Today's Best Bets1-9. Winner in the 3rd [$3.20]. Also, top two flip-flopped in the first for a B-A exacta [$9.80]. In the 2nd a C-B exacta [$11.40]. An A-C exacta in the 3rd [$9.20]. Another C-B exacta in the 6th [$48.40]. And another B-A exacta in the 8th [$8.70] with our C selection completing the tri [$19.80].
It's been a rough couple of days - with an oh-fer on Monday and a single winner on Wednesday. Kind of a microcosm of the entire meet - where the handicapping isn't bad, it's just not producing the winners-on-top that make up the handicappers scorecard - and we haven't yet hit anything to relish in the 2YO or grass races which annually reward us with a few very nice tickets. Wednesday, for instance, we took a shot in the 2nd - a mdn clm'r for 2YOs - with Riona, a filly firster with some interesting breeding and a nice work before her auction sale. As the 16-1 second-to-longest price on the board you can't get super upset if you don't get the win - but she never offered anything at any point. And we've had a few too many of those at the meet. Well, still the better part of two weeks left - and as regular readers of the Bankroll Challenge page can attest - we can ride the wave a little but late in the meet [although our bankroll this year is suffering right along with the selections over here].
12,872 attended. It was cloudy and seasonably cool - although temps were comfortable.
San Gennaro Day: Old world ambiance and the charm and spirit of Italy will come trackside.
And, if you're in town, there will be a fun 'roast' of retired jock Richard Migliore at The Parting Glass on Lake Avenue in Saratoga. Free and open to the public, the event is scheduled to begin at 7pm ET on Thursday.
FIRST RACE - NY Turf Writers G1 $100K
Divine Fortune/Sermon of Love...Trainer Sheppard is dominating the jumps races up here - why not once more?
Arcadius...Uncoupled barnmate of the top pair.
Virginia Minstrel...A close-up second to Sermon of Love last time.
Slip Away.
SECOND RACE
El Real Madrid...If he really comes back after the big win three days ago he's live - but that's a big "if".
Stargleam...claimed for $20K off of a nice win earlier this month. Trainer has a high first-out percentage. And he should fit with these despite the step up the claiming ladder.
Chris Got Even...Convincing winner at this level two back.
Mizzen's Wake.
Critical Acclaim.
THIRD RACE - High rock Springs $70K
Hysterical Cat...Solid win in debut.
Never Right Joey...Barnmate to top pick also looked good in first-start win.
Firepole...Experience counts and this guy is coming in off of three stakes tries.
Private Rules.
FOURTH RACE
Thunder Jewel...Debut effort was OK and looks like one to build on.
Chalk Player...Another that could benefit from the first-out education.
Ravingaboutkitten...Expect improvement.
Soinlovewithuam I.
Winter Parade Doll.
Hessonite.
FIFTH RACE
My Two Cents...Things can be a little unpredictable at this mdn level - but this gal seems to have this bunch over a barrel.
Hear Her Roar...Could be moving in the right direction.
Mardi Belle...Speed in debut and the bullet work before the last race seem to indicate some talent. Blinkers might help her show it.
Lady Alma.
Eliza Grace.
SIXTH RACE
Exiled Princess...Seems to have found her level.
Playa Bonita...Will be rolling late.
Kaleigh Rose...Usually in the hunt.
Judicial Leader.
SEVENTH RACE
Fee On Legs...Linda Rice firster sprinting on turf. A little bit of breeding and an OK work leading into this.
Royal Rhetoric...Third start off the layoff and first two were nice, improving efforts.
Electra's Ego...Should appreciate the return to turf.
Mississippi Too.
EIGHTH RACE
Holy Moment...Claimed out of a troubled trip here last time. Trainer high-percentage first-out of his barn and owners spot to win.
Hooked On Hope...Capable on best.
Cover Story...Should be heard from in the lane.
Princess Maura.
NINTH RACE
Call You in Ten...A 2-time winner in a maiden race? The two wins were over jumps - meaning he's eligible here. We've seen this angle work before - he's a winner and is proven at a distance.
Grand Pride...First two starts seemed to indicate talent. Let's look for a rebound on the dirt-to-turf move.
Antrim Shield...Should benefit from the first-start education.
Macedonian.
Boisterous.
Best Bets Homepage Today's picks The Challenge Calendar Track Info Weather 
| Note: Pages on this site are labelled with the equidaily.com logo. Some links are for information only and lead to pages at other sites. equidaily.com is responsible only for the pages on this site. equidaily.com assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Always check with official sources to verify info. |
