Today's Best Bets3-9. Three winners on top (1st, $6.80; 4th, $5.20; 9th, $3.60). In the 1st out top pick bested our third selection (after a DQ) for a very nice $70.00/$2 exacta. And we had a reverse exacta in the 6th ($15.80) although jockey Dominguez might want to keep in mind that the race isn't over until the wire -- about 100 yards from the wire he wrapped up on his horse when he realized he had no shot at the win, and it almost cost him the place spot as he was very lucky that the fast closing eventual show-placer didn't nip him in a photo at the wire.
Always interesting just to cruise around the joint and spot some of the trainers you would expect to be watching the races from the exclusive box seat, instead being found in some unlikely area... For instance, on Thursday we spotted trainer Nick Zito watching his charge Burnish run last in the featured Victory Ride on a Tv at the top of the clubhouse escalator area -- while chatting and enjoying an ice cream (or some other type of confection in a cup).
On-track, 17,405 were treated to one of the best days yet weather-wise. Plenty of sun. Nice warm temps. No humidity. Spotted mingling amongst the crowd at Siro's was celebrity chef, Food Network's Bobby Flay.
FIRST RACE
Deeliteful Guy...Third start off the layoff-- third at $40K level, second at $35K, drops again today. Like the jock switch as well.
Grendel...Flopped at $50k, now takes a big drop for Dutrow.
Got the Goods...Another dropper that has proven capable against better in the past.
Tangmalangaloo.
SECOND RACE
Pimm's O'Clock...A couple of decent tries in the holster -- now moves to grass for trainer Asmussen. More Than Ready turning out to be top turf sire.
Oden's Tale...Solid string of works going into this.
Wedding Singer...Expect some nice improvement in second start.
Rock Lobster.
Red Fire.
THIRD RACE
Storm Treasure...Trainer is solid with 2YO firsters -- and has done well at the meet.
Stan the Man...Another top-notch win-early outfit. and a good win-early sire.
Inspect...And the same scenario here.
Silverdale/Regent Spirit.
FOURTH RACE
Alumni Hall...Solid when he runs his best. Graded stakes winner. Off about three months but nice 6F work on 8/14 indicates readiness.
Zito entry...Confirmed comes out of a good win at Belmont and show a couple nice tries over the track last year. Broadway View a good third here last time despite trouble.
Aggadan...Comes from the tough Dutrow barn. Ran second to Ghostzapper about this time last year at Monmouth.
Colita.
FIFTH RACE
Dr Zippett...Trainer is always very solid with firsters at this meet.
Parkhimonbroadway...Went straight from a third in debut against state-breds to a fourth behind Henny Hughes in G2 last time. Back against NY-breds today.
Phillip X...Solid debut.
I'm a Yankee.
SIXTH RACE
Quail Run...Second in debut but clear of third-place finisher -- who was clear of the next. Ran greenly that day and might step forward today with that experience under her belt.
Madame Diva...Was flattered with the follow-up win by Yolanda B too.
Score...Another of the regally-bred Phipps/McGaughey runners.
Pleasant Laughter.
SEVENTH RACE
Indelible Image...Scratched form similar event yesterday which was won by heavy fave so maybe they found this spot easier. Shows plenty of early foot going longer and was in front in 1:09+ in a couple this year.
Sweet Lil Lolly...Another that needs to transfer good form to a shorter trip.
Lauren's Charm...Faded in latest so cutback might help.
Classic Marilyn.
EIGHTH RACE -- Spinaway G2 $250K
Effectual...Very impressed by her Churchill stakes win. Won both starts despite trouble and looks like a good one.
Along the Sea...Connections have invaded successfully from Florida to take 2YO stakes here before.
Sensation...Huge debut win was validated with good follow-up victory. Could be this good.
Fifth Avenue.
NINTH RACE -- Personal Ensign G1 $400K
Island Sand...Always like to see a "W" at this 10F trip and she got it last time in G2 Delaware Hcp. Seemed to make a good team with Bailey.
Ashado...Clearly the one to beat coming off of two G1 wins. Still some questions at the trip and should be rolling early with Two Trail Sioux.
Shadow Cast...Always have liked this horse and she's capable on best -- but will need top effort in her.
Personal Legend.
TENTH RACE
Incredible Speed...Very nervous with all the speed in here -- so we hope that he went to the front last time only because nobody else wanted to (note he was well clear in reasonable fractions early last time). Would prefer Prado to sit a stalking trip today.
Retribution...More speed -- but toss out Jersey Derby and he's good enough to hang on.
Willfulness...AE lister Has put in some good efforts.
Whereforeartthou.
Honorable Tam.
Drinkwater.
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