Today's Best Bets3-10. Didn't knock 'em dead but kept rolling along. Three winners on top [6th, $2.80; 9th, $4.40; 10th, $6.00]. A solid mix of gimmicks using the selections topped by a cold exacta [$31.60/$2] and tri [$150.50] in the nightcap.
The atmosphere was relaxed on a lazy, hazy late July afternoon as attendance reached only 12,434. A very, very brief shower hit early in the card -- otherwise the weather was warm and comfortable.
FIRST RACE
Panthera Tigre...Has come alive in the Martin barn. Should be able to stalk and pounce.
Royal Spaulding...Third start of 2008 and there was nice improvement start #1 to start #2.
I'llthinkofsumthin...Seemed to take to the grass last time.
Seeing Clearly.
On dirt: Whisper Alley, Classic Love, Carolina Fuego, I'llthinkofsumthin.
SECOND RACE
Casino Kay...Competitive against perhaps slightly better in SoCal. Trainer good with these ship-ins. Of course, the surface switch is a question.
And a Cherry Tree...Back in for a tag and seems better on dirt.
Hope Street...Also should appreciate the return to dirt.
Sunday Sarah.
THIRD RACE
Afleet Aya...Debut was solid. Claimed and comes right back at that level. Would only need a repeat of that effort in a weak field.
Judiciary...Ran OK when dropped in for a tag last time.
Weekwee...Also has run OK last two at this level -- but has finished behind top two in those races.
Timirene/Last Desire.
FOURTH RACE
American Cruiser...Broke maiden in a very good effort in the first back from a layoff and the trainer does well here in these turf sprints.
Beyond the Trees...Showed speed going 1M last time.
Seastate...Could prove interesting dropping in for a tag.
Ballston.
On dirt: CT Phone Home, Carry On the Dream, Frozen Prospect, Beyond the Trees.
FIFTH RACE
Ridge Royale...All three career races have been pretty good and should appreciate move back into a claimer today.
Halton...Also getting a little bit of class relief in here.
Tonsina...The 'fresh face'.
Repenthouse.
SIXTH RACE
Queen Joanne...Brief 3YO season was promising. Now back off a layoff but working well -- and likes this track.
Jibboom...Like top pick showed high promise as a 3YO and now comes back.
Brushed Gold...While this one showed promise as a 2YO, two years back. And is now second off an OK layoff.
Priana.
On dirt: Final Refrain, Highest Class, Spirit Line, Jibboom.
SEVENTH RACE
Clemens...First repeat winner of the meet?
All Expenses Paid...Expect improvement on the drop.
Bang Bang Bang...Could be rounding into good form.
Holla Bend.
EIGHTH RACE - Majestic Light $80K
Luck Money...Euro-invader faced the likes of Henrythenavigator and New Approach last year.
Prussian...On firm turf this Mott trainee has yet to miss the exacta.
Blue Lion...Didn't show much last time -- but was on an improving Beyer pattern prior. Look for a rebound.
Big Al.
On dirt: Fujita, Halo Najib, Golden Weekend, Big Al.
NINTH RACE - Honorable Miss G2
Graeme Six...In a race full of speed this one can perhaps stalk and pounce.
Miss Macy Sue...Quality stakes sprinter. But we're curious as to how she'll do -- she came in off a win in the same midwest stake last year and then regressed to run fourth in this race.
Zada Belle...Lightly-raced 4YO has looked good on dirt.
Rite Moment.
TENTH RACE
Fair Game...Showed solid improvement off the layoff. Will be tough if able to move forward again.
Sweet Slam...Taken a liking to grass.
The Ag...Showed some flashes last year.
Here Comes Rita.
On dirt: Fair Game, Here Comes Rita, Token Special, Vladmira, Sweet Slam.
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