Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Wednesday, August 31, 2005 Meet Total ... 86-285

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Yesterday

Dark day. No racing.

Today

Hard to believe we've reached Week Six already. The season always zips right by. We approach the last six racing days with confidence high. Last year we entered this final stretch with a total of 88 winners -- a mere two more than our current 2005 tally. One week later we ended the 2004 season with 110 wins -- a solid 22 on top over those last six days. The goal is to meet or surpass that output this year. It should be interesting.

FIRST RACE
Raise A Storm...Stakes-winning jumper tossed in a dud in G2 Georgia Cup back in April. Give a break and came back with uninspiring try on the flat -- but big win here in last was a good sign. It was against claimers but he looks like he has the class to continue his winning ways here.
Latino...Just missed against repeat winner The Looper last week.
Voss entry...Nick Mitchell has looked pretty good in two jump tries thus far. Jazzitupgeorge also impressive in limited jump starts.
Sweep Domino.

SECOND RACE -- Ny Turf Writers Hcp G1 $150K
Hirapour...Last year's Eclipse winner might have needed last. So be tighter today and is reunited with regular pilot.
Paradise's Boss...Solid win in Smithwick earlier in the meet. 12-7-1-1 jump record is hard to ignore.
Praise the Prince...Golden oldie might have left best days behind -- but is capable if able to recapture some of that earlier form.
Say What You See.

THIRD RACE
Master Command...Very lightly raced 3YO was an expensive yearling purchase and highly thought of enough by connections to be Triple Crown nominated. Two decent tries at Gulfstream -- and often times these youngsters return from a layoff with added maturity.
War Front...Similar to top pick, might return as an improved performer.
Aaron's Classic...Always seems to be in the mix -- just can't close the deal.
Expeditious/Backchat.

FOURTH RACE
Last Romance...Barn is solid with 2YOs and first-time off the claim.
Parisella entry...Salty Ruckus by solid win-early sire. Jilted Lady could improve in second start.
Magic Momemtum...Barn doesn't debut too many for a tag -- but have done OK when tried.
Fiddlers Trick.

FIFTH RACE
Draw Play...Can't ignore the 40% trainer and this guy romped last time seen at this level.
Cahill Mango...Fired a big Beyer at Suffolk last time. Repeat makes him the one to beat.
Charming Jim...Was in for $75K last year -- now seems to have found proper level.
Stetter Jr.

SIXTH RACE
Rolex Princess...Beaten favorite in debut despite trouble. If able to repeat or improve she'll be tough.
Gonna Please...Good try in same race as top pick last time. Another that can be heard from if able to move forward.
Do You Realize...Comes out of the nice Yolanda B Too MSW event, and the move from MSW to mdn clm is one of the most potent around. Might add some value here. Aelfie's Way also comes out of that race and would be considered too -- but it's hard to get too excited about a turn-around off the 'eased' notation, but food for thought on the drop anyway.
Alluring Lass.

SEVENTH RACE
Cranky Pants...In a race with many longtime maidens this guy comes in lightly-raced and with improving form.
Here's Ya Souvenir...Certainly seems better on turf. Likes to get in the mix, but doesn't seem to know where the winner's circle is.
Yougonow...Seasonal debut wasn't bad at all and might have room to move forward today. Like the jock switch.
Great South Bay.
On dirt: Cranky Pants, Cardinal Rule, Great South Bay, Naragansett, Yougonow, Safe Signal.

EIGHTH RACE
Cayuga's Waters...Looks like she might have the early pace at her mercy.
Tiffany touch...Seems to be getting the hang of it since moving to turf.
Urbane Hustle...Nice, improving form in 2005.
Secret Troika.
On dirt: Cayuga's Waters, Shady Lane, Camp On Wood, Tiffany's Rodeo, Downtownsundown, Secret Troika, Tiffany touch.

NINTH RACE
Lethal Weapon...Been competitive in three 2005 starts. Fits well at this level.
Just Say the Word...Nice improving form over last three races. won for $20K here on 8/12. Big jock switch.
Albert E...Hmmm, claimed for $30K, off two months, now in for $20K. Some red flags -- but is capable if all four wheels are still on.
Stash the Boots.

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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