Breeders' Cup

The championship is upon us once again and this year's edition is filled with competitive races throughout the entire card. The classic is missing some big name stars that horse racing fans thought would be there at the end, but it will bring Shared Belief and California Chrome to the same party, along with Tonalist and few others who are trying to become the name that is rolled off tongues after the dust clears on Saturday. The two year old crop this years is a feast of goodness, and even with the defection of American Pharoah, the field is still a very strong one with a potential for big money to be made. If you love Pletcher's charges, then enjoy the race and your fifty cents return, but if you want to make some money dig deep and find the dollars lurking in the past performance.

In the Juvenile fillies I was looking forward to playing Cavorting back after her disappointing effort last out at Belmont Park. Her defection opened the door for me to look deep in the lines. Angela Renee will be the people's choice, but I will be looking away from that one and looking for a price that has been blazing on the track since her last win.

The filly and mare sprint will be a great race. It will feature Leigh Court who ran a beautiful race at Keeneland and Artemis Agrotera who has been special on the east coast all summer. Sweet Reason is cutting back after finishing behind Untapable and Stonetastic has been working well.

The  Xpressbet Sprint will feature Rich Tapestry who was lights out the best in last start. Secret Circle will try to turn the table on that one and Palace trained by Linda Rice will once again try to become the top dog. The pace will be hot and sweet and someone will come running to snatch victory.

Selections:

Race 1:  War Alert
              Faithful Creek
              Tizcano


Race 2: Michief Clem
             Acceptance
             Truely Quick


Race 3: Stars Above Me
             Richies Party Girl
             Ageless


Race 4: Conquest Eclipse came off small break to finish a strong second behind Angela Renee who I am throwing out of this race. She will sit a lovely trip under Nakatani and pounce when the running begins. Cristina's Journey looked great winning Pocahantas and has been working lights out since. She will be tough. Danette is an interesting horse..numbers are improving..still a maiden but when it comes to the two year olds they all can grow up in a Hollywood minute....Majestic Presence...had issues last time.. cleaner trip could pay big dividends.

Picks: Conquest Eclipse/Cristina's Journey/Danette/Majestic Presence

Race 5: Dank finished fifth behind The Fugue and Magician last out..none of those types are in this field.. Just The Judge maybe the best of all..last time out at Woodbine won by half length...love the numbers that this one is boasting...Abaco should get a piece...consistent hard knocker..Shug don't run just to run..in with a good chance...Secret Gesture with Smullen in the irons has been consistent this year..should make some noise.

Picks: Dank/Just The Judge/Abaco/Secret Gesture


Race 6: I am looking forward to seeing this race...Better Lucky is the upset chance to set my bank roll right..Castellano jumps back aboard for the ride and she will come thundering down the center of the track...Leigh Court is going very well right now..took a break and came back with a win then followed that up with another at Keeneland...will be right there... Artemis Agrotera is all business..three wins this year out of four starts..only loss was beyond seven furlongs...will once again be there.. Sweet Reasons finished behind super filly Untapable last time out and will be very fit off that effort..she can stir the drink in the stretch for Gyarmati.

Picks: Better Lucky/Leigh Court/Artemis Agrotera/Sweet Reason

Race 7: If you love No Nay Never then bet and enjoy but I am looking for something sweet to keep my bankroll flowing... Bobby's Kitten is cutting back and Joel Rosario lands here..the horse will have the necessary foundation and will be strong in the lane.. Silentio has been a consistent runner...will be shortening up for this effort..should be tough...Casper Netscher..I love the Euros when they travel stateside to do damage on turf..they are just better and while this one only has one win to boast from five starts the magic lives within the numbers...No Nay Never is just too tough to throw out but is vulnerable in this spot.

Picks: Bobby's Kitten/Silentio/Casper Netscher/No Nay Never

Race 8: I must admit  that when American Pharoah scratched I felt some disappointment because I wanted to see him go against the Pletcher's boys but also he assured me of being over bet..Now I am hoping Pletcher's boys will command all the money leaving the opportunity for the tote board to explode... Mr. Z is adding blinkers..getting the money jockey Mike smith..Lukas knows how to get them ready...I am all in on this one... The Great War has raced seven times already with four in the money finishes..dirt first time..stretching out first time..War Front babies can run on anything...love the trainer..the jock is top class.. Blue Dancer is undefeated and while he will be stretching out for the first time the Bluegrass colt will not be troubled at all.... Carpe Diem/Daredevil could be the exacta when they cross the wire..if they finished one/two I won't be surprised..I played against them last out and will do so again.

Picks: Mr.Z/ The Great War/Blue Dancer/Carpe Diem/Daredevil

Race 9 : I was all set to make Magician my top play then the news came...I am all in with Euros in this spot..this is what they do and they do it very well... Telescope..Moore is in the irons..First time Lasix..will get nice cover trip along the inside and then make it rain when Moore shakes the reins... Brown Panther has been in the money six times this year with three wins..last time won at a mile and three quarters..will be dead fit and will gobble them up in the stretch... Flintshire maybe the class of the entire field.. company line is star studded... the four year old could just toy with them in the stretch for fun... I am throwing in Graham Motion Main Sequence because Motion stirred the ocean at Saratoga this year when everything he touched turned to gold.

Picks: Telescope/Brown Panther/Flintshire/Main Sequence

Race 10:  Call me crazy but I am in love with Bourbon Courage... the Lion Heart runner has found new life since becoming a sprinter.. two wins at distance and will be finishing under the strong urging of the talented Ricardo Santana.... Rich Tapestry was a beast last time out and will be the one to beat in this spot... Secret Circle has been the money for every start of career.. consistent..gritty.. nothing but high praise for the son of Eddington... wouldn't surprise me if he was taking the biggest chunk of the pie... Wind Fire..I just can't leave the Euros out...

Picks: Bourbon Courage/Rich Tapestry/Secret Circle/Wind Fire

Race 11: Toronado has been keeping great company across the pond...seven starts at the distance with three wins and three second place finishes... Mustajeeb has been doing lovely work this year.. after a lengthy break he has come back to fire four in the money finishes this year.. will be traveling sweetly under the guidance of Smullen... Anodin..the trainer and jockey knows how to get it done in this race.. never turn your back on familiarity in horse racing... horse hasn't won this year but boast six out of nine in the money effort at this level.. will be traveling through the lane under Peslier.. Veda...is worth a shot...

Picks: Toronado/Mustajeeb/Anodin/Veda

Race 12: All year I have been trying to beat California Chrome and I am batting lousy in that effort... I like the odds that I may get on this one..Shared Belief will command all the attention from the herding racing fans and that is how the gambler in me like it..I am throwing out Shared Belief and going with California Chrome to win three year old and  horse of the year title..I like Tonalist to do some good work under California Chrome.. Zivo.. had one clunker this year..too consistent to by pass... Candy Boy has been in my ears all week because a buddy of mine thinks he will win the whole thing..I am not truly convinced that he can take them all down but he will be coming strongly in the lane under Corey Nakatani...

Picks: California Chrome/Tonalist/Zivo/Candy Boy

Will Bayern Get The Distance In The Travers?

