Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Wednesday, July 20, 2022 Meet Total ... 11-41 [$81.90]

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Merrow's picks can also be found on most Saratoga racing says at the Capital OTB Handicappers' Report. Also on a rotating basis throughout the Saratoga meet in the hard copy of the Albany Times-Union.

Turf picks are turf only - unless otherwise indicated.

2022 Best Bets Picks/Plays archive.

Yesterday [SUNDAY]

3-10. Winners in R3 [4.70], R5 [6.80], and R8 [3.70]. Also, R2 ... BCA x 34.60 t 77.50; R4 ... BAD x 18.20 t 21.00; R6 ... CEB x 32.80 t 190.00; R7 ... DAB x 137.00 t 441.00; R9 ... CBx x 59.00; R10 .. CDx x 36.80.

Attendance: 20,690. Weather was sunny, hot and humid.

Today

FIRST RACE
Down Royal...Solid seasonal debut and gets a weight break from that effort.
Pistol Whipped...Behind the talented Snap Decision last time in the G1 Iroquois.
Iranistan...Better than latest.
French Light.

SECOND RACE
Evoking...On the sidelines for over a year after a debut victory. Coming back for the $25K tag raises questions - but hard to ignore if ready to roll.
Mariah's Fortune...Typically shows some speed and that might be more potent at this class level.
Babyitsgoldoutside...Also has speed and is running well recently vs similar.
Holiday Jazz.

THIRD RACE
Izeamalibumoon...Drops in for a tag and in against NY-breds off of a decent debut. Do note, dam's first foal was 2003, however 2015 sib Dezzer (the most recent to race) started career 1,8,11.
Aunt Virginia...Like top pick, in from out of town and dropping.
Rent Control...Improving Beyers.
Chiara.
Dirt: 7-2B-1X-10.

FOURTH RACE
Pure Bode...Improved to win on move to Saratoga in second start last season. Trying the Spa in third start back this year.
Instinctive...Better than the most recent effort.
Out of Sight...Might wind up being the one to beat.
Sweet Franny Lu.
Dirt: 7-5-2.

FIFTH RACE
U Glow Girl...Sire is win-early. Trainer also. However, lone racing sib No Spin is 4-0-0-0.
Numero Seis...Sire is OK with firsters. Sib Tiny Tina 11,1 to start career. Sib Tina's Exchange 2,2,2,2,1.
Whatchamacall...Capable in second start.
Draknstormy.

SIXTH RACE
Prince James...Might bounce back to Aqueduct performances on move to Saratoga and cut back in distance.
Happy Farm...In good form and pops back into $40K claimer.
Aristocratic...Speedy.
Wendell Fong.
Copper Town.

SEVENTH RACE
Crowding Out...goes out for potent team and might be improved off the layoff.
Hey There...Primed off of a string of improving Beyers.
Bali Dove...Just missed in comeback.
Mrs Green.
Dirt: 2-10-7.

EIGHTH RACE
Mischievous Diane...Showing talent in first four starts.
Pieice of My Heart...Should fit well here.
Betsy Blue...In the mix more often than not.
Smash Ticket.

NINTH RACE - $125K Suzie O'Cain
She's a Mia..Seems primed for this spot.
Lisa's Vision...Gets tested here.
Dream Central...Scored in a stake last time at 39-1.
Dufresne.
Dirt: 7-4-8-9.

TENTH RACE
Rum n Tonic...Drops on return to turf.
Blinding Light...Might be the one to beat - but the drop raises some red flags.
Super Quality...Ran well vs this level last time.
Rugged Union.
Dirt: 2-8-1.

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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