Huge weekend of action culminates with 3 stake Monday and $60k carryover at Saratoga. Predictable Sidney’s Candy win in the Fourstardave gave way to ‘what just happened’ Ruffian win by undistinguished Ask the Moon. At Monmouth, Bob Baffert continued his mastery of the Haskell as developing Coil bested Shackleford in an exciting stretch battle. Not a lot of time to review the Sunday wagering except to say it was a down day that never really got going. Hope you did OK… Good set of races to end the first full week and opening quarter of the Spa stand. Weekend Review on ATR this morning!

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: CLM/N2L, F&M-3+, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #3 Moshe Diane 9-2 5th
Next Best: #5 Weak Dollar Policy 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #8 All Quiet 5-1 6th
Super Add: #9 Belle Muse 12-1 WON ($20.80)

2nd: Smart and Fancy, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Out Post 5-1 4th
Best Value: #1 Donna Getyourgun 12-1 6th
Exotics Use: #3 Quebrada Shiner 3-1 5th
Super Add: #6 Karakorum Elektra 5-1 8th

3rd: NY-MSW, 3+, 9f-IT (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #10 Windafull 5-2 7th
Next Best: #12 Atitlan 2-1 WON ($5.30)
Exotics Use: #5 Mightylover 5-1 2nd
Super Add: #4 Fast Grievance 6-1 4th

4th: MDN CLM, 3+, 9.5f-T (P6, P3, DD, Super)

$60k P6 C/O starts here..

Bug boy Ryan Curatolo gets back in the irons today after injury break, and makes his Saratoga bow riding Scott Everett’s Fu Pegs Baby..

Most Likely: #2 Parcel 5-2 3rd
Best Value: #8 Halefellow Wellmet 6-1 DH-8th
Exotics Use: #10 East Indies 7-2 WON ($11.60)
Super Add: #6 Gunman 6-1 2nd

5th: ALW/N2L, F&M-3+, 7f (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #2 Counterparty 1-1 5th
Best Value: #7 Island Bound 8-1 5th
Exotics Use: #4 Precious Soul 8-1 WON ($15.80)
Super Add: #3 Champagne Run 5-1 2nd

<$50/$75 P4 Play:

2: 1-3-4-6-7
3: 4-5-10-12
4: 2-4-6-8-10
5: 2

5x4x5x1 = 100 x .50 = $50

6th: NY-MSW, 3+, 5,5f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #11 Paci Di Note 5-2 3rd
Next Best: #4 All Class 3-1 WON ($10.00)
Best Value: #9 Jaded Lover 6-1 9th
Super Add: #3 Diceman 9-2 6th

7th: Rachel Alexandra, F&M-3+, 7f (P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #6 Kid Kate 6-1 WON ($13.00)
Next Best: #5 Buckleupbuttercup 7-2 7th
Exotics Use: #4 Katy Now 6-1 3rd
Super Add: #2 Lisa’s Booby Trap 5-2 8th

8th: 19th Amsterdam (G2), 3yo, 6.5f (DD, Super)

Important traditional prep for the King’s Bishop marks the return to action of To Honor and Serve and to some degree, Wine Police (2nd off layoff since memorable Spa runs a year ago). Hard to seperate this set..

Most Likely: #2 Redeemed 7-2 2nd
Best Value: #3 Wine Police 8-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #7 Justin Phillip 3-1 4th
Super Add: #1 Arch Traveler 4-1 5th

9th: NY-MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 6f (Super)

Most Likely: #12 Holy Spice 7-2 8thj
Best Value: #6 By M K 5-1 5th
Exotics Use: #13 Spa City Lover 3-1 2nd
Super Add: #3 Sugar Beach 12-1 4th

<$150 P6 Play:

4: 2-8-10
5: 2
6: 4-11
7: 4-5-6
8: 2-3
9: 6-12

3x1x2x3x2x2 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

6: 4-9-11
7: 4-5-6
8: 1-2-3-7
9: 6-12

3x3x4x2 = $72 ($36 for .50)