The Travers is an exciting race on paper. It features the Belmont Stakes winner, the Haskell winner, the winner of the Jim Dandy, and also boast the second place finisher in the Kentucky Derby. Tonalist who won the Belmont Stakes arrives in the Travers field after finishing second to Wicked Strong in the Jim Dandy. Tonalist who will once again be ridden by Joel Rosario, is a strong and powerful son of Tapit. The Colt ran very well in the Jim Dandy, which serves as a prep for the Travers. A win in the Travers will put him in the conversation comfortably for three year old horse of the year. Wicked Strong, the winner of the Jim Dandy displayed a powerful run that brought back memories of his victory in the Wood Memorial. The son of Hard Spun showed of his ability in the Jim Dandy. He had backers who believed that he would win the Jim Dandy and he didn't disappoint his supporters.
Bayern comes into the Travers after taken the field wire to wire in the Haskell invitational. Jockey, Martin Garcia, was a passenger out for a Sunday stroll on the Jersey shore. He set lovely fractions throughout the race, and when the field kicked for home, he took them a apart like a well skilled surgeon. What type of setup will the son of Offlee Wild get? If he is allowed to walk the track once more, then all the other runners will be fighting for second money.

Commanding Curve was my Derby horse and since that big effort behind California Chrome he hasn't showed anything that makes me think he belongs with the group. He came back in the Jim Dandy after his disappointing run in the Belmont Stakes to finish fourth in the Jim Dandy. He will need to improve significantly to dance with the big boys when the real running starts. I am still not giving up on the son of Master Command. If the pace is right then he may be coming fast as a light.

V.E. Day is an interesting horse in the field. He is the winner of three in a row and boast wins on turf and dirt. The son of English Channel is trained by Jimmy Jerkens, the same hands that handles Wicked Strong. V.E. Day deserves more than just a courtesy look after his win in the Curlin Stakes last month. He glided around the track in last place and then made an easy move into contention turning for home. He was produced by the jock on the outside and at that point I thought he was going to canter home, but he kept on leaning in for his run down the stretch, making his win much closer than it needed to be. If he was straight, he would have galloped for fun in the lane. He will be a player when the smoke clears late Saturday in upstate New York.

Race 9 on the card is the Ballston Spa Stakes and it features some nice ladies who will strut their stuff. The race features three horses that I like and all the others are window dressing hoping to cash a valuable stake place voucher. The six year old mare Abaco disappointed in her last start and is yet to win a race this year. The daughter of Giant's Causeway is due and today maybe the right setup.
Filimbi is going great guns right now and deservingly will be the favorite in this field. The four year old daughter of Mizzen Mast has won two in a row and will be locked and ready  when they swing for home. Dayatthespa came back from a break and was ready to fire. She ran a great race and was beaten by Filimbi whom she will encounter once more. She is a hard trying mare who will give her best all the time.

The King's Bishop is race ten on the card, and sprinters will be thundering around the track at a blistering pace. The Big Beast will take money and I really hope he does. Winner of his last two and in the money in four career starts. Noble Moon is a horse I am loving to spring a upset in this race. He has been away since finishing sixth in the Wood Memorial. I expect Ortiz to sit off  Wildcat Red and others before unleashing this one down the stretch. Wildcat Red credentials speaks for itself and after finishing third to Bayern in the Haskell he should be ready to roll at distance that he will love tremendously. Coup De Grace rolls into the race off a nice win in the Amsterdam. The son of Tapit should get the same setup like his last race and he will be tough to crack.

I am looking forward to the showdown in the Ballerina which will go off has race eleven. Better Lucky went to dirt in the shine Again stakes and took it like she has been doing it her entire racing career. The Ghostzapper mare mowed them down in the stretch and wanted more when the race was all over. My Miss Aurelia who also competed in the Shine Again will come to the party looking for revenge and Willet is an interesting lady in this field. Willet came back to racing in July and has had one win and a second place finish. The time away has done some good for the mare and she will be a dangerous participant in this field.


Race 1: Three Alarm Fire is coming off a second place finish on July 11... the colt will improve with Rosario in the irons and the cut back will help the son of Pyro to set the opening race today on fire.


Race 2: Face The Music made a strong move in the lane in his debut ..he ran into a Motion horse that was ready to fire...he should get a nice setup and I expect the Stormy Atlantic colt to break his maiden stylishly.


Race 3: My theme for the first three races at Saratoga today is Joel Rosario. I am expecting the talented jockey to sweep the first three races on the card and his mount Poliziotto will improve second time out off a layoff.  Chad Brown can get them to run first off a layoff but I think he is even more lethal second off the break. Rosario will put this one down for the drive and turn a profit on my two dollars.


Race 4: Today's Agenda is coming off a second place finish to Competitive Edge who needs no introduction. The colt is trained by Anthony Dutrow and his Saratoga's summer is no longer a secret... Today's Agenda will be locked and loaded.


Race 5: Palace Dreams has done lovely work in state bred and open company. I am banking on the filly to continue her consistent way.


Race 6: Is anyone hotter than Mcllroy on the links right now? Mcllroy the horse was very hot until he tackled optional allowance company..he went back to straight allowance in his last and did nice work.  There are few others who will offer some stiff competition in this spot but this one is worth a shot.


Race 7: Divided Attention is coming off a break and if she s ready she will smack this field and have them paying attention. The daughter of AP Indy did damage against strong company before taking a break. I don't care for much in this race so she is the play ready or not.


Race 8: Sometimes I think handicappers can make this process more difficult than it needs to be. Look no further for your winner in this race.... North Slope will romp.


Race 13: Ear D' Rhythm is my long shot play of the day... coming off a win and I think the winning feeling will continue against this bunch..expect to hear dancehall beats playing in the stretch when this one hit the wire.


Race 14: Thurgood broke his maiden against state bred and is coming back against state bred once more... the Marshall will lay down the law with Leparoux who is trying to forget this Saratoga meet.



Selections:


Race 1: Three Alarm Fire
             Hidden Candy
             Lucid



Race 2:  Face The Music
              Potthast
              Blazing Truth



Race 3: Poliziotto
             Ocala Jim
             Blue Pigeon


Race 4:Today's Agenda
             Bayerd
             Waging War


Race 5:Palace Dreams
            Divine Luck
            Ireland


Race 6: Mcllroy
             Piccoza
             Powerful Instinct


Race 7: Divided Attention
             Pretty Fancy
             Eddy Gourmet


Race 8: North Slope
             Star Channel
             Dream Man


Race 9: Abaco
             Filimbi
             Dayatthespa


Race 10: Noble Moon
               Wildcat Red
               Coup De Grace


Race 11: Better Lucky
               My Miss Aurelia
               Willet



Race 12: Tonalist
               Wicked Strong
               Commanding Curve
               Bayern
               V.E. Day


Race 13: Ear D' Rhythm
               Fizzy Pink
               Weave



Race 14: Thurgood
                Morning Calm
               Wake Up In Malibu

Who Will Be The Solution In The Arlington Million?

The Arlington Million day card is upon us and unlike previous years when the card was difficult to dissect, this year's edition of the Million brings us a clear cut favorite and a decent supporting cast.  The Aiden O'Brien charge Magician will be very difficult to beat in this spot.  He has a win four back and finished second two back at Ascot. He has been running against stellar competition and I believe will make light work of this group. Smoking Gun will give him a run for the money and my upset chance in the race will be Up With The Birds. The Malcolm Pierce runner showed flashes of brilliance before taking a break and coming back in two lackluster efforts. In his last try he regained that form that had people talking about him. It took him three starts to get back in gear, and Up With The Birds will be coming with authority down the lawn.

The Beverly D.. I am in love with one and one horse only on top. Somali Lemonade fooled me last time out. Two back at Belmont I was all over her but she didn't get the job in the Just A Game. She put it back together at Saratoga and now is a winner of three out of four starts. If loving this woman is wrong then I don't want to be right. I love Somali Lemonade to continue moving forward and become a player later in the year. Euro Charline will be stiff competition for Somali Lemonade. She has been going well and the odds make me salivate. Marco Botti knows his way around the green and she will make a good account of herself. Chad Brown brings two ladies to the part and the one I adore best is Alterite. I am throwing out her last start at Saratoga and giving this young lady another opportunity to produce like she is capable of doing.



