Today's Best BetsWinners in the 2nd [$5.90] and 4th [$7.70]. Also, in the 2nd it was top pick over third and second selections for the exacta [$20.20/$2] and tri [$55.50]. In the finale boxing up the top four would have garnered the tri [$187.00].
An elbow-room-enhancing crowd of 10,899 attended. Weather was warm and muggy with some sun -- but becoming overcast for a while as well.
Wednesday evening an enthusiastic crowd cheered for both teams at the jockeys vs horsemen charity basketball game. The "Horsemen" squad included the likes of Rick Schosberg, Todd Pletcher, WinStar Farm VP Elliott Walden, Terry Finley the President of West Point Thoroughbreds, NYRA chairman Steve Duncker, Neema Ghazi, NYRA's Director of Marketing, dir of racing PJ Campo, and some "ringers" such as Saratoga policeman Paul Veitch. The jocks suited up John Velazquez, Kent Desormeaux, and Eibar Coa among others. In the end the jocks held on 45-41 despite a rally at the end by the horsemen that made it interesting in the last minute of play.
It's mid-summer St Patrick's Day. T-shirt giveaway with paid admission while supplies last. Also, $100K P6 guarantee.
FIRST RACE
Italian Wedding...Lightly-raced 5YO is one of three in here from Sheppard. Has shown some promise in last four over the jumps.
Mabou...Might try to take them all the way.
Nationbuilder...Ran well on this course last year.
Moon Dolly.
SECOND RACE
R Bling...Some win-early breeding and a trainer that is not only "win-early" but solid in these 2YO sprints.
Sky Hosoya...Expect improvement in the second start and with the drop.
Tensas Punch...Another that won't surprise if improvement is shown.
Kisses From Karen.
THIRD RACE
High Stakes Player...Area-native trainer is off to a red-hot start at the meet. This guy needs to step it up but very well might do it moving in for a tag.
Vision d'Amour...Another seeking class relief.
Driven by Fear...If he can rebound to the numbers he shot last year he'll be dangerous.
Justice Harlan.
FOURTH RACE - Scribner $70K
Devil by Design...Flopped last time but had trouble. Went well in seasonal debut.
Lady Alexander...Third start back off of a layoff and has been dieting on a steady string of stakes.
Unforgotten...Scratched out of a Presque Isle stake earlier this week for this spot [probably a wise choice as Informed Decision won that one].
Decelerator.
FIFTH RACE
Deceive...For the most part this bunch is untested at the distance so this is a little bit of a roll of the dice - but we'll land here, on a lightly-raced filly that could still have some upside and might be running late.
Dyani...The nice, improving Beyer figures this season [and note that last time out she faced the boys] are sure to attract attention and this is the likely favorite. We're just antsy given the 10X loser status. But she's clearly the one to beat.
Somalia...Has been showing life since the move to grass.
Ermine Slippers.
On dirt: Remark, Gold Collection, Dyani, Deceive, Ermine slippers, Click Your Heels.
SIXTH RACE
Redwood Fever...Takes a pretty serious drop which raises some red flags - but looks capable if all the wheels are on.
Dance Floor Maniac...If he can hits the numbers from the first three turf starts he'll contend.
Unique Ally...The one to catch?
D'bigcat.
SEVENTH RACE
System Ready...Has some win-early trainer and improvement is expected.
Nacho Business...The bullet works showing are impressive - especially that :33 and change last time! But, given those works, the debut going long on grass is kind of a head-scratcher. Still, can't ignore.
Br Alexander...Should go well.
Yes This Is It.
On dirt: Nacho Business, Yes This Is It, Volcker, Br Alexander, System Ready, Tingaleo.
EIGHTH RACE - Quick Call $70K
Psychic Income...Last two on turf were very good efforts.
Beau Choix...Hasn't missed the board on grass and seems to be improving.
Our Douglas...Typically in the hunt.
Alfarabi.
On dirt: Turf Melody, Make Note, Delong road, Fenway Faithful.
NINTH RACE
Chorus Music...Flopped last time but could rebound in third start of 2010.
Ketubah...Needs to step it up off of last time but races from last year were good enough to contend here.
Great Gracie Dane...Back in vs state-breds after two tries in open stakes company.
Who Is Lady.
On dirt: Two Moons, Freud's Notebook, Great Gracie Dane, Amiga Del Sol, Landlash.
TENTH RACE
Cherokee Speed...looks like the one to beat.
Strong Commitment...Could be ready to pop. AE lister.
Karakorum Legend...Ran well here last year.
Devon Rock.
Pegasus Tommy D.
On dirt: Economic Swoon, Star of New York, Pretty Boy Freud, Strong Commitment, Devon Rock, Bold Victory.
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