Fun day of racing and a beautiful afternoon at the Spa, with the first large and enthusiastic crowd of the season on hand exuding the high energy buzz that makes it special. Wagering-wise, I never really got going at the windows despite having a couple of good ideas, and lost close to $300 when the dust settled. Todd Pletcher dominated the afternoon with 4 wins including Stay Thirsty’s Jim Dandy score and the impressive unveiling of two year olds Giant Surprise (Giant’s Causeway) and Captain Webb (English Channel). Chad Brown won his first G1 with Zagora emerging late to swipe the Diana, while John Terranova found the end zone in the Hattie Moseley with 18-1 overlay My Redbyrd.

There were two 9f sophomore races Saturday that were serving as Travers preps, and George Weaver’s Malibu Glow held off Steve Margolis’ Windswept hours before the Jim Dandy. Both the winner and runner-up from this ALW bear watching, and it will be interesting to see how the figure makers view the two races. The early route went in 1:50.0, while Stay Thirsty stopped the meter in 1:48.3, and I’ll speculate that the surface got faster as Saturday wore on. Out of everything that went on in the two heats, Windswept is the horse that exhibited qualities of the greatest upside potential, and his effort reminded me of Afleet Express’ showing in the ’10 Jim Dandy ahead of his Travers win.

Back to the Jim Dandy, and while I personally disliked Stay Thirsty among the 4 main contenders, I was delighted to point people toward the 37-1 runner up Moonshine Mullin. His bump along finish produced a $23.40 place price and boosted the $81.50 exacta, $279.00 triple and $1,124.00 super with the 5-2 winner, 2-1 Dominus and 4-1 Alternation. As a son of 2000 Travers runner-up Albert the Great, Moonshine Mullin was bred for dirt and came into the Jim Dandy looking to run on it for the first time. In a race where there was no glaring way to try and make money, it made sense to build around the one horse that was an unknown in the event and had potential to move forward. As I said on ‘Loose on the Lead’ Saturday morning, no matter which of the prime players you were leaning toward, Moonshine Mullin was the horse to use to attempt to 4-1’s into 40-1. Hope you did OK Saturday!

Sunday action abounds! Spa slate features the G1 Ruffian and G2 Fourstardave; $170k P6 carryover at Del Mar; Haskell Day at Monmouth!

SARATOGA

PRE-SCRATCHES

1st: CLM, 3+, 9f (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Show Trial 4-1 6th
Best Value: #12 Wishful Tomcat 6-1 5th
Next Best: #5 Stud Muffin 7-2 WON-DH ($5.00)
Super Add: #10 Sheraguska 10-1 4th

2nd: NY-MSW, 2yo-F, 6f (P4, P3, DD)

Pretty nondescript bunch..

Most Likely: #4 Shesabronxbomber 7-2 3rd
Best Value: #3 Suave N Sassy 15-1 11th
Next Best: #6 Sally’s Dream 10-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #5 Erin Enchanted 3-1 6th

3rd: NY-MSW, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #3 Queens or Better 2-1 WON ($5.00)
Next Best: #10 City Vice 10-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #7 Warrior Marie 10-1 7th
Super Add: #8 Seattle Dynasty 9-2 4th

4th: MDN CLM, 2yo, 5.5f (P3, DD, Super)

It’s not often we get Arky and Okie breds at Saratoga, let alone in the same race, but there is McPeek with the Ed Anthony homebred Bunker’s Ledge (Harperstown) and Parisella with the Kupferberg’s Two and Twenty (Northern Afleet) respectively..

Best Value: #8 Lionator 20-1 DNF
Next Best: #4 King and Crusader 5-1 6th
Exotics Use: #3 Professor Fate 5-1 WON ($14.60)
Super Add: #11 Two and Twenty 8-1 8th

5th: MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P6, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Singmeasong 6-1 5th
Next Best: #10 Pray for Grace 6-1 9th
Exotics Use: #6 Drink of the Day 3-1 6th
Super Add: #8 Simsational 6-1 4th

<$75 P4 Play:

This is nearly an unplayable sequence. we may all be better served spending within the races and with P3’s..

