this should be about her proper level.
Fort Carillon...Also fits well here. Should stalk just off the pace and perhaps get first jump.
Moneypenny...Last few have been nice -- but they've been on dirt.
Victory for Sierra.
On dirt: Moneypenny, Sneaky girl, Island Reversal, Zen Buddha.

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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