The Secretariat Stakes... could be another fun time for trainer Aiden O'Brien.  He brings Adelaide who just missed at Belmont against Mr. Speaker last time. He will display a fury when they swing for home, but I am looking for a price to play with this one. I beat him last time and I am looking to do it again. Graham Motion has been very hot at Saratoga and his horses are turned out great and also running to their looks.  Can'thelpbelieving has only one win this year and he has been in the money five out of six times. I know his only off the board finish was in stake company, but Motion has been stirring the water with his horses, and this one may be ready to turn the table and live up to the standard of his fellow cast mates. James Graham will be unleashing his wicked style and bring this charge home. Tourist from the Bill Mott stables will be going for four in a row and will be extremely difficult to stop from sightseeing in the winner's circle.



American St. Leger.... Dandino is back to defend his title but since that win he hasn't done much other than a second place finish. 3/1 on the morning line is not bringing me to the water to drink. I am swinging for the fences and hoping to hit it big with Havana Beat.  The four year old gelding is coming off a win and will be getting lasix for the first time, which is a prescription I love to take when it comes to foreigners venturing into the deep waters of American racing. Aiden O'Brien will be cocked and ready to fire with Eye Of The Storm. This one is coming back in a short turn around but he will also get lasix for the first time and I respect the O'Brien barn immensely.


Race 1.. Sea Of Change is the play for me on top.. finished third last time out and will be stretching his legs a tad further. Rosemary will get the job done on this six year old warrior.


Race 2...  B Two Special will love the lawn at Arlington Park and will gallop for fun in the stretch.


Race 3... Guilt Trip is better than these even if the surface is turf. He has kept great company and that will be shown today.

Hatoof Stakes... High Wire Kitten is getting a significant jockey upgrade from last three starts. The trainer hasn't been on fire lately, but he can get it done, and high flying Dettori is always looking to get paid in the big spot. Share The Sugar has two wins from four starts this year and she exited the Regret at Churchill Downs...a race which I loved. She will be sweet to watch in the home stretch....Tempers Flair??.. maybe I am reaching but Romans shouldn't be discounted even with a charge like this who seems up against it. I like those odds.


Straight Line..When I saw the field for the straight line my eyes made a turn to Burbonize..this charge was trying the triple crown route but was a cut below..last time he shortened up and did what I thought he could do when I first experienced him at Churchill Downs. He will continue his winning ways on the fake dirt.


Hatoof Stakes... will go off has race 11 on the card.. I am once again leaning to Dettori and Ward in this spot to do something beautiful. La Mejor Fiesta will be going back to turf and that is where she has done most of her exceptional work. Dettori will be doing his circus act after this one crosses the wire first.



Selections:

Race 1: Sea Of Change
             Proud Jackson
             Ghetto Cat



Race 2: B Two Special
             Voodoo Spell
              Selz



Race 3: Guilt Trip
             O T B Bob
             Tiz Sardonic Joe


Race 4: Luck Of The Kitten
             Inavanti
             Safe At Sea



Race 5: Hatoof Stakes: High Wire Kitten
                                      Share The Sugar
                                      Tempers Flair




Race 6: Straight Line: Burbonize
                                     Goodbye Greg
                                     I Got It All



Race 7: American St. Leger: Havana Beat
                                              Eye Of The Storm
                                              Dandino  



Race 8: Secretariat Stakes: Can'thelpbelieving
                                            Tourist
                                            Adelaide


Race 9: Beverly D: Somali Lemonade
                                Euro Charline
                                Alterite


Race 10: Arlington Million: Magician
                                             Up With The Birds
                                              Smoking Gun



Race 11: Hatoof Stakes: La Mejor Fiesta
                                        Maria Maria
                                        Battlefield Angel




Race 12: Little Bit o' Soup
               Mathaayil
               Hubbala Hubbala

Two Year Olds Takes The Stage At Saratoga

When the two year olds are turned out at Saratoga you know you are going to get some high priced beauty, trained by some of the top barns in the game. Today's card gives us the chance to see two feature races where someone will step up and set the stage for fall racing at Belmont and Keeneland. The Saratoga Special brings back Cinco Charlie who ran a tough, gritty race in a losing effort. He broke his maiden at Churchill Downs and came back to win the Bashford Manor in stylish fashion. His race in the Stanford was fast from the moment the gate opened, and Bridgmohan his jockey never really gave him a breather because his hands were forced. In the Saratoga Special he will have to face Mr. Z who is a talented horse who will only get better when the distance gets longer.

The other feature on the card is the Adirondack Stakes for the young ladies. Wonder Gal who was a freak at Belmont in her first start will break from the rail with Taylor Rice on her back for the giddyup. Wonder Gal trained by underrated Leah Gyarmati gave us all a treat when she broke her maiden by fifteen lengths. The field behind her that day was not much, but a good horse wins no matter what, and a great horse dominates. She dominated that small field and will bring her talents to Saratoga today. Some players that she need to pay attention to are Angela Renee who was also impressive in her win, and Vivian Da Bling who won both her starts for the Bret Calhoun barn. Not to be forgotten is Cavorting who broke her maiden down at Belmont Park going six furlongs. The Bernardini filly showed off for the McLaughlin barn in a four horse field, and she will be a player this afternoon when the latch flies open.


Adirondack:

Wonder Gal... impressive in her first start and will be given a strong test...glad Rice got to stick with this one.

Phonenix Park...won at Parx in first start..ultra talented Castellano jumps aboard and he may get something but I want more before I fish this one out of deep water.


Angela Renee... broke maiden like most of Pletcher's good ones...second place finisher Sunday Sonnet came back and won..bodes well for this charge.


Take Charge Brandi... another impressive one in this field..two races and two in the money.. beat Conquest Archangel in first start and lost to Fashion Alert in the Schuylerville.


Cavorting..one start one win..will be making noise in the stretch.


Vivan Da Bling...two starts two wins..will you get 4/1?... Angela Renee will take most of the money but this one will garner some strong support..experience is a major factor in horse racing especially with babies.

Empressive Humor...I had this one over the Pletcher charge..Rosario takes over... Rosie may think she is sitting on the right one.


Angela Renee will be a tough candidate in this spot but I really believe Take Charge Brandi will be difficult as well... 10/1 on Take Charge Brandi is insane... I am taking Take Charge Brandi over Angela Renee with Cavorting to finish the trifecta.


Saratoga Special:


I Spent It... one maiden race..two horses that finished behind him came back to run ok.


Lord Tyrion.... two year olds can grow up overnight but I think the seasoned horses will show their stuff here..this one makes me hunger for the Game Of Thrones series to come back quickly.


Mr. Z...just a tough competitor and I will love him even more when the races begin the two turn gallop... two lovely efforts thus far.


Tizcano... the Gulfstream invader will be in deep.


Rod McLeod... winner first time out at Churchill going four and a half... not smitten today.


Nonna's Boy..what type of trip will he get this time..will Bridgmohan and Velasquez kill each other once more or will cooler heads prevail..who will blink?.... odds are inviting because its Pletcher and Johnny..don't be surprised if Johnny comes out with a different game plan and totally destroy this field...initial win was impressive.


Cinco Charlie..I have been following this one since Churchill Downs..love the owners and glad they are back in the game..they are sticking with their main dude who rode for them on several occasions..Bridge will have to calculate in his head much better than he did last time..save something for the drive and he will be there.