2: 3-4-5-6
3: 3-7-10
4: 3-4-8-11
5: 4-6-10

4x3x4x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

6th: S/ALW, 3+, 8.5f-IT (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Good starter set with all kinds of pace scenario possibilities. It will be interesting to see if Bridgmo gets out quickly enough on Middle of the Nite to confront hot-riding Castellano on Bishop of Nola, because failure to do so could see Bishop loose up front..

Most Likely: #4 Hyper 5-2 WON ($5.10)
Next Best: #6 Versailles Road 5-1 2nd
Best Value: #8 Don’t Fooli Houli 10-1 5th
Exotics Use: #9 Perfect Joiski 10-1 6th

7th: CLM, 3+, 7f (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Giant ‘clearance sale’ sign on Emma’s Posse here, and you would expect her to win unless she’s down to three legs. Not sure what the percentages actually are in these cases, but didn’t we just see a similar case, and failure, by Asmussen dive bomber Houston Harbor at 3-2 opening week?

Most Likely: #10 Emma’s Posse 8-5 4th
Next Best: #4 Hopeful Boy 5-1 5th
Exotics Use: #16 (AE) SCR
Super Add: #15 (AE) Never Right Joey 9-2 WON ($8.70)

8th: 27th Fourstardave (G2), 3+, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #5 Sidney’s Candy 4-5 WON ($2.60)
Best Value: #6 Moryba 15-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #2 Turallure 10-1 5th
Super Add: #3 Blues Street 4-1 4th

9th: 36th Ruffian Inv. H. (G1), F&M-3+, 9f (DD, Super)

Though lacking headline star power, this is an intriguing and nicely-matched group. If Marty Wolfson stays at MTH to run Ask the Moon in the Lady’s Secret, who is going to run with intent-on-the-lead Absinthe Minded? Virtually everyone else would prefer to stalk. Can Bobby Flay win his 2nd G1 in a month with Super Espresso after Her Smile annexed the Prioress? Steve Hobby has come to Saratoga twice with Telling to steal the G1 Sword Dancer, and now turns up with steady Tiz Miz Sue (6-1). Very tricky event..

Most Likely: #2 Super Espresso 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #7 Tiz Miz Sue 6-1 4th (DQ’d from 3rd)
Exotics Use: #5 Payton d’Oro 2-1 3rd (Up from 4th)
Super Add: #6 Dynazaper 6-1 7th-Eased

10th: NY-OC/N2X, 3+, 8.5f-T (Super)

As discussed often, there are no better wagering opps than these state bred ALW turf routes..

Best Value: #6 Cookram Rock 15-1 5th
Next Best: #5 Writingonthewall 5-2 WON ($5.80)
Exotics Use: #2 Midnight Billy 12-1 3rd
Super Add: #7 Lonely Whistle 8-1 7th

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 4-10
8: 5-6
9: 2-5-7
10: 2-4-5-6-7-8

2x2x3x6 = $72 ($36 for .50)

Late day outburst put damper on twilight racing at the Spa Friday, but still a fun afternoon for the enthusiastic College Day crowd. Got a couple licks in early on the slate with first two P3’s falling at $104 and $190, which proved enough to exit the day level. Mott second time out/first time turf Reach a Decision proved capable in that MDN 2nd we discussed, and the $26+ win tote was certainly surprising. Colossal Gift ran a predictable second from the outpost, which produced an OK $48 exacta. Not a great day but hardly a bad one. Hope you did well! Superb weekend upon us… Graham Motion and Tom Durkin join Seth Merrow and I on Capital OTB TV-12’s “Loose on the Lead” Saturday morning 9-10a.

