Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Wednesday, August 10, 2005 Meet Total ... 35-113

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Yesterday

Dark day. No racing.

While there was no racing there was still some big gambling going on as the first session of the two-night Fasig-Tipton yearling sale got underway Tuesday. There were a couple of sales that topped the seven-figure mark with a Fusaichi Pegasus filly selling for $2 mil and a Giant's Causeway colt going for $1.1 mil.

Spotted in the crowd were trainers, DW Lukas, Steve Asmussen, and Rick Violette among others.

Today

The Fasig-Tipton yearling sales continue. The public can attend -- and it's a fun way to spend an evening. The sale pavilion is on East Avenue, just a couple of blocks up the street from the main Union Avenue entrance to the racetrack. Start time is 7:30pm.

FIRST RACE
Slow Signal...Low percentage connections give cause for concern, but this isn't a heavyweight field and this guy's numbers seems ever so slightly better. But the trip is one most of these haven't seen, and probably won't see again so it's kind of a wide-open affair on that count.
Steve's Thunder...Steeplechase trips should help his stamina for the journey and a nice try on the flat last time says he's capable. Velazquez onboard also a plus.
Drinkwater...In a field of runner longtime stuck at this condition this lightly raced 3YO might prove best if able to show modest improvement.
Royal Rapids.

SECOND RACE
Archer...MSW to mdn clm is one of the most potent moves that can be made.
Teddy Hull...July 10 work showed some promise.
Contraband of Gold...Shipped up from Delaware for debut and trainer is doing OK here -- albeit from a very limited sample.
Step to the Music.

THIRD RACE
Gonnabreakeven...Seems to be improving slightly as time rolls by. Tossed best number yet last time with addition of blinkers and drop in for a tag.
Theoneilove...Pretty solid in Florida since springtime.
Snitch...Popular in the claim box, it might have taken latest connection a couple of starts to find proper level.
Silver Sonic.

FOURTH RACE
Widely Acclaimed...Trainer known to have the youngsters ready to run up here.
Crispy Lights...Decent second in debut and Pletcher's runners are known to improve nicely in their follow-ups.
Willshefire...Faced open company maiden in Chicago and ran well. Horse just behind her that day came back to win. Dangerous.
Curtana.

FIFTH RACE
Tip City...Tepid vote here on the early speed this one has shown. Tends to fade -- but with the track being kind to speed we'll hope for the best today.
Flanked in Gold...Another capable of showing early zip.
Ponche's Solo...Numbers might be a touch light -- but fits at this level and is usually in the hunt.
Warm Cookie.

SIXTH RACE
Mama Theresa...Breeding says she could be ready to run early.
Fairytale Story...Another that should be primed for a good try.
All About Allison...Steady improvement sets her up for a good try today -- but will have her work cut out, first getting in off AE-list and then leaving from an outside post.
Ormsby's Image.
Mrs Chippy.

SEVENTH RACE
Mikethemoondog...Third start of year and first two were winning efforts with improvement shown. Looks capable of continuing in this spot.
Dave...Dangerous, particularly at this trip. But has a penchant for getting caught.
Theconfidenceman...Toss the last -- better on grass. Trainer is cold but this one must be respected off of first two this year.
Gryffindor.

EIGHTH RACE
Strategy...Looked to have returned in 2005 as an improved 4YO. Probably over-matched in latest. Should appreciate this company.
Overbrook entry...Family Business is clearly the one to beat on her best effort. Winning Season beat older three back in NW2.
Taygete...Rounding into good form.
Private Gift.

NINTH RACE
Spring Deelite...Looks like the vacation earlier this year helped. She came back an improved performer. Horse that ran third on 7/16 came back to run a decent third here on Aug 1 at 8-1.
Jenny Joy...Just missed in debut last fall. Off since but wouldn't be shocked to see her cranked up to run well today.
Rockaspell...Trainer can get them to step up in their second start.
The Queen's Stamp.
Clochard.

If we are interested in both halves of an entry -- in event of a scratch -- it is noted that way. If only one-half of the entry is named, then we prefer that half and will move to our next pick listed in event of a scratch.

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