Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Monday, August 3, 2009 Meet Total ... 17-50

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Yesterday

4-10. Winners in the 3rd [$3.70], 5th [$6.70], 6th [$4.70], and 8th [$10.80]. Cold exacta in the 3rd [$17.00/$2]. Top three boxed in the 1st for exacta [$50.00] and tri [$134.50] -- with our fourth pick completing the super in that race [$597.00]. Top pick over third selection in the 8th for the $43.00 exacta. Top two flip-flopped for the exacta in the 9th [$10.00] and our third pick completed the $22.00 tri.

35,862 attended -- with those numbers inflated somewhat by 'spinners' on ballcap giveaway day. The weather was comfortable temp-wise -- but misty most of the early part of the afternoon. Towards the latter portion of the card it started to rain -- and between the 9th and 10th the skies opened up. But by post time of the 10th race nightcap the rain had mostly stopped.

Today

FIRST RACE
Gracious Victory...Tepid pick in a contentious race. Didn't show much last time but had been running well this year prior to that. Expect a rebound.
Sophisticated Lass...Back to dirt and probably fits with these.
O'Sotopretty...Also returning to dirt and likely proper level.
Has Squoken.

SECOND RACE
Porcello...Has some precocious breeding and attracted nearly a quarter of a mil at 2YO auction. Worked a quick 10.3 prior to that sale.
Elsaroarin...Showed some life in first two and wouldn't be a surprise here.
Eire's Run/Ibboyee...Eire's Run preferred. Can build on the debut effort.
Most Happy Fella.

THIRD RACE
Overlap...Related to a couple stakes winners. Worked in 21.2 prior to sale.
Bridgetown...Win-early breeding and set to go well off of debut effort.
Pendulum...Also eligible to improve in second start.
King Kitten.
On dirt: Same -- plus, In Just We Trust/Fayoum.

FOURTH RACE
Seeking the Sluice...Had a string of improving Beyers broken last time with a troubled trip.
En Fuego...While this one is maintaining an improving Beyer pattern.
Chapin Beach...He seems better than his record implies.
Whirling Thunder.
On dirt: Same.

FIFTH RACE
Zilva...Interesting Augustin runner might benefit from the first race education.
Crystal Ocean...A little bit of breeding of interest here. Could come out running.
Tapitsfly...Stretching and trying turf. Maybe.
Dad's Crazy.
On dirt; Same -- plus, Rendition, Leopard rock, CC Coco.

SIXTH RACE - Fleet Indian $80.5K
Karakorum Fugitive...Goes turf-to-dirt. Hasn't missed the board in eight starts.
Dance Gal Dance...The one to catch and beat.
Doremifasollatido...First time on dirt vs NY-breds since about this time last year. Dangerous.
Beam of Love.

SEVENTH RACE
Kristi With a K...Eight exacta finishes in eleven lifetime starts -- BUT, most of those were in the place-spot. Hmmm.
Viva La Flag...Beyers on the improve this year.
Pull Dancer...Might do well on the stretchout.
Senior Rita Lady.
On dirt; Lawless Falls, Cape Cod Girl, Esperanza d'Oro, Multipass.

EIGHTH RACE - Amsterdam G2 $150K
Everyday Heroes...Had undefeated streak snapped last time. Eligible to rebound.
Quality Road...Displayed impressive talent so far -- but will he need one off the layoff before returning to top form?
Custom for Carlos...Tossed a big number last time. For real -- or aided by Monmouth surface? We'll know more today.
Capt Candyman Can.

NINTH RACE - Tap the Admiral $70K
Strike Again...Improving and looks to be ready for this test.
Tamborim...Typically in the hunt since switching to turf.
Endymion...Tries grass but would be no surprise.
AP Ridge.
On dirt; Royal Vindication, Endymion, Together Indy, Southern Exchange.

TENTH RACE
Lone Cypress...Improving. Drops slightly.
Awixa...Showed some life dropping last time. Moves down another step.
Johnny's Surprise...Wouldn't have to be a world-beater to compete here.
Driven by Saarland.

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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