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #1 Zapparition 2-1: Owns class edge; Saves ground.. 6th
Best Value: #4 Sing My Song: A personal fave; Career best form.. 7th
Next Best: #6 La Reine Lionne 6-1: May move up on lawn with cut.. 2nd
Super Add: #7 Hasay 6-1: Motion has had 6 weeks to adjust import.. 4th

2nd: MSW, 2yo, 6f (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #5 Stealcase 7-2: Turning into ‘universal good thing’.. 4th
Next Best: #3 Officer Prado 4-1: Dawdled in bow early, picked it up late.. 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 Doctorious 6-1 7th
Super Add: #1 Giant Surprise 3-1 WON ($7.80)

3rd: ALW/N1X, 3+, 9f (P3, DD, Super)

Excellent ALW route with several 3yo’s that could yet find themselves in the Travers or PA Derby..

Most Likely: #1 Windswept 5-1: If more than a closing sprinter.. 2nd
Best Value: #3 Gallant Dreams 6-1: Two-turning may be his best thing.. 5th
Next Best: #8 Malibu Glow 2-1: Obviously with big chance, but 2-1? WON ($4.80)
Exotics Use: #2 Jack London 3-1: Will call on Waquoit mare’s stamina.. 3rd

4th:NY-MDN CLM, 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

Best Value: #3 With a Cape 5-1 3rd
Next Best: #8 Sebago Bay 5-2 WON ($5.50)
Exotics Use: #5 Ambassador Bridge 6-1 4th
Super Add: #9 Stonemill 12-1 10th

5th: CLM, 3+, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD, Super)

#11 (AE) Gimme Credit (5-1) will be a use should he draw in..

Most Likely: #9 Alyarf 5-1 9th
Best Value: #8 Veiled Prospect 8-1 5th
Next Best: #7 Monument Hill 9-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #11 Gimme Credit 5-1 4th

<$50 P4 Play:

2: 3
3: 1-2-3-8
4: 3-8
5: 5-6-7-8-9-11

1x4x2x6 = $48 ($24 for .50)

6th:MSW, 2yo, 8.5f-T (P6, P3, DD, Super)

Tough way to start this tremendously challenging P6 carryover ($40k) sequence..

Most Likely: #6 Captain Webb 3-1 WON ($5.10)
Next Best: #3 Saturday Classic 6-1 3rd
Best Value: #8 Honor Call 15-1 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Colbert 5-1 9th

7th: OC/N3X, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

Very quirky third level ALW with some consistent hard-hitters..

Most Likely: #8 Dark Thunder 5-2: Pletcher aquiree appears much better as 4yo.. WON ($6.20)
Best Value: #6 Spirit of Cochise 8-1: Levine tabs Ramon for vet with pace options.. 6th
Exotics Use: #2 Tahitian Warrior 2-1: Gets hood and got over surface well last year.. 5th
Super Add: #9 China 6-1: May be overlooked; Zipped over strip preparing for this.. 4th

8th: Hattie Moseley, 3yo-F, 1m-IT (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #8 Starformer 4-1: Mott-Juddmonte bay Group 3 try a fit here.. 3rd
Best Value: #5 Sassy’s Dream 10-1: Owns hidden form; Lone entrant with 3 wins.. 9th
Next Best: #6 Ruthenia 7-2: Hasn’t quite gone on as 3yo as envisoned.. 2nd
Super Add: #1 Japanese Garden 20-1: Dam was OK on turf; Worth a stab.. 6th

9th: 73rd Diana (G1), F&M-3+, 9f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Delightful assembly of turf fillies and mares. Important to know where Canani goes with cross-entered, pace-setting type Romacaca (SCR’D)..

Most Likely: #1 Unbridled Humor 4-1: Untrainable miss spots Graded Stakes experience; Upside unkown.. 7th
Best Value: #5 Bay to Bay 6-1: Will be underbet; Lynch, Sligo Bay 4yo always acquit themselves.. 3rd
Next Best: #7 Aviate 5-1: Came up empty in Just a Game, but this event in Juddmonte wheelhouse.. 5th
Exotics Use: #6 Aruna 3-1: “Other” Motion miss 3/2-1-0 in GS since November but needs set up.. 2nd

10th: 48th Jim Dandy (G2), 3yo, 9f (DD, Super)

