Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Thursday, July 31, 2008 Meet Total ... 16-70

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Yesterday

5-10. Ah, that felt good. Finally a little bit of a breakthrough-day. Five winners on top [4th, $5.80; 5th, $10.60; 7th, $8.50; 9th, $5.50; 10th, $6.20]. Our second selection won another four races.

Also, cold exactas in the 5th [$45.40/$2] and 10th [$30.60]. And a number of other 'boxed' gimmick results.

12,128 attended and enjoyed one of the best days of the meet weather-wise to this point. Comfortable temps. Some sun. And, most importantly, no rain!

Today

Let's see if we can keep it rolling!

FIRST RACE
Be Certain...Voss trainee has taken to the jumps. Won a stake when last seen in May.
Dr Bloomer...Flopped in latest but also won a stake in May.
The Price of Love...Solid since switching to the jump side of the game.
Rainiero.

SECOND RACE
Keep'em Moving Dan...High-priced yearling purchase. Well-bred. Goes for Pletcher who might be heating up.
Tapit's Brew...High-priced 2YO sale buy. Worked 10.1 prior to that auction. Trainer OK first out of the box.
Valiancy...Good debut despite poor start. Improvement is certainly possible in second start.
Gentleman Jeter.

THIRD RACE
Hatta Fort...We've liked him in all three US starts -- and he's disappointed in each. One more chance.
Redefined...Beat top pick in latest. NY-bred has looked good for Dutrow.
Snowstalker...Certainly seems to have returned as an improved 4YO. Dangerous.
Siphon the Kitty.
On dirt: Hatta Fort, El Bandido Rojo, Drift King, Siphon the Kitty, Georgetown.

FOURTH RACE
Key Trip...With Trippi on top she has reason to be fast and precocious. OK in three starts so far -- now cuts back and drops.
Prominent...MSW to mdn clm. Potent move.
Isn't That Special...A couple of good efforts right around this level.
Lovely Wildcat.

FIFTH RACE
Better Than Swiss...Improving and Beyers look best in this field.
Barbara'sluckystar...Don't discount -- trainer does well at the Spa in these turf sprints.
Linda's Kisses...Showed speed going longer last time.
Spa Princess.

SIXTH RACE
Storming Off...The red flags are waving -- but Pletcher actually does OK when dropping into the claiming ranks. We'll see.
Galaxy Tax...Probably fits at this level and is likely better than latest.
Oldham...Seems to be improving.
Deputyville.
On dirt: Jumponthebadwagon, Handsome Reward, Regents Ridge, Oldham, Deputyville, Red Sandy.

SEVENTH RACE
Terriffic Storm...Significant class relief in here.
Lemon Law...Will be rolling late.
Ground Hero...Would be top pick except for the layoff. Ran well off of a long layoff here last year -- but will he be able to repeat that as an 8YO?
Transit of Venus.
On dirt: Irish Majesty, Golden glen, Fit Faze, Transit of Venus, Encinas.

EIGHTH RACE
Pious Ashley...Overmatched in G2 Black-Eyed Susan. Facing older for first time today -- but very promising so far.
Spring Elusion...Tossed a clunker two back but otherwise pretty solid. Might appreciate the two turns.
Latest Scoop...Third start of 2008.
Vanquished.

NINTH RACE - Morrissey $80K
Ferocious Fires...Hmmm, this is an iffy pick. He showed high promise as a 3YO in 2006, including two wins here. Made only one start in 2007 and only one so far in 2008. So clearly there have been problems. Latest was an uncharacteristic dud -- but did it signify a marked regression, or was he over-matched, or did he dislike the grass? Unfortunately we won't know for sure until after this race -- but with that last one under his belt we'll give him another shot.
Stunt Man...Competitive against open company stakes runners. Off since early February however.
Market Psychology...Early speed.
Run Red Run.

TENTH RACE
Logic Way...Looked good this spring. Ran well here last year.
Retribution...Been facing better.
Hangingbyathread/Provincetown...Provincetown preferred. Could be the one to catch.
Admiral Bird.
On dirt: Retribution, Strummer, Good Prospect, Sigh You, Provincetown, Thunder Minister.

If we are interested in both halves of an entry -- in event of a scratch -- it is noted that way [in other words, both halves 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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