Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Sunday, August 19, 2006 Meet Total ... 50-209

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Yesterday

1-10. After a bang-up Thursday and Friday things slowed down considerably on Saturday. Only one winner on top. We grabbed Lady Joanne in the featured G1 Alabama -- and had a couple of ours underneath for the generous exacta [57.00/$2] and tri [$177.00]. A few more gimmicks in the mix, but disappointing overall as we're in come-from-behind mode and we need to pull down a few more winners when the offer ten races.

33,083 attended a sunny afternoon at the races. Things have cooled down considerably with temps in the low 70s.

Today

Free umbrellas with each paid admission while supplies last.

FIRST RACE
Day Bird...Oy. We've been using these Sheppard horses on top this meet -- expecting a Sheppard Special here and there, one or two of which seem to come in each meet. But typically the odds are huge. Virtually all of the Sheppard horses at this meet have gone off at wacky-too-low odds however. So, frankly, we tread lightly here. This gal will need to step it up -- but the trainer can get that done at this meet. But demand some value.
Stage Dream...It's Mott/Desormeaux. Looks like the one to beat in her third start after two good tries.
Star Dixie...Finished ahead of Star Dixie last time and should be rolling in the lane.
She's My Sunshine.

SECOND RACE
Alachua...Pletcher horses often move up in their second start.
Forest Trail...Finished ahead of the top pick in a near-miss effort.
Sentebale...Beaten fave at Delaware.
Sabooh.

THIRD RACE
Pletcher entry...Pletcher has put up eye-popping numbers with 2YO firsters on grass at this meet the past couple of years. So look for Tanganyika.
Manitowish Waters...Put in a decent debut and trainer has solid numbers with second-time starters.
Harbinger...Looked good in first start and wouldn't be surprised to see better today.
Luman.

FOURTH RACE
Grand Champion...Lightly-raced and talented 4YO is the one to beat if she tosses in her best.
Starbase...Steps out of graded stakes company. Steps up to face older.
Blue Bullet...Big effort only six days ago. Tough to get too excited with the low percentage jock though.
Grand Alibi.

FIFTH RACE
Frozen Abyss...As mentioned in Race 3, Pletcher is solid at this meet with 2YO turf firsters.
Unity...Stretching off of two dirt sprints. Nice grass work for this.
Gone by Sunrise...Firing bullets at F'Lakes.
Sophie's Splinter.

SIXTH RACE
False ID...Typically shows a good closing kick. Has the red-hot jock onboard.
My Man Lars..Last few on turf have been competitive.
Cranky Pants...Only one start so far in 2007 -- but he can compete if ready.
Sammy's Toy.

SEVENTH RACE
Tactical Gold...Seems to fit pretty snugly at this level.
Fit Faze...Last couple of duds are cause for concern -- but he's another that has done well for this tag in the past.
Contessa entry...Both halves have some past numbers that will contend here if able to get back to that form.
Little Cliff .

EIGHTH RACE
Glamour Star...Got a nice education at this level last time.
Celine...Solid debut. Could be good enough to slide through this condition fast.
Bella Attrice...Looks to have come back as an improved 4YO.
Quick Humor.

NINTH RACE - Quick Call
Rousing Victory...Won this race last year and is capable of stepping up in his second start of 2007.
Revved Up...Back class towers over this bunch -- but not sure about him this year. Wouldn't be surprised to see him run big in this spot however.
Malibu Moonshine...Third in a G1 two back -- on dirt. Grass is something of a question mark, but he's certainly capable amongst this group.
General Jumbo.

TENTH RACE
Dubliner...Scary pick as this guy seems locked into the bridesmaid role -- but seems best on the numbers.
Dr DFC...Will be rolling late.
Victory Assured...Has stepped it up since moving to turf.
Subversive Action/Sky Dragon.

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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