Fun edition of this traditional Travers prep sees Jimmy Baker add significant pace pressure on Dominus with Will’s Wildcat. While Asmussen trainee (Dominus) is absolutely the horse to beat, he could be vulnerable late if hounded by Will’s Wildcat who has benefit of outside lane. Will also be interesting to see if Leparoux gets cooperation from Dominus to turn tables on pace foe by letting him go early. Since this race looks chalky, note that Reade Baker brings Albert the Great son Moonshine Mullin in from Woodbine for his first start on conventional dirt. Though his sire was 7th in his own Jim Dandy try, he was beaten 3 weeks later by an excruciating head by Unshaded and earned $3,000,000 racing on main tracks. Why can’t Moonshine Mullin leap forward ‘first dirt’ and boost the exotics?

Most Likely: #2 Dominus 3-1 3rd
Best Value: #1 Moonshine Mullin 15-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 Alternation 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #3 Brilliant Speed 7-2 5th

10th: CLM, 3+, 5.5f-OFF THE TURF (Super)

A hard to seperate turf sprint group to end the day..

Most Likely: #15 Hero Figure 3-1 3rd
Best Value: #1a My Golden Opinion 6-1 WON ($5.00)
Exotics Use: #4 In Just We Trust 4-1 5th
Super Add: #13 Scorch the Torch 8-1 4th

<$200 P5 P6 Play:

6: 3-5-6-8
7: 2-6-8-9
8: 8
9: 1-5-7
10: 2
11: 1-15

4x4x1x3x1x2 = 96 x $2 = $192

<$75 P4 Play:

8: 1-5-6-8-10
9: 1-4-5-6-7
10: 2
11: 1-4-15

5x5x1x3 = $75 ($37.50 for .50)

After a difficult morning that necessitated a run back to the home studio to get 90 minutes of ATR on the air, I proceeded to enjoy an excellent run Thursday at the Spa that resulted in the best gains of the stand thus far. I don’t want to encourage people to NOT go to the track, but being at the ‘battle station’, at home without distraction, proved highly lucrative on a fun betting card. The most interesting lesson of the day was again the reality that having just a good idea or two — in this case Boots Ahead in the 5th and Moon Struck Nemi in the 10th — is more than enough to turn a Saratoga day into a sizeable winner.

I only included Boots Ahead as the 4th choice in the difficult 4th, but his $17.00 number helped boost an otherwise chalky P4 to $170 (.50). Rolling P3’s with mundane winners continued to feed the kitty through the 9th, but it was 14-1 Moon Struck Nemi’s smasher in the nightcap that tipped the scales. The second time turf sprinter from Ronny Werner had closing ability in a speed-laden group, and his $29.60 mutuel triggered $334 in the P4, and a $414 triple ($1) with 9-2 pacesetter Watkins Glen and 7-2 favorite Jazz Life. After producing more than $1,000 in gains, the running tab was shoved back into the black (+$750) via the one successful notion. You typically need 2-3 of these kinds of afternoons to make your meet a winner, and it’s always helpful when they come early on to provide you bankroll flexability and confidence. Hope everyone did well!

Friday marks the first of two twilight racing slates at the Old Spa, with a great weekend of action on tap. Graham Motion and Tom Durkin join Seth Merrow and I Saturday on “Loose on the Lead” on Capital OTB TV-12 (9a)…

SARATOGA

PRE-SCRATCHES

1st: CLM, F&M-3+, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

As P.J. Campo promised, there will be more straight claimers, and here’s a good example of racing’s bread-and-butter event..

Most Likely: #2 Tempest Storm 5-2 WON ($5.20)
Best Value: #7 Malibu Moon Dance 8-1 4th
Exotics Use: #3 Stanford Dolly 4-1 5th
Super Add: #8 Glowing Report 6-1 6th

2nd: MSW, 3+, 9.5f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

There are some horses here that have easily run well enough to have broken their maidens. #11 Colassal Gift is the deserving favorite, but the horses that are making their 2nd starts — #2 Rivendell and #8 Reach a Decision — are both 10-1 and every bit as likely to win as the outposted Clement. After those three, there are another 4-5 that are competitive, and then you have the Pletcher firster. Afte the top three, I’d lean toward those inside that will be saving ground..

