Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Saturday, August 9, 2008 Meet Total ... 38-144

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Yesterday

0-2. Yeesh -- the wacky weather just never stops... A torrential downpour after the 2nd race delayed post-time for the 3rd. When the horses eventually made their way to the track they were back in the paddock before too long after the announcement was made that the track needed repairs. Shortly thereafter the rest of the program was canceled because the repairs were estimated to take at least one hour. Some folks remained as the track stayed open for simulcast wagering for the rest of the day.

Today

A rather disappointing Saturday, as this is the first weekend in many peoples memories that will be run without a significant stakes race.

FIRST RACE
Big Wig...Pletcher runner drops in for a tag.
Moore Miles...Has a little bit of a closing kick.
Senor Enrico...Gets some class relief here.
Great Emperor.
On dirt: Great Emperor, Moore Miles, Fiumes, Stolen Greeting, Big wig.

SECOND RACE
Proud Ruler...Grabbed a big price at a 2YO sale in March. Worked a quick 21.2 prior to that auction.
Florentino...Interesting breeding and some OK works from a trainer that can have them ready to go.
Ryan's Comet...Firster from Pletcher.
In Speight of It.

THIRD RACE
R Fast Favorite...In good form now. Second on this track last time vs slightly better. Some OK wet track form.
Touchdown Kid...Good speed going longer last time.
Debating...Closing kick could prove useful if top two tangle early.
Wood Winner/Lost Going Home.

FOURTH RACE - James Marvin $100K
Eternal Star...Gets the nod off of his last two -- but this is a very contentious heat.
Noonmark...We've always liked this guy -- but he's a little bit inconsistent. Always in the hunt -- but needs his best here.
Bold Start...Has won three of last four.
Brilliant Son.

FIFTH RACE - Solomon Northup $100K
Stud Muffin...Will be rolling late.
Tergesti...Likely the one to catch.
Stunt Man...Needs to improve on the comeback effort -- but had some trouble in that one.
Building New Era.

SIXTH RACE
Volponi Dragon...Showed some life in first try vs state-breds.
Above All Odds...Interesting stretching around two turns and trying the turf.
Burnished Copper...AE lister should be heard form late if he gets into the race.
Rockon Rockoff.
Ranger James.
Fermi.
on dirt: Above all Odds, Hoist the Gala, Sir Cryptomite, Volponi Dragon, Bonaventure Dreams.

SEVENTH RACE - Madame Jumel $100K
Ariege...Really woke-up on the synthetics -- but we think she's the real deal on turf too. Finds a nice spot here.
Zee Zee...Solid in all turf races.
Closeout...Lightly-raced but seems to be on the improve and should fit with these.
Sea Chanter.
On dirt: Ariege, Armonk, Shining Sea, Spritely, Love Co.

EIGHTH RACE
Bet the Limit...Regally-bred from Phipps/McGaughey. Barn not typically known for first-out success, but with Storm Cat on top with give him a shot.
Wolgan Valley...Went for almost $1.5mil as a 2YO last year. Three bridesmaid finishes in Europe. Off since last July -- but should be dangerous from these connections.
Prince Omar/Captivating Cat...Prince Omar preferred. Well-bred and OK works.
Darkside Holiday.

NINTH RACE
Forest Command...First two seemed to indicate much promise.
Golden Age...Been competitive in all three thus far.
Smart Hill...In from SoCal from connections that do well with this type of shipper.
Mr Universe.

TENTH RACE - Duke of Magenta $110K
Magna Graduate...Hasn't won since April 2007. With $2mil in the bank you know this guy has talent -- and maybe the shake-up with the move to the Asmussen barn will get him going again.
Fairbanks...Another that can fire big when right.
Angliana...Hasn't missed the board this season.
Deputy Indy.

ELEVENTH RACE
Storm Harbor...Improved significantly on turf.
Mr Sidney...Cost almost $4mil as a yearling. An Ok third in career debut -- in March of 2007. Since moved to barn of Bill Mott. Could run away with this -- but we're willing to take a little bit of a shot against with this 4YO making only his second career start.
Radical Sabbatical...AE list. Debut looks like one to build on.
Rogue Victory.
Grand Turk.
On dirt: Grand Turk, Mr Sidney, Rocky Engagement, Silver Success.

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.

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