Today's Best Bets5-11. A nice total of winners on top during an afternoon with race that were competitive enough that that number really could have gone either way. Winners in the 3rd, $5.00; 4th, $6.90; 6th, $10.80; 7th, $6.70; and 9th, $3.40. There were plenty of gimmicks using the selections -- if you liked the top pick and dipped down to the third choice, it was that top pick over third selection for exactas in the 4th [$39.60/$2], 6th [$48.80], and 7th [$40.40]. Also, the top three boxed up for the tri in the 10th [$64.50]. And again, a number of other gimmicks when playing around with the picks.
Hat tip to jockey Jamie Theriot who came into town and won two for DW Lukas. And also to jockey Richard Migliore for picking up his first stakes win since returning to NY when he guided Fairbanks to a convincing front-running score in the $110K Duke of Magenta -- the rather wacky "feature" for a Saratoga Saturday.
On-track, even with the lack of a solid Saratoga G1 stakes race, 31,497 came to appreciate the racing and the fine weather. It was perhaps the first day without any afternoon precipitation. The post-track hot-spots, Siro's and The Horseshoe were jumpin', and a good crowd attended the NY-bred yearling auction down the street at the Fasig-Tipton auction.
It's giveaway day. Stadium seats to each paying customer while supplies last.
FIRST RACE
Hawkwood...The two clunkers at this level are a concern -- but has shown early speed and might take these all the way.
Coastal Drive...Showed promise last year when getting nipped in $100K stake. Back from layoff but it's certainly possible he's gained some maturity.
Wolfson...Seems on the improve over the last few.
Dr W.
SECOND RACE
Trevelyan...Well-bred firster from Pletcher.
Precursor...Expensive 2YO purchase had a good debut.
Charitable Man...Nice looking works from a trainer that can have them ready to go.
Miami Hammer/Miner's Escape.
THIRD RACE
Defrereoftheheart...Third start of 2008 and improved start #1 to start #2. Ran well here last summer.
Blowout/Pauillac...Pauillac preferred. Finding serious class relief here.
Kamboo Man/Gimmearoutine...Gimmearoutine preferred. Another that has been facing better.
Saumon Fume.
FOURTH RACE - Yaddo Hcp $100K
Rewrite...Has won five of last seven. Always runs well in this company.
Chestoria...Over-matched in last.
Factual Contender...Second in this race last year.
Latitude Forty.
On dirt: Factual Contender, You Go West Girl, Junkanoo Party, Latitude Forty.
FIFTH RACE
Fast n' Sassy...Seemed to figure it out over the last two and can move through this condition quickly in current form.
Offhand Remark...Huge win last time and if that was the real deal she's going to be very dangerous.
Can She Dance...Her two races this year indicate she's a solid 3YO.
Cordilleran Ice.
On dirt: Deewanee, Chanced, Desert Scents, Crazy Catlady, Cordilleran Ice, Offhand Remark.
SIXTH RACE
Kays and Jays...Worked in 10.0 before sale in March. Goes out for Mott/Zayat -- a team that was hot here last year, not so much so this season, but this one can pop. However, beware -- this is a tough, competitive field of maidens.
White Lamb...Also worked in 10.0 before selling earlier this year. Showed speed in debut -- might go better on the real dirt.
Sara Louise...This one worked in 10.2 before selling -- and has a solid worktab.
Casanova Move.
SEVENTH RACE - West Point Hcp $100K
Banrock...Actually seems improved this year.
Al Basha...Second start of the season and ran well on this track in the past.
Mission Approved...Looks like the one to catch.
Gimme Credit.
EIGHTH RACE
Easy Ashley...Just missed in a similar race here on 7/24.
Chit Chat Cat...Claimed last time and now drops.
Swept the Series...Dangerous dropping in for a tag.
Demaliat/Maggie's Miracle.
NINTH RACE
Groomedforvictory...The softest field of NY-breds he's faced.
Spanky Fischbein...Like the top pick this one has done well against open company.
Gansevoort...High promise shown in first two starts -- but they were a long time ago.
Benlayia.
TENTH RACE
Discreet Treasure...Sib to the talented Discreet Cat and debut effort indicated he could be as talented.
Screen to Screen...Has quite lived up to what look like the barn's expectations -- but number in last might mean he's turned the corner.
Dr Pleasure...Talk about horses that haven't lived up to their early promise -- ! Capable of competing here on his best however.
Squeeze Now.
ELEVENTH RACE
Paracaidas...Pletcher does well first-out going tow turns on turf. Solid drill for this on 8/4.
It's Not for Love...The one to catch.
Lanai...Beyers are on the improve.
Sandstorm Cat.
On dirt: Manitoba Miss, Distinctive Dixie, Sandstorm Cat, Lanai, Splash of Colour, Breathtaking.
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