Monday was one of those wash away days we get at the Spa, as heavy rains scuttled fields in 4 of the 5 scheduled turf races. I never play on days like those, with so much great racing already slated for this week. The first three days had a steady flow to them with modest profits being ground out, and I enter the body of the meet up ahead by $300. As previously discussed, P3’s with typical investments of $12-$30 have been very productive, and are offsetting missed P4 tries. Two nice opening day exactas of more than $100 (Pico Dinero; James Marvin) and one for $285 Sunday (Coaltown Legend) are the difference in being slightly up so far, showing how the big fields and uncomplicated wagering can be enough at a meet like this. Hope you’re doing well! They’ll draw Saturday’s Diana card today, but it will be hard-pressed to be much better than the midweek racing scheduled for Wednesday-Friday! On top of the action here, Del Mar has an enormous $240k P6 carryover that intrigues as well. Bobby Flay live at the Barbecue this morning!

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: CLM, F&M-3+, 9f (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #5 Celebrity Sighting 3-1 2nd
Next Best: #8 A Perfect Squeeze 5-1 5th
Best Value: #7 Landlash 8-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #2 Pyramist 9-2 6th

2nd: OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 9f (P4, P3, DD, Super)

An utter chess match going a mile and an eighth. Henny’s Hurricane SCR’d inside has chance to wire them with very little speed signed on to this and a clever front end pilot aboard in Cruz..

Best Value: #2 Sister Resistor 4-1 3rd
Next Best: #3 Seeking the Title 8-5 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Protesting 3-1 WON ($6.60)

3rd: MSW, 2yo, 5f (P3, DD)

Second in Overdriven’s debut, Barbara’s J C’s Pride should be able to grab this early and not let go. McPeek is fooling no one with outside colt that was unveiled at Ellis on the turf. Pletcher firster by Bluegrass Cat is likely OK, and Zito’s Hard Spun is a half to the nice 4x winner Katy Now..

Most Likely: #3 J C’s Pride 1-1 WON ($2.60)
Best Value: #6 Ventura Bar 12-1 4th
Next Best: #2 Mr. Style 2-1 2nd

4th: MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #1 Hoopskirt 2-1 2nd
Next Best: #4 Estero Bay 7-2 WON ($12.00)
Exotics Use: #3 Vintage Heirloom 9-2 3rd
Super Add: #8 Rockport Lover 6-1 6th

5th: MSW, 2yo, 5.5f-T (P6, P3, DD, Super)

#1e Ward entry SCR’d

Best Value: #9 Tiger Walk 8-1 4th
Next Best: #6 Sark 5-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #3 Doctor Chit 5-2 6th
Super Add: #2 Situational Ethics 15-1 5th

<$50 P4 Play:

2: ALL (4)
3: 3
4: 1-3-4-8-9
5: 2-3-6-7-9

4x1x5x5 = 100 x .50 = $50

6th: NY-MSW, F&M-3+, (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Billy Cesare is good for a placement at a big number in a MDN race annually here. Inner Truth (15-1) may be this year’s model..

Most Likely: #7 Special Dancer 5-2 3rd
Best Value: #3 Inner Truth 15-1 9th
Exotics Use: #10 Wedding in Sorano 6-1 WON ($17.20)
Super Add: #4 City Scamper 15-1 5th

7th: CLM, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #5 Bob’s Pinup Girl 7-2 6th
Best Value: #7 Unique Citizen 10-1 8th
Exotics Use: #4 Dopke Gal 5-2 4th
Super Add: #8 Sister Berta 12-1 5th

8th: 16th Lake George (G2), 3yo-F, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD)

Nice cast for Spa’s annual turf test of soph gals..

Most Likely: #4 Winter Memories 1-1: Has been exciting to watch as 3yo; Avenges Cup beat.. WON ($)
Best Value: #5 Bellamy Star 5-1: “Now” horse sharp winning 7f stake at BEL; Bought by Pompa.. 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 More Than Real 2-1: BC Juvy Turf heroine returns off unsuccessful trip to Ascot.. 3rd

9th: NY-ALW/N1X, 3+, 5.5f-T (DD, Super)

Fun group and an excellent wagering affair..

Best Value: #1 Out of Your Mind 12-1 6th
Next Best: #2 Power Blast 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #9 Joey’s Chance 15-1 5th
Super Add: #8 Petey Cramer 4-1 3rd

10th: NY-OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 6f (Super)

Most Likely: #1 Lovely Lil 2-1 WON ($3.60)
Best Value: #5 Freud’s Notebook 8-1 7th
Exotics Use: #3 Sezzana 6-1 5th
Super Add: #4 Bailzee 8-1 3rd

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 3-4-5-7-8-9
8: 4-5
9: 1-2-9
10: 1-3-4-5

6x2x3x4 = 144 x .50 = $72

Intense heat and humidity dissipated upstate, and the Spa grounds saw a rare weekend where a Sunday crowd outpaced Saturday’s. Racing continued to be compelling with competitive events and frequently large mutuels. The opener proved again how turf routes are the source of big numbers, when hard to like Bretton Woods stoutly rallied into a moderate pace at 10-1. (Frankly, 10-1 seemed low looking at the Weaver trainees page.) The $35k turf sprint 3rd was another IRS window wonderment as Hysterical Cat (15.40) scored ahead of Luigi P (13.10) and Tennis Racket (14.70) for a $3,300 triple.

