Today's Best Bets3-10. Winners in the 2nd [$17.20], 8th [$3.30], and 10th [$6.40]. Cold exacta in the 8th [$13.80/$2]. In the 5th our top three boxed for the tri [$41.60/$2] with our fourth pick completing the super [$185.40/$2]. Plus a few other exactas that included at least two of our top three -- a couple paying pretty well.
Rough start to the meet weather-wise. After a summer of relatively little rain the precipitation hit the area in the morning and continued all day in spurts - varying from a next-to-nothing mist to heavy downpour. The 4th , 5th and 6th were taken off the grass. Vineyard Haven was impressive in his 2010 debut. And up-and-coming apprentice Freddie Lenclud made a splash of his own in the wet weather -- winning the meet's first graded stakes.
Despite of the inclement weather a solid crowd of 23,178 turned out. There were some opening day glitches -- the new Shake Shack burger 'stand' had a bit of a flooding problem in front of their building; the infield video screen in front of the clubhouse was not working properly -- and, inexcusably because it seems to happen every year and also because they were so necessary given the rain-soaked card -- the electronic scratch boards in both the clubhouse and grandstand were dark throughout the day.
The rain subsided for the most part by the end of racing and next-door watering hole Siro's was packed with post-race partiers. And the turn in the weather allowed the Hat's Off music festival to go off as planned downtown.
The annual Hat's Off music festival continues downtown from 7-11pm. Free music up and down Broadway.
FIRST RACE
Tom Kitten...Should be heard from in the lane.
Abilio...Might benefit from the experience at this level last time.
Mr Vantastic...Another one that will be rolling late.
Mr Hooker.
On dirt: Mineswept, Winning Token, Abilio, Mr Vantastic.
SECOND RACE
Never Right joey...NY-bred attracted a decent price after working in 10.3 at a 2YO sale. Pletcher trains.
Tall Tale Teller...Has some precocious breeding.
Private Rules...Ships in from Jersey to face state-breds in debut.
Robbie's Turn.
THIRD RACE
Rock America...Five tries with no better than a couple of third-place finishes but might have found a field he fits.
Chairman Now...Lead and just caught in 2010 debut. Dangerous.
El Primero...Third start of the season.
Distant Sky.
On dirt: Keep Me Informed, Chairman Now, El Primero, Warrant Ofc Cook, Cinnamon Beach.
FOURTH RACE
Strong Commitment...Could be the one to beat if able to fire best shot.
Cherokee Speed...Has completed the exacta in all three starts this year. AE list.
Thunder Perfect...Has a decent closing kick.
Xodo.
Good Prospect.
Missinglisalewis.
On dirt: Northern Giant, Strong Commitment, Thunder Perfect, Versailles Road, Ad Infinitum, Thomas Got Even.
FIFTH RACE
Awakened Beauty...Some OK breeding for a firster along with some pretty good works.
Turned to Gold...Not a bad debut effort to build on.
Moonwalk Beauty...Latest star seems to indicate she's getting the hang of it. Dirt is the question mark.
Lindsay's Point.
Fastish.
SIXTH RACE
Hangingbyathread...The Beyers this guy fired last year would easily take this -- but he hasn't been quite as solid this season. Clearly we're hoping for a rebound.
Duke of Naples...Seems to have shown some improvement since moving to turf.
Hammock...Can contend if ready off of the layoff.
Spa City Fever.
On dirt: Come Undone/Good Karma, Hammock, Eire's Run, Dixie Nite Out, Saginaw.
SEVENTH RACE
Wine Police...A well-bred first from Asmussen went down in flames for us in yesterday's 7th -- but we're stubborn. With Speightstown on top this one should be ready in debut.
Soldat...Promising debut effort and horse he finished just in front of that day came back to win.
Santiva...Like the top pick this one is win-early bred and trainer can have them ready.
Biddy/Joe Vann.
EIGHTH RACE
Ash Zee...Was a 'Best Bet' for us when she won convincingly last time. A repeat would take this.
Happy Week...Third start of the season and has returned in 2010 as an improved performer.
Persuading...Cuts back and might prefers sprinting.
Zonga Zing.
NINTH RACE - CCA Oaks G1 $250K
Devil May Care...She's not invincible but Pletcher has been high on her all along and she's the one to beat if she brings her "A" game.
Biofuel...Third behind the top pick last time in first dirt start.
Acting Happy...Dutrow upset the graded stake here yesterday.
Connie and Michael.
TENTH RACE
Rumbling/Do It All...Both halves of this entry were expensive purchases and make debuts for Darley.
Winning Touch...Precociously bred.
Ae Pit...First start was a near-miss.
Equestrio.
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