Best Value: #2 Rivendell 10-1 5th
Next Best: #11 Colossal Gift 5-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #8 Reach a Decision 10-1 WON ($26.20)
Super Add: #3 Smokin Star 8-1 9th

3rd: OC/N3X, 3+, 9f (P3, DD)

Third day in a row that we encounter a curiously-assembled smallish field, this one featuring a number of familiar names. Not much pace signed on here at all which could set up a theft by a horse like Northern Giant should Nakatani seize the opportunity..

Most Likely: #2 Convocation 2-1 WON ($4.30)
Best Value: #6 Northern Giant 8-1 5th
Next Best: #3 Ron the Greek 3-1 2nd

4th: CLM, 3+, 6.5f (P6, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #5 Cave’s Valley 3-1 5th
Next Best: #4 Cantrushperfection 7-2 DNF
Best Value: #7 Ultimo Principle 6-1 WON ($13.00)
Super Add: #9 High Stakes Player 8-1 3rd

5th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 5.5f-T (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #5 Saratoga Steve 3-1 7th
Best Value: #7 War Ballad 6-1 8th
Next Best: #4 Fiji Star 4-1 5th
Super Add: #1e Rice entry 5-1 4th/10th

<$75 P4 Play:

2: 2-8-11
3: 2-3-6
4: 4-5
5: 1-4-5-7

3x3x2x4 = $72 ($36 for .50)

6th: MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Very interesting group, with many deserving of respect trying new surface (Sortilege, Thunder Lilly) or exiting excuseable tries (Itsabeautifulthing, Dixie Shoes). Natalie Victoria (3-1) is probably OK, but with so many attractive prices on fun horses from good connections, let’s try to beat her. (You can protect with her in P3’s, P4, or for $4, put her over the 4 below in a $1 exacta key)..

Best Value: #6 Thunder Lilly 8-1 5th
Next Best: #5 Itsabeautifulthing 10-1 4th
Exotics Use: #4 Sortilege 10-1 6th
Super Add: #7 Dixie Shoes 8-1 9th

7th: Curlin, 3yo, 9f (P3, DD, Super)

Growing in stature as an alternative to the Jim Dandy. How can you not like a race that has the sons of Hollywood Wildcat (Bold Warrior) and Sightseek (Raison d’Etat) and half brother of Pine Island (Point of Entry)?

Most Likely: #1 Bold Warrior 5-2 6th
Exotics Use: #3 Raison d’Etat 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #4 Turbo Compressor 8-1 WON ($15.20)
Exotics Use: #2 Prime Cut 7-2 3rd

8th: CLM/N2L, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (DD, Super)

Most Likely: #7 Frazzie 7-2 4th
Next Best: #4 Ms Diller 3-1 7th
Exotics Use: #2 I’m a Personal Jet 15-1 9th
Super Add: #1 Proven Right 12-1 8th

9th: MDN CLM, 2yo-F, 5.5f (Super)

Best Value: #3 Torchme 6-1 6th
Next Best: #7 Angel Love 9-2 5th
Exotics Use: #12 Downhill Joey 8-1 8th
Super Add: #8 Purses Galore 5-1 3rd

<$75 P4 Play:

6: 4-5-6-7
7: 1-3-4
8: 2-4-7
9: 3-7-8-12

4x3x3x4 = 144 x .50 = $72

The inspiring individuals performances we got to watch Wednesday — from Frankel to J C’s Pride to Winter Memories (to even Lovely Lil) — were more than enough to make up for an uninspiring performance at the windows.

Frankel throttled Canford Cliffs in the Sussex, an it was a prequel for Barbara 2yo J C’s Pride who set a new 5f track record and a jaw-droppingly dominant Lake George win by Winter Memories who may be the best turf horse in the U.S. of any age or sex. In the nightcap, Hushion NY-bred filly refused to lose as she fought on the lead every step and still held Chad Brown’s Yawkey Way at bay down the stretch. The only decent casher of the day was a $190 P3 ending with $17 Wedding in Sorano (Colum O’Brien). Despite that, I still managed to drop more than $200. Hope you did OK.