Stanford... I find this one intriguing..he went down to Jersey and did his work ..second place finisher came back to win.


Cleveland Sound... This is a tough spot.


Majestic Affair..is the son of the very fast Majesticperfection...will be gunned from there and see how long he can hold up against this bunch...this is not Canterbury.


W V Jetsetter... three starts..two wins and a third..that post position is making me turn my head away.


I am playing Cinco Charlie who will get a breather and have some left for home... Nonna's Boy will be give a better account this time around and  Mr. Z will be charging but if Bridgmohan and Velasquez give their horses a realistic shot then he may run out of ground.



Selections:

Race 1: Bellamy Way
             Tiz Time To Shine
             Touch Of Paradise



Race 2: Tiger D
             Readyheartandsoul
             Slew Brew



Race 3: Went The Day Well
             Goodtolook
             Pinball



Race 4: Thebeatofthestreet
             Miss Always Ready
             Dance With Ron


Race 5: Papy
             Alakazan Alakazan
             My Afleet


Race 6: Asset Inflation
             Half Nelson
             Visionandaprayer



Race 7: Coral Beach
             Onus
             I'll Show Me



Race 8: StableFord
             Kwacha
             All Cash


Race 9: Take Charge Brandi
             Angela Renee
             Cavorting


Race 10: Cinco Charlie
               Nonna's Boy
               Mr. Z


Race 11: Nineinthenine
               Golden Itiz
               Doc Almond

Saturday's Plays For Saratoga

This Saturday's big race is the Fourstardave and it features Silver Max whom I totally dismissed in his comeback race. He made short work of the field in the Firecracker at Churchill Downs in June with his regular pilot Robbie Albarado on his back. The Fourstardave has a field of six good starters that will make this an entertaining race to watch and bet on.

Silver Max...will break form the one hole and he will do what he does best which is to run and run until they get him.

Seek Again... has made two starts this year and each one in grade one company...he has a second and third place finish and in this spot he will be very tough.


Jack Milton...finished fifth in last start in California...nice horse..will love the distance but I don't like on top.


Dorsett...last win was against allowance company over a year ago...I am always in the hunt for a price but no this one.


Sayaad... I love how this one is going...coming off layoff he won in lovely fashion..the colt will step forward from that effort and begin to establish himself amongst the good turfers.. if you can get over 4/1 with a horse like this in such a short field..play and play...best bet of the day!



Grand Arch.... a nice horse but I think a step below a few others in this spot.


Race 1: Wraith....stays in starter company...shortening up..Ortiz sticks.


Race 2: Hi Speed Chase..coming off break..dropping in company..Joel Rosario takes the call and that is good enough for me.


Race 3: Make a Decision...last effort finished second behind V.E. Day who came back to win next start in the Curlin.



Race 4: Bet Todd Pletcher or just watch.


Race 5: Meet The Mets..why can't this one do it again...stretches out a bit but against this bunch I think the play for the price is right.



Race 6: Dubai Sky... I wish I could offer some good, decent logic to this one other than I am trying to find someone to beat Todd Pletcher.


Race 7: Gran The Man..the common theme for my plays this Saturday is Ortiz and more Ortiz..the winning ways will continue with this Clement charge who broke maiden over a month ago..right back with winners and right back to get photo taken.



Race 8: Analysis...broke maiden two back..came back on dirt against winners and finished up the track... back on turf..shortening up.



Race 9: Orient Harbor...Broke maiden..coming back against a bunch I am familiar with and this is a bunch which a price can rise up and do damage..why not take a shot!


Race 11: Coronette..last time out finished fifth behind Crown Queen after coming off layoff..Crown Queen is nice..second off break will be helpful to this filly..nice play on top.




Selections:

Race 1: Wraith
             Silver Union
             Island Candy



Race 2: Hi Speed Chase
             Madd Exchange
             Nicholson



Race 3: Make a Decision
             Iron Power
             Storm


Race 4: Two weeks Off
              Dada Maino
              Requite


Race 5: Meet The Mets
             Tug Of war
             Dr. Disco


Race 6: Dubai Sky
             Designed For War
             Royal Squeeze


Race 7: Gran The Man
             Sioux
             Groupthink


Race 8: Analysis
             Wake Up In Malibu
             Point Roll


Race 9: Orient Harbor
             Kiss Me Lola
             Mizzen Moon


Race 10: Sayaad (Best Bet)
               Seek Again
               Silver Max


Race 11: Coronette
               Forensic
               Pure Of Spirit

Start The Week Off Right At Saratoga

Saratoga begins the week with the John Call Stakes to compete over the turf course. The field is comprised of some hard knocking horses who are all capable of putting forth a good effort.

Tricky Hat..while this gelding's last two have been less than pleasing on the eyes he does conduct himself in a professional manner most of the time..he owns a win at the track and the distance won't be an issue.

Horvat Clan.... will have to beat me and surprise me.

Bohemian Dance..is a filly trying to dance with the boys in the open stake race..she will have to party and dance very hard to hit the board.


Micromanage....Todd Pletcher/Castellano..Todd Pletcher/Velasquez..winning combo no matter who he legs up...will appreciate the green..his race two back beat any of these...won't get 3/1...bet and bet some more when you find more money.


Seton Hall...he is just as consistent as the Pirates playing in the Big East in New Jersey....Leave him alone.


Manchurian High...He is not a candidate in this spot.


Winning Cause...see Micromanage..the bet in this race should be to see if Johnny had his choice between the two charges...I like Micromanage better but this one is proven on the green..bet the choice that offers the better bang for the buck.


Grand Rapport... I love how this one is going..this is one of those multiple second and thirds that Jacobson had during the first week or so...he could be the main danger to Pletcher's studs.


Holiday Star.... leave Motion out if you like wasting money..I am always rooting for Prado one of the most classiest dudes.... Prado can ride with the best of them but a jock is as good as the horse's effort..If he wins I will be happy for Edgar Prado.


Race 2: Moonluck is a deserving morning line favorite but months off..dropping in for a price..no Rosario for the comeback effort... let's try beating this one.

One horse that should get a look is the David Carrol charge Boss Daddy. His last work was fourth best of 85 and while it has taken him some time to get to the track most of these haven't done much running for a while..first time lasix... 3/5 on a horse coming back off a layoff or 12/1 on a horse fresh out of the barn.


Race 3: will be a good betting race and also probably the most entertaining when the day is over.

Springcourt..has been consistent in last three and should once again be there..blinkers off..Jose Ortiz..watchout!


Sacred Ground..if this one performs well then you may want to pay attention to Grand Rapport later on...In the money for the last five tries...some time off.... Got my eyes on this one.


Conspiracy..is coming off a break..five starts this year with one win and three third place finishes...if I get 3/1 on Castellano and Brown then I am thinking I got away with one.


Race 4...try to beat Wesley Ward...something about his horses that is not impressing me and last week I got suckered with the Ascot playback... I felt the pinch.


Race 5: One element of handicapping is taking a look at the horses' past performances, but the jockeys and trainers are a major component of this process. If a trainer is not firing and the horse looks good in the program I would pass and the same thing goes for the jockeys. With that said I am going to throw it all out and look at Wesley Ward in this spot because I love a price that makes sense in my mind and Sweetmarys Success is the play.


Race 6: love love Zo Zo...first time out she finished fourth in debut..Trainer Dutrow is doing one of my favorite things...equipment change..Blinkers will be fitted on the daughter of Super Saver whose first crops are banging hard on the track.


