Today's Best Bets0-9. Ouch, three days in and we toss an oh-fer!
Just one of those days. Our second pick won three and our third selection won another three. Otherwise, test results for us was the tri box with our top three in the 3rd [$241.50/$2].
20,626 attended the twilight program as the weather finally turned for the better. It was a pleasant afternoon -- although the rain from earlier in the week washed all but the featured G2 Lake George onto the mian track, which was rated "fast" all day [the turf was "soft".
In that feature race there was an inquiry into the stretch run with the eventual winner having put the squeeze on a horse on the rail and the fourth-place finisher almost dumping the French filly. After looking at the race the stewards declared it a no-call and the results stood. But with such a turbulent final furlong this race -- and the subsequent decision -- absolutely begged for the internet-based stewards report we've been calling for every track to institute.
Off-track there was a jam-packed crowd downtown enjoying the Hats Off Music Festival until late in the evening.
TV ALERT: Stakes action can be seen this afternoon on ABC-TV starting at 4pm ET.
Off-track: The Hats Off to Saratoga music festival continures -- with acts performing all along Broadway. Saturday night's fun is slated for 7 - 11pmET.
FIRST RACE
Rollers...Broek maiden in debut last year and was promptly tried in two stakes races. Back in vs state-breds and back to proper level.
Borrowing Limit...Beyers seem to be moving in the right direction.
Phobia...His last two dirt races were pretty good.
Benny the Waiter.
SECOND RACE
Successful Mission...Successful Appeal on top. Half-sib to Keyed Entry -- and that one won his career debut.
Munnings...Cost $1.7mil earlier this year. Worked 10.0 prior to the sale. Win-early connections. Very dangerous.
Just a Coincidence...Owner/trainer team just-missed with a firster on opening day.
Great Crusade.
THIRD RACE
Certifiably Royal...Moving in the right direction. Might appreciate the tighter turns here.
Baronial...Regally-bred. Has steped it up since moving to turf. Could be getting the hang of it.
Intercoastal...Firster -- by Dynaformer. could be live.
Oceangraphy.
On dirt: Ground Frost/Oceanography, Gloss, Due to Get Even.
FOURTH RACE
Unbridled's Heart...Career debut was eye-popping. Had some trouble in the follow-up. Watch out if he rebounds.
August Rex...Could be interesting in his first try around two turns.
Stevil...Zito runner steps out of graded stakes company.
Acai.
FIFTH RACE
Woodrunner...Has looked good in two starts vs NY-breds. Got some education at this condition last time.
Stepaside...Look for him to be coming late under Gomez.
Cardinal Hill...Ran well in return to NY.
Striking Rizzi.
On dirt: Cardinal Hill, Minot Light, Rodeo Hand, Prince Dubai, Will Never Bend, Commissioner Chris.
SIXTH RACE
White Tie...1.3mil yearling purchase was OK in debut -- but had some trouble. Should benefit from that experience.
Clifton Hall...A full-sib to talented stakes winner Inidan Vale. She won her career debut at age 3.
Excess Capital...Getting the hang of it.
Nautical Storm.
SEVENTH RACE - Diana G1
Wait a While...Closing in on $2mil in earnings. Ten wins in twenty starts. Likes this track.
Dynaforce...Find this Euro-invader very dangerous coming off of a solid US debut.
Vacare...Better than last. Second in this race last year behind Wait a While -- with some trouble.
Criminologist.
EIGHTH RACE - G2 Vanderbilt
Bustin Stone...Gutsy in last two. Really gets tested today and having lost some time with some minor ailments he's an iffy selection -- but if he's as gritty here he could prove tough -- especially at 6F.
Black Seventeen...Impressed in last year's Summit of Speed -- then went to the sidelines. Second start back today.
Thor's Echo...Another that is second-start back from a layoff.
First Defence.
NINTH RACE - Go for Wand G1
Ginger Punch...Defending champ is going well this year.
Copper State...Improved with move into Asmussen barn.
Runway Rosie...Solid in 2008 -- but gets a class test today.
Indescribable.
TENTH RACE - Whitney G1
AP Arrow...Better than last -- might have needed that one. Should get some pace to shoot at. Has run well here in the past.
Student Council...Also could be rolling late.
Commentator...Beat Saint Liam in this race -- in 2005! Should be sent from the rail -- but likely to have some company.
Grasshopper.
ELEVENTH RACE
Friday Meeting...Dropping the horse into two stake before he broke his maiden indicates the confidence the connections had. Should fit well at this level.
Catch Up Chris...Just missed when dropped to this level in last.
Seastate...AE lister moves in for a tag.
Ya Think.
Ballston.
If we are interested in both halves of an entry -- in event of a scratch -- it is noted that way [in other words, both halves 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.
Archives of daily Best Bets picks and plays pages: 2007 ... 2006 ... 2005 ... 2004 ... 2003
Simply turn on your printer and then hit the Print button on your browser...This page will print out and you'll have a Best Bets tip sheet to take to the track.
Best Bets Homepage Today's picks The Challenge Calendar Track Info Weather
Note: Pages on this site are labelled with the equidaily.com logo. Some links are for information only and lead to pages at other sites. equidaily.com is responsible only for the pages on this site. equidaily.com assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Always check with official sources to verify info.
