Today's Best Bets3-9. Three winners on top [3rd, $6.40; 7th, $10.20; 9th, $17.40]. It was a good day that could have been a whole lot better! Let's start with the good... With our top choice taking the 3rd and our second choices winning the 2nd, 4th and 5th, it's conceivable that readers could have dipped not too deeply into the picks and come up with the race 2-3-4-5 P4 [$1592.00/$2] and/or the race 3-4-5 P3 [$438.50]. Our top two flip-flopped for the exacta in the 2nd [$19.00] and 5th [$34.40] with our third choice completing the tri [$76.50] in the 5th. And we had a generous cold exacta in the 7th [$64.50].
Now the coulda-woulda... Coulda added another top-pick winner in the 2nd -- where we photo'd out by a head. And we missed out on a good reverse exacta in the 4th when our second choice won at 10-1 while our top pick looked good to complete the gimmick -- but one we didn't have in our mix inexplicably came back again after drifting well wide earlier in the stretch. Photo'd out again in the shadow of the wire. We lost our final heartbreaker of the day in the nightcap when our top pick won at 7-1 while our second choice just missed the place photo -- and left us hanging on an exacta that was paying in the neighborhood of $120 the last time we saw the probables.
Attendance was 19,344 on a quirky weather day. Dark clouds rolled over during the afternoon, and very brief showers hit various parts of the region -- but the track was unaffected for the most part.
Battle of the Brews, Noon to 5 pm. Patrons 21 years and older will have a chance to sample some great microbrews and then vote for their favorite. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter.
FIRST RACE
Orsay...We're always partial to jump horses that were talented on the flat. This guy fits that description and made the successful move to hurdles last time. Looks to be a good one from Voss.
Fra Diavolo...Another that was competitive on the flat before taking to the jumps.
Four entry...Dark Equation is similar to top two, showed good form on the flat and over the jumps. Orison hasn't missed the board since starting to leap.
Dynaway.
Adventura.
SECOND RACE
Belknap County...His two best recent races were on the dirt at this level.
Eye for Style...In a race lacking early speed this one might just be able to sneak away and be difficult to reel in. Dangerous.
Prideland...Has shown some flashes and got the wake-up call when moved in for a tag last time.
Wood Winner.
THIRD RACE
Win With a Wink...Easy win with a relatively modest Beyer might make the debut effort suspect -- except that the place finisher came back to win here the other day. Might be better than the Beyer indicates.
Laurentide Ice...Clearly the one to beat off of the impressive debut.
Distinct Pleasure...Good win first-time out -- but note it was on a muddy track.
Acquired Cat.
FOURTH RACE
Stormy King...This whole race has a bit of a crap-shoot feel about it -- so why not take a shot? Fourth of thirteen in debut, that's a decent first try. The time was pretty good, so perhaps the extra-low Beyer is deceiving. With King Cugat on top he's legit on the turf. We'll hope he gets ignored and offers some value.
Tobruk...Looks to be improving and ran his best yet in first try around two turns.
Good Prospect...Taking another flyer here -- showed speed in last and that might be effective today.
Al Basha.
On dirt: Fahrenheit Wild, Tee With the Tiger, Good Prospect, Sir Cryptomite.
FIFTH RACE
Lovely Dream...Trouble at the start in a few races is a concern but she seems to have turned the corner this spring. Stretches off of two winning sprints and should be tough if she takes to the grass.
Square Dancing...Pretty consistent this year if you ignore the stakes try.
Fiddlers Pleasure...Looks to be rounding into top form.
Contenders Emotion.
Dancy's Angel.
Symphony of Psalms.
On dirt: Lovely Dream, Her Royal Nibs, Tatooma, Nevaeh.
SIXTH RACE
Page Six Obsessed...Another race that has a wide-open feel, so let's take another shot! By Songandaprayer this gal has license to be quick and win-early. Ran greenly in debut and perhaps disliked the muddy-sealed surface. Improvement isn't out of the question.
Bare Dancer...Looks like a logical contender off of the decent debut.
Bravo's Princess...They're always eligible to last longer in their second start.
Proud Silver.
Kera's Cookie.
SEVENTH RACE - Grab Green $70K
Parisian Affair...Not a huge fan of Clement off the layoff so this pick is iffy -- but she was going well in turf sprints this winter and should contend if ready. That's a big if.
Saoirse Cat...Might regret not putting this one on top. Looks to be getting good now for Mott.
Lemon Drop Gal...Dangerous off of the two big Beyers since switching to grass.
Bucky's Prayer.
On dirt: Getcozywithkaylee, Itsayatesthing, Great Intentions, Bucky's Prayer, Pleasant Laughter.
EIGHTH RACE - Victory Ride G3 $100K
Cherokee Jewel...Undefeated on dirt and at this trip -- including a small stake on this track last time.
Wildcat Bettie B...The logical choice coming out of a G1 win at Belmont. Can't fault the record. She looks tough.
Any Limit...Hard for her to show her early foot from the 13-post in the G1 Test -- but look for her to be sent today.
Khalila.
NINTH RACE
Spanish Spur...Has one under his belt that doesn't look so good -- this is just the kind from Sheppard that can jump up and win.
Sovereign Kit...Usually in the hunt.
Whole Nine Yards...Makes another drop down the claiming ladder and that might be just what this one needs to recapture top form.
Jockey's Dream.
Fantorini.
On dirt: Spanish Spur, Seeking the Money, Sovereign Kit, Mr Pleasantfar.
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