Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Wednesday, August 26, 2009 Meet Total ... 64-239

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Yesterday

Dark day. No racing.

Today

The pressure is on -- the proprietor of my favorite Caroline St watering hole informed that he's firing up Best Bets for use during his annual visit to the track on Wednesday...

FIRST RACE
Senor Fuego...Seems likely on the class drop.
Tar Beach...Another eligible to wake up with some class relief.
Web Gem...Beaten 1-5 fave at Suffolk in latest -- but the winner that day came here to post a huge upset earlier in the meet.
Prince Teton.

SECOND RACE
Crystal Ocean...Hard to really make a strong case for anyone in here -- but this gal is likely better than her debut indicates and it's interesting that Mott is bringing her back so quickly.
Ms Thanksgiving...Trainer potent making the MSW to mdn clm move. Nice work in prep for this.
Straight A Student...Another stepping into the mdn clm'r ranks. Winner in last came back to take a stake here earlier in the meet.
Jill's Kitten.
Morningsideheights.
Alwaysinmydreams.
On dirt: Thatsallshewrote, Ms Thanksgiving, Morningsideheights, Alwaysinmydreams, Straight A Student.

THIRD RACE
Home Field...Two nice, improving efforts since claim -- and now drops back to price of that purchase.
Khukuri...Wouldn't be surprised to see this one step it up off of the layoff.
Cullinan...Woke up when in for a tag -- now moves up slightly. Could go either way.
Seattle Brew.
On dirt: Home Field, Big Flirt, Seattle Brew, Ancient Sunlight.

FOURTH RACE - Pleasant Colony $70K
Guam Typhoon...Faded to third in latest -- but that was his first around two turns. Should benefit from that education and will perhaps be able to work out a more preferred stalking trip.
Sumo...Seemed to inexplicably go backward in last two -- but could be set to rebound in second start back from layoff.
Santana Six...Like many Zito horses this one is not a model of consistency -- but is capable of taking it all if he fires his best shot.
Saratoga Sinner.

FIFTH RACE
Manhattan Miss...We'll go with the fresh-face in a weak field. Some OK breeding and a trainer that can have them ready.
She's Smokin Hot...Finished in top half of field in debut. Certainly eligible to be a contender with some second-start improvement.
Aveo...Using this horse in the top three just shows how weak this bunch is! But, this one has fired some Beyers that indicate she could be a player here if she takes to the main track.
Lyrical Bobcat.
First Flute.

SIXTH RACE
Choosing...Won virtually the same event on 7/30 -- why not again?
Nedjma...Could be set to rebound to 2008 form in third start of season and stretching after two sprints.
Grace Happens...A good closing fourth behind the top pick last time -- but it was a markedly improved effort, so, was it an aberration or a signal of top form right now?
Bobs Pinup Girl.
On dirt: Grace Happens, Point Me to It/Dressmaker, Forthebaysatthebar, Bobs Pinup Girl.

SEVENTH RACE
Tiz Brian...Worked in 10.1 at 2YO sale -- before $410K purchase. Goes for good first-out trainer.
Condemned... Has some win-early breeding.
Anwar Sadat...Expect improvement today.
Wildcat Nation.

EIGHTH RACE
Vivi's Book...She's very interesting if she actually does come back in this spot just three days after running a good second on Sunday.
Bella Attrice...Likes this track and just missed here on 8/7.
Classical Fashion...Might be better today if allowed to stalk.
Sonic Sound.
Mindbender.
On dirt: Mindbender, Eightyfive S, Loquacious Lil, Vol Poni Up.

NINTH RACE - Albany $150K
Fiddlers Afleet...Stepped out of state-bred company to challenge open 3YOs in SoCal earlier this year. Rebounded to winning form when moved back in against NY-breds last time.
Legal Consent...Nice win in first leg of Big Apple Triple then faltered at F'Lakes -- but that was on a sloppy track. Should go well today.
Slevin...Second in first two legs of Big Apple Triple.
Pocket Cowboys.

TENTH RACE
There I Go...Drops to lowest level and has to be better than 2009 debut effort.
Apple Grove...Similar scenario to top pick in that 2009 debut was too bad to believe.
Code Name...Eight-time loser has run well since move to turf.
Love for a Price.
Shesa Bud Girl.
On dirt: Crimson Tempest, Code Name, Speak Easy Gal, Love for a Price, World Express.

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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