Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Thursday, August 2, 2006 Meet Total ... 13-68

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Yesterday

3-10. We would have loved to grab four or five winners on the day -- after a slow Week One we need a few break-out days. In fact, we got nipped in the 4th with 8-1 Sweet Ransom. That one looked like a winner at the top of the stretch but ran erratically late and was DQ'd from 2nd to 4th after getting nosed in the photo. So, we had a pretty good start to Week Two. Let's see if we can keep it rolling.

Another comfortable day on-track as 14,746 attended and enjoyed another sunny, humid afternoon. After the races the warm weather kept the patio's filled at most of the downtown eating establishments with live music echoing throughout the area from various venues.

Today

The return of Shakespeare highlights the afternoon. Now six-years-old and in the care of Kiaran McLaughlin this guy looked like something special when last seen in 2005, while running for Bill Mott. It should be interesting to see how he performs off of the long layoff.

FIRST RACE
Baby League...Comes off of a nice win over this course on Open House day.
Dr Bloomer...Same trainer as the top pick and like the top pick this one is lightly-raced over the jumps and just broke his maiden last time.
Gigger...Just behind top pick last time.
Planets Aligned.

SECOND RACE
Irish Smoke...In a super-interesting baby race we'll tilt this way -- cautiously. Drew a large price at a 2YO in training auction after working 10.2 and 21.2. Has been working well for debut since June. Smoke Glacken on top. Things to like -- on the other hand trainer Biancone is off to something of a slow start.
Spanish Coin...Experience counts and this one -- another expensive 2YO sale buy -- just missed last time out at Churchill. Dangerous.
Pletcher entry...Sunday Elegance purchased just three months ago after working 34.1 at that sale... Irish Smoke is working super in the morning.
Malka.

THIRD RACE - Morrissey
Yankee Mon...If Gold and Roses gets hooked early, the way this track has been playing this one might run them down late.
Gold and Roses...Won this race convincingly last year. Second start of 2007 and is clearly the one to beat.
Executive Search...Just behind top pick last time.
Starcastic.

FOURTH RACE
AP Test...If he shows some second-start improvement he could prove tough. Must overcome the outside post.
Impressionism...Clearly improved as a 3YO.
Beautiful Lil...Stepped up when moved to turf.
Granny Fanny.

FIFTH RACE
Square Dancing...Has been facing better recently. Goes turf-to-dirt. Likely to be rolling late.
Most Charming...Interesting stretching out after two sprints.
Sugarless...Claimed for $32K at Churchill. Now runs for $20K.
Birdie Run.

SIXTH RACE
He's a Pioneer...Claimed for $62.5K last year. Sat out awhile and has since made three starts this season -- each an improved effort. First time back in for a tag since claim.
Stockholder...Stakes winner should appreciate the company here.
Irish Majesty...Might have reacted to the sealed surface last time. Expect better.
Fit Faze.

SEVENTH RACE
Cosmic Kris...Long time since this stakes winner has visited the winner's circle but the drop in for a tag might provide the wake-up.
Dynaglider...Been running well this season -- albeit vs perhaps a little lesser.
Buckeye Wonder... Likely to get overlooked but goes out for a trainer that can surprise at this meet.
Sabre Baby.

EIGHTH RACE
Art Master...Group-winner in France ran best yet on this side of the Atlantic when he won the G3 Poker last time with a big Beyer. Dangerous in present form.
Rousing Victory...Likes this track -- but has been off since October.
Shakespeare...6YO looked like a potential superstar in 2005. Off since tossing in a dud in the G1 BC Turf that year. Likely to be formidable -- but will he need a race?
Sabre Baby.

NINTH RACE
Metro Meteor...Will be rolling late -- but at this distance will it be too late? We'll take our chances here.
Southern Prince...Likely the one to catch.
Inside Info...Has show speed in the past -- but came from off the pace last two. What's the strategy today?
Wave the Baton.

If we are interested in both halves of an entry -- in event of a scratch -- it is noted that way [in other words, both halve are named]. If only one-half of the entry is named, then we prefer that half and will move to our next pick listed [rather than the other half of the entry] in event of a scratch.

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