Today's Best Bets7-10. We're tempted to call it a breakout afternoon -- but we were choking on a lot of chalk... Seven winners on top (1st, $5.50; 2nd, $3.40; 3rd, $3.20; 4th, $2.60; 7th, $4.20; 8th, $4.20; 10th, $3.80). Had the early double cold ($9.70/$2). A cold exacta in the 4th ($7.30). And in the 7th with our top selection winning our third choice beat our second pick underneath for a $66.50 tri. There was also the usual mix of other gimmicks to be grabbed with the various selections.
On-track an announced crowd 70,792 turned out. That's the second-largest crowd ever -- although, as usual on a Sunday, it was 'spinner'-inflated by the Stadium blanket giveaway. The attendance record of 71,337 turned out in 2003 for the wall clock giveaway.
Although the attendance figure Sunday was inflated by the multi-giveaway getters, an eye-balling count of the crowd said it was the biggest number of actual bodies to show up this season. Traffic was jammed on the Northway, Union Avenue, and streets nearby the track until well into the racing program. Lines at the entrance gates stretched to record lengths with waits of forty minutes (Suggestion to NYRA: Have a non-coupon gate available at each entrance for patrons who would like to get into the joint to bet -- but don't necessarily want to wait on line for the giveaway). Giveway coupons reportedly ran out between the 3rd and 4th race but people continued to stream in well past the mid-point mark on the card.
Weather-wise it was more of the same, warm and humid. Clouds rolled through a few times during the day and looked threatening but the rain never fell and sun poked out more often than not.
It's Proud to Be an American Day at the track. Free grandstand admission for all active US military and vets with military ID, courtesy of the Saratoga Cty Board of Supervisors. Festivities will include: naturalization ceremony for dozens of new American citizens in the Winner’s Circle; a unique Fallen Hero Salute, presented by the US Navy, the 199th Army Band of the NY Army National Guard will perform throughout the afternoon, and a four-person skydiving team will entertain the crowd.
FIRST RACE
Seattle Borders... Showed plenty of potential winning a G3 in SoCal last year. Drop in for tag this season is a concern -- as are the last couple of slow works -- but he's the one to beat making second start of 2005 if able to recapture just some of that back form.
He Flies...Should be set-up to run a good one today.
Dutrow entry...Holy Panache preferred if entered. Barn is OK when bringing them back on short notice. Quiet Ruler might wake-up with drop in for tag.
Sahm Iahm.
El Prado Rob.
On dirt: Levendis, El Prado Rob, Seattle Borders, Rhumjar.
SECOND RACE
Pletcher entry...Dyan's Destiny preferred off of the solid debut. Will be tough if able to improve. Dancing Band likely to go well first-time out.
Scaife Road...Bred to do well on the weeds.
Merrimack County...Behind top pick in debut but expect improvement today.
Carriage Trail.
On dirt: Coral Beach, Youknowshesright, Indy Trouble, Skylight Drive.
THIRD RACE
Year End Letter...Tend to like those in here making the potent MSW to mdn clm move. This one gets nod of that bunch coming out of a couple a decent turf routes efforts.
Maastricht...Knocking heads with SoCal MSW runners -- but that was last year. Might need one... Note that they paid $1.6 mil for this guy as a yearling.
Walden Pond...Showed very dangerous early foot last time.
Roanwiththepunches.
FOURTH RACE
Vroom Hilda...A couple of good tries off of a short break, including a second-place here on 8/1.
Larger Than Life...Four behind top pick last time. Should get a better trip today.
Winning Foursome...Might be tough to catch.
Jo Me the Money.
FIFTH RACE
Run Thruthe Sun...He's only thrown in a couple of clunkers -- turf try, and race against Lost in the fog. Otherwise he's graded stakes placed and should be best among this bunch.
Stolen Identity... First three-time winner at the meet? It's not out of the question.
He's Hurr Cuelee's...Should appreciate drop back in for a tag and return to sprint.
Broad Acres.
SIXTH RACE
Warrior Song...In a wide-open affair just have a sneaking suspicion that Mott will move this guy up in second start (first turf) off long layoff.
Mobarhen...Pretty good try in US debut despite some trouble.
Great Exhibition...Better on turf.
True to Tradition.
SEVENTH RACE
Vision of Beauty...Proven at the distance. Proven over the track. Has the look of a bonafide stakes-class filly.
Wild Storm...She probably has a future -- but even though trainer has a good pertinent stats in the category, she's been off almost a year so we'd like to see one before backing in the top spot.
Ten Carat Ruby...Good, improving form this season makes her dangerous.
True Gold.
EIGHTH RACE -- Johns Call $65K
Spanish Spur...Interesting. The defending champ in this race has been off since that win. Can Sheppard have him ready? We'll take a chance that the answer is yes.
Rousing Victory...Just behind a couple of sharp ones in seasonal debut.
Stage Call... One of three from trainer Sheppard. Comes into this in good form and like top pick in 2-2 on the track.
Change Course.
On dirt: Chowder's First, Dr Rockett, Light Night, Rousing Victory, Stage Call.
NINTH RACE
Love My Gal...Showing good improving form in three starts. Seems to be getting the hang of it and can take this with another move forward.
Jetastik...Showed speed and got caught last time - but held well for second. Tough if able to get in from AE list.
Bornagoddess...Improved immensely with move to turf.
Fiddlers Star.
The End Is Clear.
Time Heals.
On dirt: My Niece Cayla, Iam a Dixiechic, Fiddlers Star, The End Is Clear, Heresheis.
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