Lots of good races Thursday. Del Mar P6 had one winner who included two $40 winners on the play for a $1.1 million paysay. Bobby Flay spent more than an hour with me on ATR Wednesday, with visits from Mig and Satish sprinkled in to his nice stint. Catch the archive or podcast!

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: Kiser Novice, 4+, 16.5f-National Fences (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #1 Here Comes Art 4-1 3rd
Next Best: #8 Demonstrative 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #2e Voss entry 4-1 WON ($8.30)
Super Add: #7 Italian Wedding 12-1 4th

2nd: OC/N3X, F&M-3+, 6f (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #5 The Underling 5-2 3rd
Next Best: #1 Ha Ha Tonka 9-5 WON ($3.80)
Exotics Use: #3 Stormandaprayer 2-1 2nd

3rd: CLM, F&M-3+, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #2 Malibu Artiste 2-1 WON ($5.50)
Exotics Use: #9 Spina 4-1 2nd
Best Value: #3 Much Fanfare 20-1 10th
Super Add: #6 Stellaluce 8-1 8th

4th: OC/C, 3+, 1m-IT (P3, DD, Super)

Fascinating cast for what is more or less a $60k overnight stake. No shortage of pace signed on here..

Most Likely: #5 Lonesome Street 5-1 4th
Best Value: #3 Lubash 10-1 5th
Exotics Use: #4 Loup Breton 5-2 2nd
Super Add: #8 Boots Ahead 6-1 WON ($17.00)

5th: MSW, 2yo-F, 8.5f-T (P6, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Illegally Blonde 4-1 5th
Best Value: #8 Vapour Musing 5-1 7th
Next Best: #2 Crazy Party 3-1 WON ($7.90)
Exotics Use: #3 Tiana 8-1 6th

<$75 P4 Play:

2: 1-3-5
3: 2-9
4: 3-4-5-8
5: 2-3-4-6-7-8

3x2x4x6 = 144 x .50 = $72

$.50 P4 (1-2-8-2) Paid $169.75

6th: MDN CLM, 3+, 1m-IT (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Terrific MDN claimer going the always-combative turf mile. There is no end to the possibilities here, so be happy it’s not part of either P4..

Best Value: #10 Shoutout 5-1 6th
Next Best: #9 Dodging 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 Best Act 4-1 WON ($9.80)
Super Add: #7 Dallaglio 10-1 9th

7th: Quick Call, 3yo, 5.5f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Variety of invaders appear to a source of prime players in this tricky turf dash..

Best Value: #10 Fudgesicle 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #4 Paddock SCR
Exotics Use: #9 Shmooz Talker 12-1 7th
Super Add: #8 Great Mills 6-1 WON ($7.20)

8th: OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 6.5f (P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #2 Honest Gold 6-1 4th
Next Best: #5 Full of Gut 3-1 WON ($4.40)
Exotics Use: #3 Isn’t She Grand 4-1 –
Super Add: #1 Indian Burn 8-1 3rd

9th: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 9f (DD)

Most Likely: #5 Kinda Spicy 5-2 WON ($4.50)
Best Value: #8 Authenticity 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #6 R Gypsy Gold 3-1 5th
Exotics Use: #7 Believe in A.P. 7-2 3rd

10th: CLM/N2L, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (Super)

Most Likely: #5 Jazz Life 7-2 3rd
Best Value: #7 Grace and Courage 5-1 5th
Exotics Use: #2 Moon Struck Nemi 12-1 WON ($29.60)
Super Add: #3 Watkins Glen 4-1 2nd

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 4/SCR-6-7-8-9-10
8: 2-5
9: 5-6-7-8
10: 2-5-7

6x2x4x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

$0.50 Pick 4 (4,5,8,11/5,6,8/2,4,5/2) Paid $167.00 x 2 = $334.00