Today's Best Bets2-10. A couple of chalky winners [5th, $4.30; 7th, $4.90]. We ran second in two more races and our second selection won another three -- so it was one of those days that wound up being only so-so, but it could have easily been a little bit better. We did have a couple reverse exactas [1st, $36.20/$2; 9th, $7.90]. Plus a few other gimmicks juggling up the selections.
It was the second nice Saturday of the meet and the fans again showed that they're ready to play -- if the weather cooperates. It actually sprinkled very briefly early in the afternoon, but otherwise it was a super day, sunny and comfortable temps. 32,344 attended and enjoyed a super show in the G1 Alabama. It was a short field but had the top two 3YO fillies squaring off and the Proud Spell/Music Note match-up lived up to its billing with Proud Spell passing Music Note's entry-mate coming into the lane with Music Note gaining. At about the furlong marker it looked like Music Note might just swoop on but -- but Proud Spell was determined and held on for a head win -- wrestling control of the division for the time-being. Great race.
With the nice weather, the large crowd packed the track-neighbor watering holes -- Siro's and The Horseshoe, and the fun continued downtown well into the night and early morning hours.
Giveaway day. Long sleeve T-shirt with paid admissions as long as supplies last.
FIRST RACE
Mor Chances...Has been running well for Rice. Looked good on the dirt last time.
Prince of Peace...Stepping out of state-bred stakes company. Should fit well here.
Building New Era...Could be interesting cutting back after showing speed going longer -- but trainer is cold at the meet.
Of All Times.
SECOND RACE
Persistently...The breeding looks precocious and should go well with one under the belt now.
Amanwella...Anther that should benefit from the first-start experience.
Heckuva Hunter...And a similar scenario with this one.
Foxy Bailey.
THIRD RACE
Mucho Macho...This field looks kind of evenly-matched so let's hope this one jumps up a little with the move to two turns.
Tizbig...Seems to have gotten good -- Beyer-wise -- over the last few. Should fit well with this bunch.
He's Solid Gold.
FOURTH RACE
Troy G...Take a look at Tar Beach winning at 5-1 on Friday to see how well McPeek does with second-time starters.
Matador Run...Two nice, improving starts at Monmouth. Capable.
Land Grant...Attracted a decent price at a 2YO sale earlier this year. Trainer can have them ready.
Smax.
FIFTH RACE
Anjorie...That second-best of 49 work on 8/1 seems to indicate positive intent today.
Symbol...Decent breeding and trainer can have them ready.
Seaquin Star...Capable of coming out running.
R Betty Graybull.
SIXTH RACE
Dirty Water Dog...Lightly-raced and improving. Trainer having a good meet. Faces perhaps a little tougher today but looks capable.
Valtrus...Been running well on grass.
Austin Laviva Baby...AE lister. Also has found a home on turf.
Jump It.
Dancing Tin Man.
On dirt: Jump It, Austin Laviva Baby, Talkhouse, Millenium Jet, Baystreet Bully.
SEVENTH RACE
JJs Prophet...Trainer Linda Rice is very good with turf sprinters at Saratoga.
Alabama Man...Could be tough on the move from MSW to mdn clm.
Maven...Has been competitive in similar races.
Counterspy.
Ridge Royale.
On dirt: JJs Prophet, Ridge Royale, Snuckinandsnuckout, Trip to the Bank.
EIGHTH RACE
Stepaside...AE list. his win in latest was very good and he should fit with these.
Imperial River...Has looked good since switching to turf.
North Country...AE list. Looks like one of those that is better tan his record.
Grasberg.
Thunderestimate.
Typhoon Tycoon.
On dirt: Half Moon Street, Endless Circle, Wood Winner, Oedipus O'Neal, Alexandros.
NINTH RACE - John's Call $80K
Just as Well...Ran Ok here a couple of weeks back. Should appreciate the trip.
Biggerbadderbteer...A winner at a marathon distance earlier this year -- and that's a bonus.
Summer Patriot...Has appreciated the turf and been going long.
Crown Point.
On dirt: Evening Attire, Just as Well, Crown Point.
TENTH RACE
Milk Run...Should appreciate the return to turf.
Empress Indy...Looks primed for a good try.
Ardnavagh...Ran well at this level last time.
Unbridled Union.
On dirt: Flibberjibit, Unbridled Union, Irish Bride, Not Now, Bet the Diva, Worth a Shot.
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