Today's Best Bets3-9. Winner in 6th [$3.40], 8th [$3.50], and 9th [$13.20]. In the 6th it was a cold exacta [$9.40/$2] and tri [$21.60]. And playing around with the selections could have paid off with a few more gimmicks during the afternoon.
17,472 fans enjoyed another wonderful afternoon at the races. We've now strung together tow near-perfect days weather-wise -- let's keep it going!
Lots of those fans were green-attired as Wednesday was labeled Mid-Summer St. Patrick's Day by NYRA and admission was free to anyone wearin' the green. It really did seem like the first year for this promotion was a hit.
Sightings: Kentucky Derby winning trainer Chip Woolley was enjoying post-race fun at Siro's and jockey Mike Luzzi was spotted as one of many taking advantage of a lovely Saratoga evening with a stroll along Broadway downtown.
Brief correction on our call yesterday that Equidaily's Best Bets ended Week One tied at the top of the public handicappers list... As noted, we hadn't put together a comprehensive scorecard [that comes at the mid-point of the season] so we weren't sure of all of the numbers -- but a check of the totals listed in Wednesday's newspapers indicated that perennial Saratoga handicapping powerhouse Mark Cusano was, in fact, the Week One leader with 20 winners. Equidaily's Best Bets, Debbie L of the NY Post, and Tim Wilkin of the Times-Union were sitting just behind with 19 winners each.
FIRST RACE
Mixed Up...Won this race two years ago and seems to be coming in this edition in good order.
Dark Equation...A good second in this race last year. Just missed in lone effort this season.
Dr Bloomer...Uncouple barnmate of top pick is capable on best.
Planets Aligned.
Slip Away.
SECOND RACE
Amiga Del sol...Some win-early breeding and that first start indicates she should live up to that.
Embrace Change...Another with a little bit of precocious breeding. Also has some OK works.
Australis Princess...Adds blinkers after a couple of OK tries.
Waylady.
THIRD RACE
Cave's Valley...Tepid nod in a contentious heat. Might pick up the pieces late.
Past the Point...Looking at the Beyers here last year, this one could be a serious horse-for-course. Dangerous.
Shoptate...Another that might be heard from in the lane.
Mister Triester.
FOURTH RACE
Budget...Back on dirt where he seemed to be on the improve before the last two. Plus, drops in for a tag today.
African Diamond...Somewhat of a similar scenario -- although this one is trying dirt for the first time. But, moving back to a level where he's done well.
Pluto...Hmmm. Pletcher/Tabor runner was purchased for a cool mil -- moves in for $35K today.
Frazil.
FIFTH RACE
All Zipped Up...Has the breeding to win first-out. Trainer not known for that angle -- but the owner certainly likes to win here.
Jung Man Scott...Debut was something to build upon.
Blue Horseshoe...Breeding is a little bit interesting.
Atitlan.
It's the Big Cat.
SIXTH RACE
Ruff and Ready...Pletcher runner might have a slight class edge here. Must get in from AE list.
Adagio...Another that seems to be getting some class relief here.
Big Stick...Romped when last seen for a tag.
Ballast.
On dirt: Chris Got Even, Dubai Gold, Classic Campaign, AP Eddie, Big Stick.
SEVENTH RACE
Novel Notion...Should benefit from the first-start education.
Zapster...Another due to improve in his second start.
Steve's Kitten...Same scenario here. AE lister.
Petecarol.
Gray.
On dirt: Remittance, Cutter, Charter Flight, Gray, Ryvit, Mint Maker.
EIGHTH RACE- Morrissey $70K
Premium Wine...Has run well here previously and looks to be primed to do so again today.
Ferocious Fires...Convincing winner of this race last year. Question mark is the layoff.
Driven by Success...Clearly appreciates the course and is getting huge class relief off of last few starts.
Law Enforcement.
NINTH RACE
Separatist...Oy. Tagg trainee has the look of a confirmed bridesmaid -- heck, he didn't even finish first in his maiden-breaker! Also the cutback to a sprint -- an angle we like much better on dirt -- is a concern. Still looks to have an edge in a weak field. But tread lightly.
Double Domino...Won debut this track and trip last year. Off since a dud when ambitiously placed in second start. Coming back ready to roll with some added maturity wouldn't be a surprise.
City Sneakers...Linda Rice. Turf sprint.
Strong Impact.
On dirt: Papa Jerry, Paul's Ace, Natty Meboy, Figgy's Freud, Living for This.
TENTH RACE
Cullinan...Could wake-up with the move in for a tag.
Live On the Edge...On the improve.
Mendelssohn...Another dropping in from MSW.
Hangingonthefuture.
On dirt: Big Flirt, Home Field, Mendelssohn, Cullinan.
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