Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Tuesday, August 18, 2009 Meet Total ... 49-180

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Yesterday

Dar day. No racing.

Today

FIRST RACE
Cat Hop...In this race for horses who have run for $20K or less since 2007 this one might have a class-edge on these. Seems to have been facing better for awhile now. This could turn out to be a cozy spot.
R Vicarious Girl...OK fourth in a Claiming Crown stake broke a six-race win-streak.
Roll the Di...Typically gets a piece.
Classical Fashion.
On dirt: Miss Fleetfoot, Sneaky Girl, Fort Carillon, Afleet Alexandra, Point Me to It/Dressmaker.

SECOND RACE
Speechifying...This kind is always a little bit of a puzzle -- the last two were duds, but with a high-percentage and the class-drop we're hoping for a rebound. We'll see...
Fashion Queen...Also taking a little bit of a drop and ran second at this level three back.
Victory for M'lady.
Ms Wonder Woman.

THIRD RACE
Rodman...His win at the trip here on opening day seems to indicate some horse-for-course talent.
Banking Holiday...Think he's better than his latest.
Have You Ever...Could be tough to catch.
Soda Pop Kid/Elixir.

FOURTH RACE
Vivid Colors...Trouble when entered in a G3 in only her second start. Should rebound to show talent that was displayed in debut.
Union Waters...Could be any kind.
Miss Diane...Another that went straight from the debut win into a stake. Ran a good second.
Tidal pool.

FIFTH RACE - From New york to Old New York $70K
More to the Story...On the improve through three starts and should be ready for this assignment.
Starfish Bay...Should appreciate the return to turf.
Thoroughly Holy...It's a turf sprint and this one is trained by Linda Rice -- if she's win we'll kick ourselves, again.
Gemswick Park.
On dirt: Gemswick Park, Thoroughly holy, River Fancy, Rumor Control.

SIXTH RACE
Sobee...Could be the Sheppard Special of the meet. Back to turf after a couple of decent tries on the synthetic at Presque Isle. Two decent grass works since.
Gran Appeal...Could be developing some bridesmaid habits -- but numbers say she's a legit contender.
Americas Dreaming...If she get in off of the AE list she's likely to be heard from in the lane..
Bum Bum.
Why West.
Miss World.
On dirt: Sobee, Cobbler's Reef, Lisa B, Mc Victory, Redreamit, Indy's Sonata.

SEVENTH RACE
Pretty B...First two have offered some promise and she could be interesting today on the stretchout.
Crystal Queen...Has some win-early breeding.
Dad's Crazy/Classic Affair...Pletcher 2YOs going long on turf offer some intrigue.
House of Grace.
On dirt: Same, plus Quantitativeeasing, Jump Star, Genuine Charm, Saratoga Fling.

EIGHTH RACE
First to Come Home...Takes a significant drop and should appreciate the return to dirt.
Akonite...Trainer tossed a bomb that shipped in from Boston earlier in the meet.
Quonata...Hard to have too much confidence after the latest -- but if she rebounds to previous form she'll be tough.
Aunt Mabel.

NINTH RACE - Adirondack G2 $150K
Dashing Debby...This group purchased another daughter of Medaglia d'Oro after watching her win -- Rachel Alexandra. Not sure this one is that talented -- but the runaway win in the career debut -- a a stakes race no-less -- indicates this one is special.
Camille's Appeal...Undefeated stakes winner could complete an Asmussen double.
Beautician...Had some trouble last time.
Decelerator.
Babai Baby.

TENTH RACE
Wiseacre...Decent third despite some trouble with blinkers added last time. Iffy selection but nothing else is really jumping off of the page.
Mr Hooker...Hmm, move back to state-breds after facing open company could be a class drop -- except we're not quite sure how to rate those runners at Colonial.
Bullstar...Finished in front of top pick last time.
Marscaponi.
Monastir.
On dirt: Monastir, Mr Hooker, Bullstar, King's Fez.

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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