Today's Best Bets3-11. Three winners on top (3rd, $2.60; 4th, $3.00; 11th, $11.40). Thought we had one more in the feature. After a thrilling stretch battle in the G3 Saranac it was too close to call between our top pick, 8-5 Silver Whistle, and our second choice, 4-1 Jambalaya. As usual NYRA replayed the stretch drive and all eyes were glued to the TV monitors throughout the facility -- as the two horses slow-mo'd under the wire the finish was so close the crowd let out a collective "ooohhh". To our eyes it looked like our pick got the head bob but the photo had it the other way -- by the absolute shortest of margins.
Besides the winners on top we the reverse exacta in the feature (10th, $29.80/$2). Plus, some tri boxes and picks and doubles with our first or second choice having won seven of the eleven events.
A 'spinner-inflated' crowd of 48,608 were treated to another picture perfect day. Sunny and warm. And besides the ultra-exciting finish in the stakes race fans also had a chance to see a new track record as the turf sprinters in the 8th race blazed 5.5F in 1:01.2!
Downtown the Final Stretch music festival capped off an extremely pleasant closing week of action. Plenty of folks took advantage of the beautiful evening to stroll along Broadway and take in the various musical acts.
FIRST RACE
Key Event...Was showing nice improvement with each turf start -- culminated by the NW1 winning effort two back with blinkers added. Faltered slightly last time in first try at this condition, but should go better with that experience -- and jock switch is a huge plus.
Gryffindor...Looks like the one to beat, just concerned he's been battling to leave this condition for awhile -- but making third start off a short break he might be primed.
Mikethemoondog...Like the top pick he was progressing nicely then faltered in first NW2 try. Expect better today.
Fiddlers Cat.
Red Down South.
SECOND RACE
Maybry's Boy...Dropped to $25K and won for fun last time. Takes slight rise today off the claim -- but was facing better prior.
Levine entry...Unswept has been facing better. won last time spotted for this price. Callmetony first off-the-claim from SoCal for connections that do well with these types of shippers.
Only the Best...Tossed in some big number earlier this year in SoCal. Ran well for $50K last time. Eligible to be very tough in this spot.
Mountain General.
THIRD RACE
Botanical...In a wide-open race this guy gets a tepid nod with the hope that he was overmatched in last and today we'll see a return to form shown two back in US debut.
PotrisunriseWon at this trip here two back, then was a good second going a little longer last time. Fit and should appreciate the cutback.
Exciting Metro...Capable on best -- but a little too inconsistent to be able to gauge when to expect that.
Sing Me Back Home/Dashboard Drummer.
FOURTH RACE
Brigadier Brooks...Seems to be improving with each start and looks well-placed here.
Rectory Hill...Was usually in the hunt last year -- but comes off a long layoff. Could be in the hunt again though if ready.
King Hoss...Should appreciate return to grass.
London.
Remarkable News.
Thunder Anees.
Dodger Town.
Wave the Baton.
FIFTH RACE
Moon Ala Mode...An fairly expensive purchase at 2YO sale earlier this year. Went well in debut against open company at Churchill.
Who'z Yo Daddy...The kind of first effort that can be improved upon.
The Trip Continues...Also could go better in second start.
Herbert T.
SIXTH RACE
Just In Fun...Always like the stretchout in third start off layoff. Also like the jock switch.
Nohasslatdcastle...Has seemed to have figured things out since the springtime. Been getting a share regularly lately and is capable on best.
Big Feathers...Another that is stretching to two turns in third start off a vacation. Could surprise at a price.
Cooking the Books.
SEVENTH RACE
Russian Sweetiepie...8YO still going strong and will be a contender to win again if able to hold recent form.
Dutrow entry...Trainer's been dangerous with everything he's sent out here. Everybottiwins fits at this level. Summer flash has improved markedly since the claim.
Dubaian Duel...Capable of bettering this rating with move in for a tag.
Savage Beauty.
Irrevocable.
EIGHTH RACE -- Glens Fall Hcp G3 $100K
Honey Ryder...Proven at the trip. Comes out of a win in a rich stake at Delaware at same distance.
Film Maker...She's clearly the one to beat. Millionaire was second in BC F/M Turf last fall and has been a top player in the division -- we're just a little gunshy of her recent lack of 'win-determination', even at this G3 level.
Love Match...Good improving form.
Broad Hopes.
NINTH RACE
High Stakes Holdem...Lightly raced but seems to be on the improve. Should fit with these.
Run Thruthe Sun...Graded stakes-placed earlier this year. Won for fun at $50K here on 8/15. The one to beat.
Smoke Warning...Poor break last time. A contender off of prior form.
June the Tiger.
TENTH RACE
Incredible Speed...Too fast two back. Too far back last time. Let's hope for a trip somewhere in between like he displayed in MSW win.
Retribution...Clearly improved on grass. Must get in from AE list.
Old Crow...Nice move forward in latest could indicate he's in good form now.
Super Nationals.
Buxton Hill.
Slow Signal.
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