Equidaily Racing Journal

Today's Best Bets

by Seth Merrow
www.equidaily.com

Saratoga Race Course
Monday, August 10, 2009
Meet Total ... 33-111

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Yesterday

5-11. A nice rebound after a couple of quiet days on Friday and Saturday. Winners in the 2nd [$7.80], 4th [$2.70], 5th [$6.30], 7th [$15.40], and 9th [$4.40]. Cold exacta in the 4th [$15.00, while the quinella paid a rather astounding $15.20/$2!]. Our top two flip-flopped in the 6th for the exacta [$27.60]. And a few other gimmicks could have been had by mixing up the selections a little bit.

23,998 attended -- a figure that will surely be a drop-off from previous years. This was one of two no-giveaway Sundays at this meet -- but last year there was only one such weekend. Those that made it to the track on Sunday were treated to another mostly pleasant day. The temps were comfortable -- although the mostly cloudy skies did manage to spit out a brief rainstorm for a few minutes before and during the 8th race. But once that short storm cleared up the remainder of the afternoon and evening was enjoyable.

Celeb chef Bobby Flay stepped into Tom Durkin's shoes and called Sunday's 7th -- proving that the announcer's job isn't as easy as it seems! Keep the day job, Bobby!

And ESPN's Jeannine Edwards was spotted trackside Sunday -- taking a "busman's holiday" after handling the Arlington Million telecast on Saturday.


Today

Former NFL stars will participate in a charity autograph session from 11am - 12:30pm near the main gate on Union Avenue.

Also, the Fasig-Tipton yearling sales will be held tonight and tomorrow. The sales pavilion is located on East Avenue, just down the street from the track, and the public is invited to attend. The sale kicks off at 6pm each night.

FIRST RACE
Soave...This gal probably has to step it up a little bit -- but she seems improved since moving to turf and it looks like there should be some pace for her to shoot at.
Exonerated...Should be part of that early pace. However, a repeat of the stalking trip last time might give her first-jump on these.
Offhand Remark...Also shows early foot and could be primed coming into this 1M off of a couple of sprints.
One in a Romp.
Speed Dating.
On dirt: City Spirit, Offhand Remark, Rizzi's Twist, One in a Romp, Soave, Love Co.

SECOND RACE
Proud Zoe/Happy Week...Happy Week preferred with the precocious breeding.
Protesting...Another regally-bred runner from Phipps/McGaughey.
Marabelle...Would be no surprise to see second-start improvement.
Zori's Eye.

THIRD RACE - Albert the Great $70K
Barrier Reef/Ea...Both halves look capable with Barrier Reef being given a slight edge. That one has been off for four months, but was running well prior -- since moving into Albertrani barn.
Cool Coal Man...If he sneaks away early -- a distinct possibility -- he could be tough to catch.
Le Grand Cru...Looks to be the only one capable of challenging Cool Coal Man early.
Ready Set.

FOURTH RACE
Gravitational...Lightly-raced 5YO has been off for well over a year. In for a tag for the return engagement. Hmmm. A concern for sure -- but if he's anywhere near ready he should be better than these.
William T...2009 debut was pretty good. Fits here and should go well today.
Riptide...Just behind William T last time. Capable of taking it all here on best effort.
Find the Wire.
Maccarib Pass.
On dirt: Zooger, Hoist the Gala, Indymine, Wonderous Day, Knife and Fork.

FIFTH RACE - Signature Stallion $70K
Communique...Beyers -- and finishes -- seem to indicate she hasn't been quite the same since last December. But, she did run second in a G2 at Keeneland in April and if she can recapture anywhere near her old form here she should find this bunch beatable.
Borrowing Base...Lifetime best Beyer last time going 10F. Might find this trip to her liking.
Winsome ways...If she handles the trip she should be heard from in the lane.
Avie's Tale.
On dirt: Borrowing Base, Dean Henry, Nicksappealinglady, Winsome Ways.

SIXTH RACE
Gentle Ride...Enough! even though we should know better we've let Linda Rice beat us in at least a couple of the turf sprints this year -- no more! We give. Rice on top.
Jo Bananas...Expect improvement.
For Passion... Decent debut should be one to build on.
Barbie Girl.
On dirt: Same, plus There I Go, Amber's Edge, Barbara'sluckystar.

SEVENTH RACE
Cool Corredor...Should be interesting in second start for a trainer known to have them do well in such situations.
Imandra...Greatly improved as a 3YO.
Lakecat...Should be a runner.
Concorde's Dance.
Awe So Beautiful.

EIGHTH RACE
Rereadthefootnotes...Seems to have benefitted from the layoff. Return to races was impressive.
Wolfson...Aired the last time he was in for a tag.
Multitude...Lightly-raced 4YO has shown flashes. Bullet work in prep for this.
Spanky Fischbein.

NINTH RACE
El Windo...Takes a suspicious drop for Pletcher. But is running for owner/breeder and have to assume they're simply looking for the proper level.
Theartofcompromise...These state-bred alw types often do well in open claimers.
King Bo Bo...Beyers on the improve.
Smart Tomcat.
Weekend Pass.


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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