Today's Best Bets2-10. Clearly didn't knock 'em dead with winners on top [4th, $4.10; 6th, $4.40] but the selections provided some firepower during the afternoon with plenty of gimmicks if things were boxed-up here and there.
Hats off to Sam the Bugler for incorporating a little bit of Minnie the Moocher into the call to the post before the featured Cab Calloway. And a nod too to announcer Tom Durkin for adding the appropriate, "Hi-dee-hi-dee-hoo"s!
16,651 attened on what might have been the best day weather-wise so far. Warm -- even slightly muggy -- but most importantly... No rain!
Thursday evening it's the rematch! Jockeys vs Sixth Graders Charity Basketball Game. The kids are a talented AAU team from Texas and last year they took the jocks right down to the wire with the riders topping the schoolkids by a relatively small margin. Clearly the 6th-graders have an edge in experience -- but, event though they don't get a lot of playing time together, last year some of the jocks were impressive with thier hoop skills. It's worth the trip to watch this one! Game time is scheduled for 7pm at the Saratoga Springs High School. University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball coach Billy Gillispie will pilot the jock squad -- with an assist from Todd Pletcher.
FIRST RACE
Guelph...He might give them the slip.
Orpington...Tossed in a clunker on a yielding course two back -- otherwise pretty good this season.
Mixed Up...9YO Sheppard trainee won this race last year.
Duke of Earl.
SECOND RACE
Hesogoodwithmoney...This race is one of those handicapping puzzles where you have to be a mind reader. Plenty of speed, so it's: Who will send and who will stalk? Unknown until the gates open... We'll land here and hope for the best.
Wild Geese...Over-amtched last time. Back in a more comfortable spot.
Digger...Capable if able to repeat latest -- "if".
Japengo.
THIRD RACE
Abby Morgan...Moves up a condition but down in price off of win. First repeater of the meet?
Wonderwho'sbest...Turf-to-dirt. Route-to-sprint. Should fit well with these.
Bridled Path...Could be set to go well today.
Alchera/Royal Skip.
FOURTH RACE
High Cry...Pletcher has done well in the past with debuting 2YOs going two turns on turf.
Dancing Daisy...Would not be shocked to see an offspring of More Than Ready improve on grass.
She's Got Thunder...Could come out running.
Quietly Bold.
FIFTH RACE
Asmussen entry...Littleprincessemma preferred as a second-time starter from a trainer that does well in that area.
Justwhistledixie...Expensive yearling buy is working well for win-early connections.
Spell Check...Precociously-bred. Working well. And went in 10.0 prior to bringing $215K at 2YO sale earlier this year. Dangerous.
Sweet Ariette.
SIXTH RACE
Youbethecan...Should be rolling in the lane.
Dockmaster...Might appreciate the return to turf.
Lucky Will...Fired a lifetime best Beyer in a similar event last time.
Victory Sign.
On dirt: Dockmaster, Lucky Will, Victory Sign, Stormy Success.
SEVENTH RACE
Dose of Reality...Looks like a couple others have a touch of early speed -- but let's hope Prado sends this gal and says, "Catch me if you can!"
Zip by You...Had been competitive at this level prior to last -- but might have had an excuse in that one.
Mia...Showed some signs of life two back.
Fast Learner.
EIGHTH RACE
Minot Light...Been facing open company in the mid-Atlantic, and doing OK. Had some trouble in race against NY-breds last time -- back on dirt and could prove tough if able to get a clean trip.
Theartofcompromise...Last could indicate this guy just got really good after having a couple of starts under his belt -- or perhaps he just freaked on the wet track... We'll know more after this race.
Trust Nobody...He's going to get a lot of attention off of those Calif starts -- but a closer look seems to indicate he might simply prefer the synthetic surfaces.
Fortune Faded.
NINTH RACE - Statue of Liberty $150K
I Lost My Choo...This one has to lose a lot more than her choo's to get beat here. Won a G3 last time and now faces so-so NY-breds.
Western Slang...Seems the best of the rest.
Study Abroad...Tries turf but has shown ability in state-bred stakes on dirt.
Ommadon's Frenzy.
TENTH RACE
Silver Timber...Trainer is very good with turf sprinters at Saratoga -- and this one has done well here in the past.
Timberah...Better than latest.
Storm N Lightning...Could be primed in third start of 2008.
Southern Prince.
On dirt: Mor Chances, Strummer, Good Card, Baxter, Southern Prince.
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