Race 7: Kitten's Queen is my best bet of the day...I love the four year old filly's company line.. I loved Keening going into the last start and that one didn't disappoint me.. should appreciate everything about this field and Castellano was gifted by the racing gods to do this thing.



Selections:


Race 1: All The way Jose
             All That Rules
             Mr. Starr's Report



Race 2: Boss Daddy
             Moonluck
             Yankee Dime



Race 3: Springcourt
             Conspiracy
             Sacred Ground



Race 4: Jet Alley
             Astron
             Thirtysilverpieces


Race 5: Sweetmarys Success
             Quay
             Making Havoc


Race 6: Zo Zo
             Building Permit
             Cool Temper



Race 7: Kitten's Queen
             Satisfaction
             Get Gorgeous



Race 8: Middleburg
             Upgrade
             Casino Dan



Race 9: Micromanage
             Winning Cause
             Grand Rapport



Race 10: Rontos New York (if he draws in)
               Full Pads
               Sole Train
               Lotza Heat

Leave Iotapa Alone At DelMar

Selctions for DelMar

Race1:Pimpernel will appreciate the fake dirt
           Snowday will love the relief
           Ankeny Hill


Race 2: Next speaker
             Half dome Dude
             Muchos Besos



Race 3: Deraptor
             Know Plans
             Image Of Joplin



Race 4: Loufoque
             Penny Sixpence
             Lethal Story



Race 5: Ritzy Tags
             Madam Aamoura
             Call To Congrats



Race 6: Front Rage
             Downton My Lady
             Tiz Midnight



Race 7: Skip Tony
             Benba
             Crusher



Race 8: Fiftyshadesofhay
             Broken Sword
             Iotapa


Race 9: Another Rucker
             Turnover
             Conscience



Race 10: Gold Medallion
               Dr. Williams
               Format V

Palace Malice Could Be The Envy Of Many

Saratoga has offered horse racing fans a beautiful menu to feast from today. Palace Malice is the main course in the Whitney Handicap, and the big horse whose last win was a scripted adventure on a lovely day at Belmont Park did not scare off many. A field of nine will line up in the Whitney and some very accomplished race horse will try to knock that sweet taste out of Palace Malice's mouth. Will Take Charge will reunite with Luis Saez and try to regain the form that had him eating up the track.  Itsmyluckyday whose comeback race this year was against Palace Malice in Florida and he was sent away wounded from the defeat. He moved his bruised ego down to the Jersey shore and regained his confidence. Moreno's trainer Eric Guillot said that he will go to the front and if you want to go with him it will cost you. A few years ago during the Breeders' Cup, Nick Zito said the same thing when he dared anyone to dance with War Pass on the front end. They didn't and Cornelio Velasquez stole the money. Moreno could be the lone speed on the front end if others decide to take back, and if that happens anything can happen.


Race 1: Dowse's Beach..looks tough in this spot that lacks a lot of consistency..Christophe Clement  knows turf racing very well..I don't care for most of these.


Selection
Dowse's Beach
Leroy Jr.
Giantinthemoonlite


Race 2: Snowbell is going back to dirt..stretching out a bit.. she will be going well.

Brilliant Jewel finished behind Predicate and Ridingwiththedevil last time out...she is a consistent four year old..Ridingwiththedevil has been out of the money once..

Selection
Snowbell
Ridingwiththedevil
Brilliant Jewel


Race 3: Two year olds on the green..Face The Music..McGaughey barn is known for taking their time with firster...I like the the last workout on Saratoga training turf course.

Cordero is coming back from Ascot where he finished sixth..getting lasix..Wesley Ward and Velasquez gets it done more often than not.

Firespike....second first time out at Ellis..the Maker charge will group and improve from last time out.


Selection
Face The Music
Cordero
Firespike


Race 4: Keening... is a consistent young lady that always put her best effort forward..won back in June and I don't see why she can't repeat that effort once more.

Tokyo Time...will make a good account of herself in this spot..she loves the distance//nice company line..Castellano.

Selection
Keening
Tokyo Time
Rubindy


Race 5: Royal Son is a son of Tiznow..Pletcher is loaded with babies once again..this charge worked 59.35 on July 23rd which was best of fifteen..open the gate and let him roll.

Evolution..is 10/1 on the morning line..first start finished third..major room for improvement and the morning line should be there.

Selection
Royal Son
Evolution
Pride Of Stride


Race 6: is a closely matched turf race for three year old fillies...Fashion Fund is getting blinkers..making fourth start in country..enough time to figure her out..Rosario and Shug..money makers.

Granny Mc'sKitten...is coming out of a strong Edgewood stakes at Churchill Downs. She finished  fifth behind A Little Bit Sassy and Istanford...Tepin also came out of that race to run well at DelMar. Love her today!

Selection
Granny Mc'sKitten
Fashion Fund
Pink Poppy


Race 7: Pianist..is coming off layoff..kept wonderful company..if she is ready the music could sound very good.

Joy..won last time out in a five horse field...one horse lost its jockey which interfered with the running of the race...she kicked on in the stretch..turf wasn't firm..could get a piece.

Dayatthespa... coming off layoff...two back finished behind the impressive Better Lucky.

Filimbi..won last time out and two back finished behind Somali Lemonade.

Selection
Pianist
Joy
Dayatthespa
Filimbi



Race 8: Vyjack... I have been sitting on this one and waiting for the right opportunity to play him..he is cutting back to a distance that he will love tremendously..the price will be lovely and he will provide you with seed money for Whitney and Test. Bet Often on this one.

Palace and Baken will be a difficult matchup for Vyjack..

Happy My Way..has been cooking with gas lately..last three starts are lovely bio.

Lemon Drop Dream..has grow up potential and horses can grow up overnight.


Selection
Vyjack
Palace
Happy My Way
Lemon Drop Dream


Race 9: The Test I am expecting a very fast pace like the Victory Ride, so I will be looking for closers at a price.

Street Story...who won the Victory Ride should get same setup.

Birdmaker...who won last race at Churchill will appreciate the seven furlongs.

Southern Honey...brings three game winning streak..going very well.

Selection
Street Story
Birdmaker
Southern Honey


Race 10: The Whitney is a four horse race... the pace maker Moreno will have a comfortable lead if allowed to roam out there by himself..Romansh may provide some push  but that may take him out of his game..Palace Malice will sit off the speed and Will Take Charge will wait until the engine is fully heated up. Palace Malice is a serious racehorse but horses get beat and I have tried to beat him a few times with no success..I am stubborn..will try to beat him once more with Moreno doing his best Game On Dude impersonation..color me crazy.

Selection
Moreno
Palace Malice
Will Take Charge
Itsmyluckyday


Race 11: I was confused looking at this bunch. I went through the lot and wished the main track only entrants were a part of the body..you can take a shot with just about any of these..box four and hope for the best.

Selection
Front
Kharafa
Bio Pro
Big Blue Kitten

Rain Rain Go Away

Yesterday was a complete mess from a handicapping standpoint at Saratoga. The race card was totally decimated with scratches and I kindly watched as a viewer, throwing out everything I saw. Today I am hoping racing will return to the turf even if it's soft because a soft turf is better than what I endured yesterday. Boca Babe won by over twenty lengths while my pick Crashing Conclave with Manny Franco riding just crossed the finish line, ready to go around again because she didn't run a step the first time around. My hands went up in the air and so did my program. Hopefully today will bring sunshine that will begin the drying process for an exciting Saturday.

Things to watch for Aug 1st at Saratoga:

Race 1: No Nukes.. has been going well since dropping to more inviting company..had many chances to blow up tote board but hasn't delivered, and I don't like faves who had too many chances.

