Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Wednesday, July 17, 2024 Meet Total ... 6-43

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Merrow's picks can also be found on most Saratoga racing says at the Capital OTB Handicappers' Report. Also throughout the Saratoga meet in the hard copy of the Albany Times-Union.

Turf picks are turf only - unless otherwise indicated.

2024 Best Bets Picks/Plays archive.

Yesterday [Sunday]

1-10. The long opening week continued -- very disappointing results on the top end. Winner in R3 [$5.50]. Also, R2 ... BAx x 6.40; R3 ... ACx 5.50 x 16.00; R5 ... DBA x 40.60 t 55.50; R6 ... Bentry-A-Bentry-x x 22.00; R9 ... BDA x 9.50 t 22.60.

Today

FIRST RACE - G1 $150K AP Smithwick
Abaan...Undefeated in two starts this season - albeit vs small fields.
L'Imperator...Perhaps the one to beat off the latest.
Ziggle Pops...Going well recently.
Freddy Flintshire.

SECOND RACE
Save Time...Seemed to appreciate the two turns.
Fazools...Just missed in debut and likely to benefit from that effort.
Refuse to Lose...Improving in first two.
Fade to Grey.

THIRD RACE
Vehemente...By the hot win-early sire Vekoma. Nice work for this. However, three sibs were not win-early.
Lightning Mama...Sire OK with firsters.
Practically Sumer...Has a couple win-early sibs.
Bellacose.

FOURTH RACE
Malu...Trainer has been notable with this type of drop at Saratoga in recent seasons.
Sharper Gal...Drops back to a more proper level.
Permed...Hmm. Not sure what to make of the drop.
Accelerina.

FIFTH RACE
No Show Sammy Jo...Has won two of three including the seasonal debut in an improved run.
Olivia Maralda...The one to beat.
Breath Away...Third start back and going in the right direction.
Be Your Best.
A Primera Vista.
Dirt: 11-10-5-7.

SIXTH RACE
Precisely...Third behind two next out winners in debut. That was a year ago -- so coming back for the tag is somerthing of a concern.
Parade Reign...With the record this class move is a little more palatable.
Lady Reign...A little bit of breeding and some OK works.
Street View.
Dirt: 4-12-1-13.

SEVENTH RACE
Theresasilverlinin...On a roll.
She's Awesome...Better than latest.
She Caught My Eye...Likely to fit if ready off the layoff.
Deck of Cards.

EIGHTH RACE - $150K NYSS
Sohana...Slight edge in an even;y matched bunch. Should benefit from the turf try last time.
Being Betty...Near-miss in a similar event. Third start back here.
Cap Ferrat...Can't fault the record so far.
Soloshot.
Dirt: 2-9-5-3-11.

NINTH RACE
Pay the Bills...Drops for potent team in second start. Cost $204K at French auction in 2022. AE list.
The Taco Lady...Perhaps moves forward with the drop.
Luna Love...Should fit with this bunch.
American Kestral.
Fantasy Performer.
Dirt: 15-3-5-1a.

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.

Archives of daily Best Bets picks and plays pages: 2013 ... 2012 ... 2011 ... 2010... 2009 ...2008 ... 2007 ... 2006 ... 2005 ... 2004 ... 2003

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