Today's Best Bets6-10. Winners in the 1st [$3.40], 2nd [$6.60], 3rd [$4.80], 7th [$7.10], 8th [$3.40] and 9th [$3.40]. Solid -- but admittedly chalky. However, you can't complain about 60% winners-on-top and a 44% ROI in that category.
Also, The R1/R2 early double cold [$12.20/$2]. Cold exacta in the 3rd [$16.00/$2]. In the 7th, the cold exacta [$21.80/$2] and tri [$468.00/$2]. Same scenario in the 9th [ex $13.00/$2, tri $24.20/$2].
Friday's rain gave way to Saturday's humidity. 20,352 attended amidst sweltering heat. The witnessed a facile victory in the G1 CCA Oaks by Devil May Care - making that 3YO filly division interesting along with Blind Luck and perhaps Evening Jewel.
Once again a post-race crowd packed nearby watering-hole Siro's -- and the stars were out before sunset... Entourage castmates -- and recently Siro's investors -- Kevin Dillon and Kevin Connolly were in the house. Well, actually they were sitting at a table in the backyard -- being protected by Siro's bouncers. Although we did note that Connolly posed with fans for some photos -- while ducking out of the way of other fans attempts to snap pics.
Downtown the Hat's Off music festival attracted a big crowd on a steamy July evening. We said in our notes yesterday that Friday night's Hat's Off was held -- but... When you 'assume'... Admittedly we didn't hit the downtown area on Friday night until after 11pm -- the close down time for the music. Because the rain had let up by dinnertime and also because there was a large crowd downtown, well, we assumed Hat's Off went off Friday without a hitch. Unh-unh. The rain earlier in the day forced a postponement. But music was in full swing on Saturday -- we heard it with our own ears! Although some 9pm sprinkles had at least one [uncovered] act packing up early.
The annual hat contest will be held - with judging in various categories after the 2nd, 3rd and 4th races.
FIRST RACE
Sounds Familiar...Got some nice education at this level last time and if she runs to her prior races she looks best here.
Maya Charli...Pletcher trainee clearly improved on turf. Stalking style proved fruitful last time - a similar run should have her in the hunt again.
Rumors of Glory...Came back to the races as an improved 3YO. Would be no surprise to see her continue to get better.
Can She Dance.
Mystic City.
On dirt: Sounds Familiar, Starjetta, Sweethearts Kiss, Rumors of Glory.
SECOND RACE
Yawkey Way...NY-bred attracted a $165K winning bid after working 10.1 at 2YO sale.
Risk a Chance...Some precocious breeding.
Copious Notes...Only brought $40K at 2YO sale - but like top pick, worked a solid 10.1 prior to the sale.
Ausable Chasm.
THIRD RACE
Vicarious...Tossed a clunker last time but if 'The Chief' can get her to rebound to prior form she certainly is a solid fit with these.
Cody Samora...Certain to grab most of the attention off of the monster debut win last year -- but that was an off-the-turfer, in the mud, she's been off since, and her connections are low-percentage -- willing to take a shot against.
Catchapenney K...Been in the mix in last five starts. Jock switch a plus too.
Rogue's Jewel.
FOURTH RACE
Mesa Sunrise...The long layoff is the concern but the trainer does well in that area.
American Classic...Ships in from stakes engagements in midwest/southwest to go first-time for Pletcher and first-time for a tag since her career debut.
Booted...Last time was his first on dirt and this bunch might be a little easier than that group.
I Ain't No Saint.
FIFTH RACE
Moonshine Mountain...The 'fresh-face' play. First-time starter has a touch of breeding to hang your hat on - but the rest of the field isn't exactly awe-inspiring.
Magnificient Tiger...Steps in to take on state-breds for the first time.
Gerard Loves Beer...Flopped last time but expect better today.
Fiddler's Chaparito.
On dirt: Fiddler's Chaparito, Gerard Loves Beer, Runaway Jim, Brolio, Moonshine Mountain.
SIXTH RACE
Starr West...Drops back in for a tag.
Mr Benjamin...Yeesh - one of the real handicapping dilemmas in the game... Purchased for $280K. Flopped in MSW debut. Now goes for $30K! Could win for fun - or run last.
Artie's Chapter...Should fit well here.
Stand Proud.
SEVENTH RACE
Little Nick...Comes into this off of seven stakes races -- hmmm. The $25K tag has to be a concern -- but the 7/16 work seems to indicate fitness. We'll see.
Sumfun...Turf sprinting seems to be his preferred game.
Sly...Last three seem to indicate he'll fit with these.
Winthrop House.
On dirt: Little Nick, My Golden Opinion, Sumfun, Sly, Moose Man, Patron Saint.
EIGHTH RACE
Mikoshi...Solid this season -- although yet to get her picture taken. That could change today.
War Hoot...Should be heard from in the lane.
Rock in Bage...Also should be heard from late.
Peace Wine.
On dirt: Midnight Mischief, Peace Wine, Conservative, Glenwood Canyon, The Roundhouse, Uncle Indy.
NINTH RACE - Sanford G2 $150K
Chipshot...Asmussen trainee might have benefitted from his near 2-month break.
Bail Out the Cat...Big debut win likely makes him the one to beat. Have to wonder if that race was aided by the off-track however.
Lou Brissie...Experience counts and this guy is already a G3 stakes winner. Finished just behind the talented Kantharos last time.
Another Silver Oak.
TENTH RACE
Song for Pupcake...Might have a slight class edge on these.
Hunt for Candie...Another perhaps finding some class relief in here. Comes in from the synthetic surface at Presque Isle.
Toy Indian...And yet one more going first-time for a tag.
Lady Valiant.
On dirt: Hunt for Candie, Annual Appeal, Annie's Melody, Toy Indian, My Juanita, Heavenly Pursuit.
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