Fidelius.. is dropping for George Weaver..going back to dirt..if No Nukes is fave why not play this one.

Invasion Point.. is another dropper trying to find some love..son of Invasor should appreciate the stretch out and relief.

Jacob's Here ... yet another dropper..shortening up..state bred first time..will be on ticket.


Race 2: Point To The Wild... If the mare is correct and ready to make a point add your ten cents to your two dollar bet...she will love the green or dirt..only challenger in this soft spot should be Ave's Halo if it stays on green..sit back and enjoy this one.


Race 3: Samantha Nicole had people watching first time out but the party and hype was short lived..she had some time off and changed barns..working well and may just decide to be good like her sister.

Dragonberry...finished fourth last time out to Predicate who came back to finish second in allowance company..5/1 morning line.. I likey.


Cali Star... is rightfully the morning line fave... had many chances..play but try to beat in top spot.


Twenty In One... Three starts..three times in the money...is this another Smart Ashley in the making?


Race 4: North Slope enjoys dirt..third last time out behind sail mate who stunk up the joint yesterday but the entire card stunk up the joint with the mud..give this one a look.


Ever Rider..has kept company my mother would be proud of..will be tough.


All Tied Up...last time ran against horses that were window dressing for Bayern in Haskell.



Race 5: Herd Mentality..broke maiden a year ago at Saratoga...given a month off by Asmussen..coming back in a race that is screaming for a price.

Solly's Mischief... fits with these at 10/1 morning line..Franco will have to work out a trip.



Race 6: How..takes a drop..play at 7/5 or just watch... I hate just watching so I am playing but not this one on top.

Once A Week ... 6/1..fits nicely with these..she will be coming and maybe the right play if you don't like HOW.


Race 7: Lunar Tales...looks like the right one if race is on turf.

Let's Go Ben..will be played if taken off green..Blinkers added will put this son of Songandaprayer in the game early.


Race 9: I loved Munnings Sister the moment I saw the card... She is one of those I always enjoy watch running... going to turf after extended campaign on dirt..if this taken off I love her even more.




Selections:


Race 1: Jacob's Here
             Fidelius
             Invasion Point
           



Race 2: Point To The Wild
             Ave's Halo
             My Bella Beauty      




Race 3: Dragonberry
             Cali Star
             Samantha Nicole



Race 4: Ever Rider
             North Slope
             All Tied Up




Race 5: Solly's Mischief
             Herd Mentality
             Stowe





Race 6: Once A Week
             How
             Daddy Loves Gold




Race 7: Lunar Tales
             Let's Go Ben
             Stalagmite




Race 8:  Smokey Brown
              Aripeka
              Jigsaw




Race 9: Munnings Sister
              Free As A Bird
             Believe In Charlie




Race 10: Romans Paradise
               Dividend
               All My Trails          

Make Some Money

The Thursday card at Saratoga offers some nice opportunities in each race.

Race 2: Rare Eagle had five starts this year and put himself in the money four times.. lone disappointment was on turf this year..back to dirt..Maragh and Albertrani always play good music.

Harbor King: has had many chances and all in state bred company..last December finished third behind Uncle Sigh..I am sighing while dismissing this one.


None Like Nolan: is the morning line favorite based on recency..done nice work on dirt and turf.


Aggrandizement: has never been in the money but has kept beautiful company..the relief maybe the prescription..I am banking that he wakes up in this spot.



Race 3: Hot Squeeze...scratched from Coronation Cup and that was a wise decision considering the Graham Motion horse was nice...eight days turnaround..Weaver knows he has a Saratoga diva...go to the window..could be first repeat winner.


White Sangria.. is going well this year..hit trifecta in three starts..one to beat.


Neck Of The Moon...Second start off layoff..Chad Brown knows how to get them fit and Castellano is ahead of the class.



Race 4: North Ocean...woke up last time...that maybe the antidote..he will be tough with Pletcher legging up his main dude.


Big Town...jockey improvement..just love the company line.


One King's Man...four back finished behind Big Town..could get a piece.



Race 5: I am going to play Motion and Ortiz..Reign is an apt name for the way Motion is going right now at Saratoga..Hail the turf king.

Crashing Conclave....coming out of race won by Lonely Teardrops who I loved yesterday..Lonely Teardrops finished third in nice effort at a price.


Stay In Front...Changed barns..coming off layoff.. dropping immediately.


Price Play: Madris in Race 7...my price play on the day... Media Kid and Grand Rapport has played tag in last two races..they will be tough in this level but you have to take shot at some point and Madris at 15/1 morning line fits with these.


Race 9: Evan Shipman Stakes... Big Business..Jacobson is finishing in the money..morning line fave..nice horse.


Awesome Vision..will be the play for me..just look who he danced with and even beat back in November..Zivo.. My Best Bet On The Day.



Selections:

Race 2: Rare Eagle
             None Like Nolan
             Aggrandizement



Race 3: Hot Squeeze
             White Sangria
             Neck Of The Moon


Race 4: North Ocean
             Big Town  
             One King's Man


Race 5:  Reign
              Crashing Conclave
              Stay In Front


Race 6:  Bullheaded Boy
              Scorecard Harry
              Watergate


Race 7:  Madris
              Media Kid
              Grand Rapport


Race 8: Los Borrachos
             Mister Special
             Strom


Race 9: Awesome Vision (best bet)
             Big Business
             Sailmate


Race 10: Rack Em Earl
               Anmatt
               Grandpa Len

Things Are Still The Same At Saratoga

The more things change the more they stay the same. After the early start to the Saratoga meet, jockey John Velasquez and Javier Castellano are once again fighting for leading jockey with one win separating the two top jockeys. Both jockeys are hitting in the money at a staggering 50% for riders with over fifty mounts, which is mind blowing considering the competition at the meet. Bet Velasquez and Castellano if you like padding your two dollar bet, but venture outside the norm if you want some value.

For the trainers, Todd Pletcher is once again ahead of the class with his stock stable. Mott, Maker, Dutrow, and Weaver are also hitting hard with winners. Chad Brown and Christophe Clemente are in the money from 24 and 22 runners respectively. With seventeen starters, Bruce Brown has been in the money ten times with seven of those finishing third. How many of those third place finishers will convert to winners in the next few weeks from the Bruce Brown barn? That is something to pay close attention to. 

Barns that can get even hotter in the next few weeks:  Kiaran McLaughlin with only two in the money finishers from nine staters. The barn is quiet on the track and off. David Jacobson has one winner from twenty starters, although he has seven second and third place finishers and "Shug" McGaughey with twelve starters with two winners and two third place finishers.

Things to watch for Wednesday, July 30th at Saratoga: 

The Coronation Cup is the ninth race on the card and it draws ten starters. I am not blown away with these fillies, but there will be a price play in the field.  

We have Hot Squeeze coming off a nice win on July 23rd... seven days turn around..loved her in her last start but I am passing this time around.

Ruslana: I looked..I saw..I don't like.

Sweetmary's Success: Trying turf for the first time..she will love it..third off layoff..love that!

Scatcapade: Five starts this year..in the money three times..leave out Clement at your own peril.

Recoupe: Broke maiden on turf after three starts on dirt..could be rising.

Stars Above Me: is an interesting filly..first time lasix...in the money four out of five starts..the field is not incredibly strong..motion is going well..take a shot!

Fat Kat: Two starts..two stakes..someone thinks highly of this filly.

Isabelle: From the Lisa Lewis barn...will be trying turf for the first time..if she likes it then payoff could be great.

