Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Thurssday, August 27, 2009 Meet Total ... 67-249

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Yesterday

3-10. Winners in the 1st [$2.80], 5th [$8.50], and 9th [$3.60]. Also, in the 1st we had the cold exacta $11.40/$2], tri [$27.40], and super [$97.40]. Top two flip-flopped for a generous $82.00 exacta in the 3rd. Same scenario in the 4th [$28.00] with our third selection completing the tri [$65.50]. Top pick over third selection in the 5th for the $61.50 exacta; fourth pick completed the $131.00 tri; second pick rounded out the $452.40 super. In the 8th it was our second pick over third selection over top choice for the exacta [$27.20] and tri [$70.00]. Top over third picks in the 9th for the exacta [$14.20],

15,270 attended and enjoyed what turned out to be a nice afternoon after presenting a threatening look and a slightly misty-sprinkle about mid-card. By the end of the day however the sun was shining.

Today

FIRST RACE
Lofty Banner...Really went back and forth with the top two selections here and finally settled here -- although neither especially jump off the page. But this guy did win here, at this trip, pretty nicely last time. A repeat of that effort should put him right there.
El Windo...Finished behind the top pick last time -- but a flipperoo between these two today wouldn't be a shock.
Mr Petersson...Should appreciate the return to dirt.
He's Long Gone.

SECOND RACE
Ten Carrot Nikki...Looks to have a pace edge here and should simply say "catch me if you can."
Uncle Pat...Firsters that needn't be much to beat this bunch.
Smarty Karakorum...Showed some life in last few -- although against slightly cheaper.
One Way Bruce.

THIRD RACE - NY Turf Writers G1 $100K
Sermon of Love...Could the last couple -- including a flat win here earlier in the meet -- indicate that this one is ready to step it up for this assignment? We'll know more this afternoon -- but if anyone can get the most from a runner we'll look to Sheppard to do it.
Mixed Up...Nice win in the G2 Smithwick last year was followed by a dud in this race -- which is probably what has Sheppard iffy about running this one today. If he goes however he'll be tough on his proven class.
Planets Aligned...Also a proven graded stakes-level performer.
Swagger Stick.

FOURTH RACEK
Omi's Vindication...Has win-early breeding and win-early connections. Also some nice works.
Cableknit...Very expensive yearling purchase from Darley/McLaughlin. Half-sib to the talented Speightstown. Dangerous.
Anne Margaret...We always like Songandaprayer as a debut sire.
Lalique.

FIFTH RACE
Prince Woodman...Tough call -- if he runs back to the numbers he was shooting last year he's the clear choice, but he hasn't shown that ability this season. We'll hope for a rebound in the third start of the season, with the drop, and with Dominguez hopping onboard.
Indian Ashton...Similar scenario to top pick -- if he rebounds to prior numbers he'll be in the mix.
Frozen Prospect/Sextant...It's Linda Rice. It's a turf sprint. We might regret having this duo in our third spot.
Inside Info.
On dirt: Frozen Prospect, Chief Export, Hedge Fund, Morine's Victory.

SIXTH RACE
Vamos a Ver... We had this guy on top on 8/5 and we won't jump off just yet. Breeding and connections indicate this one should be a win-early type and will fit in this type of event.
Ulterior Motive...With this breeding and these connections he wouldn't be a shock in the debut.
Bigshot...Expect improvement today.
Mint Maker.
On dirt: Same plus Forever Awesome.

SEVENTH RACE
Woodrunner...Been stuck at this condition for awhile -- which is a concern, but typically runs well enough to win this.
City Sneakers...Kind of interesting -- a Linda Rice turfer stretching out after two sprints.
Onzain...Certainly seems best on turf.
Pegasus Tommy D.
On dirt: Three Bridge Road, Her Latest Flame, Temore, Marscaponi.

EIGHTH RACE
Mohegan Sky...Yep -- Linda Rice. Turf sprint.
Absolute Heaven...In the hunt more often than not.
Acquired Cat...A little bit inconsistent over the last three -- but will contend on best effort.
Motor City Mama.
On dirt: La Concerto, Motor City Mama, Smokin Sarah/Calling My Colors, My Luckey Penney.

NINTH RACE
Inti...Hmmm. Clunked in latest and now takes a steep drop. If he rebounds he's a strong contender in here -- BUT the drop clearly raises all kinds of red flags. Again -- hmmm...
Risque...Also dropping -- but this one simply seems to be shopping for his proper level.
William T...Should be rolling late.
Manitowish Waters.
On dirt: Indymine, Inti, Maccarib Pass, Risque, Burns Up the Track.

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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