Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Thursday, July 18, 2024 Meet Total ... 8-51

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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

2-8. Winners in R4 [6.70] and R9 [3.60]. Also, R2 ... Cd-A-x x 22.00 B scr; R3 ... DAx x 35.00; R9 ... ACB 3.60 x 13.80 t 43.00.

Still feeling cold overall and waiting for the turnaround. R1 jump stake was postponed until Sunday and all turf racing was moved to dirt after a crazy wild Tuesday night rainstorm. There was another shower late Wednesday morning but for the most part it was a very nice day -- albeit very humid.

Today

FIRST RACE
Cinderella's Cause...Seems in good form and primed here.
Smokin Hot Kitty...Plenty of speed and has won three of last four.
Racing Colors...Off the latest.
Saratoga Kisses.

SECOND RACE
Oh My Mia...Hoping the maiden-breaker turns out to be a light-bulb moment confidence builder.
She's Always Rosie...Similar idea here.
Princess Becca...Impressed in win - but might find the class move here tough.
Six Pack Senorita.

THIRD RACE
Boss of All...Question mark is fitness of the layoff but might be solid here if ready.
Tipsy Runner...Drops in for a tag.
Supers Lucky Lady...Powerful class move.
Bella Voce.
Dirt: 8-3-1-4.

FOURTH RACE - $150K NYSS
The Big Torpedo...Typically in the hunt and won a similar event last time.
Cable Ready...Look at the trouble lines -- hmm, never love one that tends to get into trouble -- but seems better than latest.
Fidelightcayut...Contends here.
Courtly Banker.
Dirt: 5-6-4-2.

FIFTH RACE
Iridescent...Trainer is solid off the claim.
Cool Operator...Dangerous going for a tag.
Squints...Exacta more often than not.
Sweet Soddy J.

SIXTH RACE
Abientot... Win-early sire and a couple sibs won their debuts.
Moon Gate...OK debut to build on.
Gathered...Sib Divine Dawn won first two. Sire OK with firsters (altho not so much this year).
Will Reign.
Dirt: 2-9-3-5-12.

SEVENTH RACE
Own the Field...Has gone well this season - w/o a win, but might be primed.
Lucency...Better than latest.
Reserve Currency...Same trainer as top pick and Irad rides.
Night Effect.

EIGHTH RACE
Highway Harmony...Like this class move.
Kosuke...Also looks to make a potent class move -- but has a layoff to overcome.
Sweet Duchess...Drops in for a tag.
Miscreant.
Soca.
Dirt: 14-15-7-4.

NINTH RACE
Grayosh...Moves back to proper level.
Camera...Clearly dangerous but must overcome the outside post.
Mixologist...Won debut for potent team.
Proctor Street.
Dirt: 12-15-11-14.

TENTH RACE
Mama's Middie...Last seems to bad to believe. Cuts back. Takes a slight drop. And hopefully gets back to a dry (drier?) track.
Saka Shocka...MSW to mdn clm.
Albedo...Also makes the potent class move.
Hey Toby.

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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