Elena Strikes: Comes into field boasting impressive company on dirt...Pletcher and Velasquez are hot again at Saratoga.

Selection: I am playing Stars Above Me on top...I am banking that she will be nice against this bunch..will play three others underneath for super.

Race 2: Brandini is stretching out for the first time..sticking to maiden claiming ranks after trying straight maiden six previous starts...could graduate today.

Race 3: Willet will be tough but I am trying to beat that one with Here's Zealicious...the six year old mare is hard hitting on the track...seven starts this year and in the money six times with four wins.

Price Play: Race 4...Alaskan Bird form the Nick Zito barn...won last time out after going back to dirt...will enjoy stretching out and she could just love that winning feeling.

Race 5..Dilger and Bridgmohan did some nice work with the two year old Wired Bryant last year..this season Bridgmohan came off Saluda when the gate opened...they will be tough in this spot with the daughter of Smart Strike.

Selections:

Race 1: Harrods Creek

             El Season

             Virsito/Easy Reach

Race 2: Brandini

             Kelly's Prize

             Bella Fachi

Race 3: Here's Zealicious

             Willet

             Atlantic Smile

Race 4: Alaskan Bird

             Rock Me Mama

             chase My Tail

Race 5: First Charmer

             Oohlala

             Nonna Jo

Race 6: Mama Zee

             Rosie My Way

             Kelwynne

Race 7: Lonely Teardrops

             Wine Burglar

             Ear D' Rhythm

Race 8: Queen To Be

              La Madrina

              Hobe Wins

Race 9: Stars Above Me

             Scatcapade

             Isabelle

             Fat Kat

   

Race 10: Uptown Joe

                Candir

                Jimmy Souls

                Kato

              

They Are Giving Away Saratoga Money

Things to watch for on Monday July 28th at Saratoga:

Race 1 is an interesting mix of horses coming out of maiden races and a few coming out of maiden claiming ranks.

Point of Hope....last time out finished behind Special Agent and Sheldon. Special agent came back to win allowance race while Sheldon broke maiden..barn had win yesterday...looks strong.

Are We Not Men..has raced three times..kept good company and this spot seems softer than previous campaign.

Pilatus...has been running well in maiden claiming company..if others don't show up he could get a piece.

I am looking forward to seeing race 2 and I hope the rain gods stay away so this one remains on the green.

Banana Thief...is a son of kitten joy out of a Johar mare...Asmussen and Bridgmohan has teamed up to do some lovely things in the past..going well.

Amazing Anne..is a filly tackling the boys..the daughter of Freud has had a series of work..will love the lawn.

Essence At Noon...is a son of Noonmark who will be making his second start..first start was in a stake race where he finished fifth.. he will improve from that first effort.

Race 3.. I am playing Southern Blessing at a price...one start this year after a taking a break..last start ran into some nice three year olds..Asmussen is great in these of type of races.

Race 4..is a bettors delight.. maiden claimers looking to graduate..I am taking a shot with a firster from the Maker barn. I am not so blown away with the others so why not take shot with a newcomer... War Of Honor is a son of War Pass who was a very fast horse..Irad climbs aboard and I will be hoping.

Race 8 is the Honorable Miss Stake...My Wandy's Girl is my best bet of the day..love this mare who has kept beautiful company in her six starts..out of money once..Mike Hushion is going very well at Saratoga...shortening up though one effort at six furlongs was off the board..dismiss that..last time out chased 45 and change for the half and got caught in stretch.. great foundation from that race..if I get 7/2 it would be a gift.

Race 9..Romancing The Gold is coming off a win but showed nothing in previous..will get money because of the barn...I am staying away from the top spot with this one.

Selections:

Race 1: Point of Hope 

            Are We Not Men

            Pilatus

Race 2: Banana Thief

             Amazing Anne

             Essence At Noon

Race 3: Southern Blessing

             Mr. O' Leary

             Beau Who

Race 4: War Of Honor 

             Spa City Treasure

             Frame

Race 5: Citizen Wells

             Maserati

             Best Play

Race 6: Forest Boy

             Pecorino

             Appealing Alex

Race 7: Father Johns Pride

             Big Sugar Soda

             Defiant (if he draws in)

Race 8: My Wandy's Girl

             R Free Roll

             La Verdad

Race 9: Zoebear

             Mr. Espresso

             Star Of New York

             Romancing The Gold

Jim Dandy Is The Start Of Second Season

The Jim Dandy at Saratoga draws a collective group of talented three year olds. One doesn't have to look deep to see the talent that litters the group. Tonalist began painting a master piece in the Peter Pan and completed the painting in the Belmont Stakes when he dashed hopes and dreams on a beautiful New York Saturday. Tonalist will once again be ridden by Joel "all world" Rosario, and this three year old will be trying to send another message to California Chrome and others that the win in the Belmont Stakes was a prelude of what is to come.

Tonalist won't be without his challengers and Linda Rice comes to the party dressed up with Kid Cruz. The horse with the name that reminds me of a calypso singer has been on a roll since his disappointment in the Preakness. The switch was made to Irad Ortiz and he has come alive with the young jockey. Kid Cruz will be singing and dancing down the lane but he won't find a sprinter trying to stretch out, and there won't be any Life In Shambles who was a shamble yesterday in the Curlin.


Legend has been out of the money once in five starts but if I am not high on Kid Cruz, why would I be high on this three year old? He won't be a legend after this race.


Ulanbator comes to the party as the buzz horse. Third in the Dwyer...behind whom?..you guessed it -Kid Cruz... if I am not dancing with Kid Cruz I am sure not dancing with this Ian Wilkes charge.


Commanding Curve My Derby pick..ran well...my Belmont Stakes horse..stunk up joint like a New York subway after the clubs let out.....should be there at the end.


Wicked Strong could be wickedly strong in this race..he could and should be there with Tonalist.. Maragh is riding very well.

Selection:
Tonalist
Wicked Strong
Commanding Curve


The appetizer for the Jim Dandy is the Amsterdam....

Coup De Grace...comes off winning effort..confidence builder...has kept great company..can he get a breather?....if so could be there.


Rock Fall...Pletcher/Castellano..won on turf and dirt..the horse he beat last time out Real Estate Rich gave a dull effort in his last start...Saratoga will play him because it's Pletcher.


Captain Serious..love this crazy serious race horse..saw him compete in the Mike Lee and when Jose Ortiz was leaving the paddock he was smiling like a kid at Christmas..he laughed all the way to the wire...last out in Dwyer he did all the work and got out finished not by a better horse but by the distance...he is a stud..will fire once more.



TizNowForAmerica...wouldn't you want to hear Durkin call this one first at the wire... could be a little over his head.


Noble Moon...is cutting back in distance since maiden breaker...Gyarmati is sneaky good..underrated trainer...won't surprise me.


Big Guy Ian...is cutting back..last out finished behind Protonico...don't know if he is fast enough..could get a piece...


Selection:
Captain Serious
Noble Moon
Coup De Grace



Race 7..is an enticing betting race...

Fabulous Kid...last time on dirt in Peter Pan sat close to pace..faded..came back on turf and showed nothing...shortening up.

Celebrated Talent... last win came over Saratoga's dirt..missing in action for sometime...barn is ice cold thus far but can wakeup in a New York minute.

Rich "N" Tuck..put on dirt for last two and woke up in both efforts..Zito is off to a good start..Saez at a price


Jimmy Connors...cut back in distance for last start and came alive..this could be the right spot.

Selection:
Rich "N" Tuck
Fabulous Kid
Jimmy Connors



Watch Your Money:
Smart Ashley in race 1 has burned a lot of money..breaking from the outside...I am betting she will still be a maiden.


