Today's Best Bets

Saratoga Race Course Saturday, July 20, 2024 Meet Total ... 11-71

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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

1-10. Winner in R3 [2.80]. Also, R1 ... BDAC x 27.40 t 75.50 s 165.00; R3 ... ACB 2.80 x 10.40 t 16.80; R4 ... B-Cd-x x 60.50 C scr; R6 ... CDx x 88.00; R7 ... B-Cd-x x 104.00 C scr; R8 ... DAx x 27.80; R9 ... BDAC x 22.60 t 52.50 s 119.40.

Today

FIRST RACE
Lucas's Mischief...Lone racing sib Caroline Street won debut going 1M turf in Ireland.
Clever Again...Experience counts. Trainer good with second-timers.
Nudge...Debuted in a tough race.
English Law.

SECOND RACE
It Takes Heart...Hmmm. Class drop is a concern but latest work is OK.
Starship Defiant/Self Isolation...Both are also moving down the class ladder notably.
My First Love...Nice try vs similar last time.
Carbon.

THIRD RACE
King Puck...It's always hard to know off of one race - but looks capable.
Nano Man... Third start back. Ran an improved effort last time - albeit for a tag.
Call Bob...Has speed. Debut on turf wasn't much but seems better now.
Outtawaterbury...Likely to contend with these.
He Has It All.
Dirt: Same.

FOURTH RACE
On the Hill...Third start of 2024. Improved in first two.
Boss Tweed...Has looked very good in last two and sports a bullet work for this.
Silver Satin...On best effort fits here.
Freesdale.

FIFTH RACE
Safalow's Mission...Made a notable class move last time -- moves down further today.
G Munning...Back in for a tag.
Bobby the Tank...Should be in the hunt early.
Vin Santo.
Jacobson entry.

SIXTH RACE
Reflexivity...Blinkers might make an interesting addition in the second start of the season.
Parola Sicura...Seems comparable to top pick talent-wise.
Masterof the Tunes...Might have a Beyers-edge on the top two..
Girls Weekend.
Dirt: 11-5-10-9.

SEVENTH RACE
Authentic Gallop... Yikes. Dam has produced nine runners - seven were first-out winners!
Be REal...Sib Swiftsure won first two.
Incentive Pay...Potent win-early team -- alotho two sib were not win-early.
Track Ranger.

EIGHTH RACE
Gun It...More realistically spotted here.
Federal Judge...Dangerous if ready.
Arro Smash...Trainer going well at the meet and this one will contend.
Full Screen.

NINTH RACE
Pioneering Spirit...Stakes winner at the Spa last summer seems better than 10-1 ML.
Belouni...In good form.
Major Dude...Solid try in comebacker.
Steady On.
Dirt:10-1e-7.

TENTH RACE - G3 $175K Lake George
Oversubscribed...Moved in to stakes company last time and ran her best yet.
Sweet Rebecca...Capable on best.
Vive Veuve...Has looked good since arriving stateside.
Manama Gold.
Dirt: 3-9-11.

ELEVENTH RACE - G1 $500 CCA Oaks
Thorpedo Anna...Tops the 3YO filly class at this point. This race is no gimme - but we'll stick with her until shown otherwise.
Candied...Talented in her own right and popped for a solid Beyer win in latest.
Leslie's Rose...Behind top pick in last two - but wouldn't be a shock.

TWELFTH RACE
Factor Analysis...Brown/Klaravich runner has been knocking at the door -- break through at Saratoga.
The Jackal...Capable to come back improved.
Vintage Vino...Seems better than the record indicates.
De La Cruz.
Dirt: 1-8-6-10-12.

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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