Make Some Money:
Race 5... Rankhasprivileges...fits with these... why is Golden Soul 5/1???...because he has ran in nothing but stake races until his last?..I am taking the higher price horse that finished ahead of him.



Race 6: Arc Above...has run 2nd at distance two back..kept good company..Norumbega..Star Channel.. Capitan Futuro..long layoff...if he is right then the price is right with this level...Knight's Nation..done nothing in first two starts of the year but the company is softer in this spot.


Selecctions:

Race 1: Rapid Repair
             Magnolia Lane
             Engaginglee



Race 2: Hidden Vow
             Blue Pigeon
             Sanctify



Race 3: Bayerd
             Competitive Edge
             Aldrin



Race 4: Vecino
              Tom's Vision
               Poppy's Watching



Race 5: Rankhasprivileges
              Bay Of Biscay
              Matuszak



Race 6: Arc Above
             Capitan Futuro
             Knight's Nation



Race 7: Rich "N" Tuck
             Fabulous Kid
             Jimmy Connors



Race 8: Captain Serious
             Noble Moon
             Coup De Grace


Race 9: Miss Owell
             The Lady Says Yes
             Distorted Beauty



Race 10: Tonalist
              Wicked Strong
              Commanding Curve




Race 11: Elroi
               Tapitation
               Poliziotto
               Bluegrass Flash

Curlin To Write A New Chapter

The word is that Commanding Curve will skip Curlin Stakes and head to the Jim Dandy to run on Saturday. The Jim Dandy is shaping up to be a nice race, but the Curlin runners will be looking to make a name for themselves for later on in the season. The race has some nice horses but after looking closely at the race, I immediately dismissed most of the field. Todd Pletcher sends out Protonico who has two wins from three starts. He came back from a layoff to score beautifully going a mile but the second and third place finishers behind him - All My Memories and Big Guy Ian won't set anyone's track on fire.

Life In Shambles will be ridden by Joel Rosario who is riding very well at the current Spa meet. The three year old colt train by Clement is coming off a third place finish behind Kid Cruz. I selected Life In Shambles to win the Easy Goer because I wasn't in love with Kid Cruz. Well Kid Cruz won that race and came back to win the Dwyer a month later. Life In Shambles has only been out of the money once in his career so I will include him underneath.


Joint Custody is an ultra consistent horse who always seems to fire in the MidAtlantic region. Today he is coming to Saratoga to strut his stuff and the talented jock McCarthy follows the charge. I like a consistent horse that will lay it down no matter what. He has eight starts and finished in the money seven times with three wins. The Curlin is a grab bag and I am not reaching too deep in the bag to find this gem waiting to sparkle.



Things to watch for on Friday, July 25th:

Race 2: Valerie Victoria is a live long shot..third start off layoff..stretching out a bit..morning line is very inviting.



Race 3: Shetan is live long shot play...Motion and Rosario..both are hot right now...third off layoff..love that angle..take a shot.


Race 4: is a lovely race..Jose Ortiz jumps off Horatio and goes to Noble Cornerstone..Ortiz had a win on the horse last month..things that make you go hmmm when handicapping.



Race 6: Abraham..love this horse today...has a win over track..he will have to fight off Qualify who is going for four in a row...and Bad Hombre coming back in twelve days..all three are going well.




Race 10: Long shot play Por Que Te Sueno..some nice works..will get Lasix for first effort..Bridgmohan already scored with long shot on turf...use in gimmicks.





Selections:


Race 1: Vision of Mine
              Naughty Matilda
              Silver Union




Race 2:         My Place
                   Violet Hour              
                   Valerie Victoria



Race 3: Shetan
             Clearbrook
            Royal Blessing





Race 4: Noble Cornerstone
             Horatio
             Leilani's Ticket





Race 5: Stormy Rocit
             Upward
             Animal Style





Race 6: Abraham
             Qualify
             Bad Hombre





Race 7: Mobilize
             Sumba Sunset
             Shift Colors





Race 8: Readthebyline
             Finding Candy
             Bug Juice





Race 9: Joint Custody
             Protonico
             Life In Shambles





Race 10: Forensic
               Jolene
               Por Que Te Sueno
               Giant's Jewel
               Colorful................... Super box play
             

Don't Get Harpooned Once More

Things to Watch for:

The Quick Call Stakes is race 9 on the Thursday card and we have a money burner in the field. Harpoon whose last win came December 26th at Gulfstream Park will once again take a majority of bettors' money. The promising three year old son of Tapit wet the appetite of many has a two year old, but he hasn't lived up to his potential. Put your money elsewhere, but if he decides to show up and run a winning effort then so be it...the payoff won't be that hurtful...I am taking the hook out of my mouth and passing on him until he shows more.

Pure Sensation: he is trying turf for the first time and has been keeping excellent company..Clement knows how to get a horse ready to run, and turf is where he has made his name...include this charge in your exotics.


Harpoon: made my case


Escapist: broke maiden and came back to win an allowance race after some time off...both winning effort has been on the green..DeCarlo wasn't replace by some big name jockey...which is the trend at Saratoga...good for DeCarlo.



Good Bye Greg: is the son of Teuflesberg...fast and more fast..two starts and two wins..both wins on the fake dirt.



Favorite Tale: should take to the green...shortening up for this spot...Rosie...include



Glacken Too: is an interesting play...he has kept good company such as Unknown Road..Embellishing Bob and Cabo Cat...last time on the green he raced wide the entire race..chased fast pace..made three wide move and weakened going a mile..shortening up for this effort..this race is begging for a price



Choctaw Chuck: I am a Taylor Rice fan but this one I am passing on


Selection: Glacken Too...Pure Sensation...Escapist



Race 2 is an inviting two year old race with Pletcher and Asmussen once again ready to throw down..Yesterday Asmussen got the better of Pletcher... this race Asmussen sends out Revolver and Pletcher counters with Battle Red and Bully Proof..Revolver departs a four and half furlong race where he came on to be second... Battle Red finished second behind I Spent It...Another interesting horse is Louisiana Brown who finished second to Mr. Z at Churchill Downs..Mr Z is a nice colt.



Jockey watch: Robbie Albarado... Edgar Prado... Taylor Rice... still waiting to visit the winners' circle... Rice will be aboard Penella in race 3 and the horse has a shot..dropping back to maiden claimers..back to dirt..blinkers on..give this price play a look


Race 3..Molly Jordan is coming off an extended break..dropping in claiming race...if she is ready she will fire against these.. Keep Right will be tough in this spot...Mary's in Utopia finished behind Girlaboutown who freaked yesterday.


Race 7: is a feast... I will be taking some price underneath Sneaky Kitten


Race 8: Egotist intrigues me


Race 10: wants a long shot to come home...All Over Me is very vulnerable in this spot...2/1 morning line...take a peek elsewhere




Selections:

Race 1: Gmac
             Saint Jerome
             Bluegrass Summer




Race 2: Louisiana Brown
             Battle Red
             Revolver




Race 3: Mary's In Utopia
             Keep Right
             Molly Jordan




Race 4: Ultimate Shopper
              Katie's Garden
              Lady Gracenote




Race 5: Skipping
             Orient Harbor
             Miss Lech




Race 6: Bridgetta
             Bird House
             Darn That Trip




Race 7: Sneaky Kitten
              Lord Of Love
             Status Of Forces




Race 8: Wholelotaroyalty
              Pura Vida Zen
              Egotist





Race 9: Glacken Too
             Pure Sensation
              Escapist





Race 10: Regretless
               Chasin Chama
               All Over Me