The P3’s continue to be lucrative, and my best sequence of the day caught another solid pair between the 4th-7th. Happy Bull ($4.10), War Colony ($17.20), Coaltown Legend ($16.00) and Chorus Music ($8.10) tripped $201.00 and $227.25 troikas. I keyed off the remarkable Coaltown to connect with System Restore to produced a sizable exacta ($142.75) as well. It was good to have a handful of good ideas through the middle portion of the card too, as Mott firster Star Torina stopped everything I had going in the 8th when she turned in an eye-popping wire job. Smooth Air brother Overdriven came through professionally in the Sanford at 2-5, and I wasn’t close in the nightcap to end the first weekend. Hope everyone did well…

First Monday of the season wraps up the ‘prequel’ week. Nick Zito joins me at 11a on ATR!

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

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

Fave #3 Itsmyhonor (9-5) a SCR..

Best Value: #7 Avolo 10-1 3rd
Next Best: #2 Joonbi 3-1 WON ($7.90)
Exotics Use: #7 World Harmony 5-2 2nd

2nd: NY-OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 8.5f-IT (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Who Is Lady 5-2 2nd
Best Value: #2 Sounds Familiar 8-1 6th
Exotics Use: #5 Freedom Rings 2-1 3rd
Super Add: #1 Rogue’s Jewel 7-2 WON ($8.00)

3rd: MSW, 2yo-F, 5f (P3, DD)

Tough to get clever v. Pletcher and Asmussen in top slots. Respective sires of the selections — Tale of the Cat, Speightstown and Wildcat Heir — all get early runners..

Most Likely: #2 Select Cat 8-5 WON ($4.70)
Next Best: #1 Barbados Beauty 2-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #5 Siberian Wildcat 5-1 5th

4th: CLM, 3+, 5.5f-T (P6, P3, DD, Super)

OFF THE TURF

5th: NY-MSW, 3+, 6f (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #8 Beautyinthepulpit 5-1 WON ($5.40)
Exotics Use: #9 Alarmist 7-2 2nd
Next Best: #1 Calgary Enforcer 5-1
Super Add: #7 Tycoon Cat 5-1

<$75 P4 Play:

2: 2-4
3: 1-2-5
4: 4-5-8-9-10-11
5: 8-9

2x3x6x2 = $72 ($36 for .50)

6th: MSW, 2yo, 5.5f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

OFF THE TURF

7th: CLM, 3+, 1m-IT (P3, DD, Super)

OFF THE TURF

8th: 30th Evan Shipman-NY, 3+, 9f (DD)

Most Likely: #1a Friend or Foe 1-1 SCR (#1 Mine Over Matter 3rd)
Best Value: #7 Spa City Fever 10-1 5th
Exotics Use: #5 Ichabad Crane 4-1 WON ($6.30)

9th: CLM/N2L, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (Super)

OFF THE TURF

Out of the gate in good order the first two days at the Spa, as despite any especially large hit, the full, competitive fields give us all a chance to right wrongs with any square success. Before looking at the notable trends and outcomes though, how about a pause to appreciate the season’s first G1 tilt? Leading up to Saturday, we talked on ATR about the sure-to-prove fascinating 5 horse chess match that the CCAO appeared to be on paper, and the result was an instantly epic duel between Acorn winner It’s Tricky and Kentucky Oaks heroine Plum Pretty that went decisively to the former.

The win by It’s Tricky, who subtly moved from Darley maroon to Godolphin blue ahead of the event, confirmed what many said all winter about the emergent quality of the Mineshaft bay that was one of the last foal bred by the McNairs before selling their Stonerside operation. Other than the misstep of shipping It’s Tricky to Gulfstream mid-winter for an Oaks try there, Kiaran and Neal McLaughlin, Artie Magnuson and their staff have been perfect with the pro-tem leader of the 3yo filly division. The Coaching Club ideally sets up a titanic Alabama, where most from Saturday’s quintet are expected to be joined by Josie Carroll’s Queens’ Plate victress Inglorious and John Sadler’s Hollywood Oaks winner Zazu.

In terms of mutuel conversation from days one and two, why not wonder aloud how the Oaks result produced a $73.00 trifecta ($2) from the top three choices? Plum Pretty (1.80) and Royal Delta (2.00) were near co-favorites, with It’s Tricky (4.40) shading Buster’s Ready (4.40) as third choice. The bulbous return is indicative of how liquidity in the Saratoga pools helps rewards being correct joyously.

From an individual win tote standpoint, Friday’s 6th and Saturday’s 4th were spots where simply gravitating toward contenders that were drifting away on the board proved lucrative whether you were rolling P3’s or betting on the nose. Pico Dinero was 10-1 in the tough $20k/N2L on opening day, and was a $30 horse at points leading up to the race. He produced a $27.20 cash and $85 exacta (with Short Shrift) and $190 P3 taking advantage of a turf course kind to front end speed. Wishingonastar was 6-1 to start the wagering, and went into the gate at nearly twice that number to bingo for $24.60. When easy to have Dynafortwo and obvious Capital Market followed with their successful exploits, you had a $275.00 P3. Hope everyone is doing well and has been catching enough of the hits. Stay confident if not… It’s a long meet.

Before we turn attention to Day 3, quick mention should be made about Friday’s James Marvin which saw likeable Jackson Band break a long losing skein. As I said on Capital OTB’s “Loose on the Lead” Saturday, Nick Zito, assistant Tim Poole, Calder-based Stanley Gold, career resurrection hopeful Corey Nakatani and the plucky son of Hear No Evil, all should come away from the result feeling proud and good. Jackson Bend (108 Beyer) beat a diminished but still solid field of Forego aspirants, and though he is less likely to win that G1 later in the meet, he appears whole again after some over-reaching Triple Crown folly a year ago. Wayne Lukas deserves plaudits for having Hamazing Destiny ready for a stalwart effort of the layoff too, as the speedy 5yo Salt Lake — second in the BC Sprint when last seen — ran too well to lose.

Sunday card features the G2 Sanford and Repole-Pletcher steamer Overdriven, but personal focus is the Maiden $20k 5th with Dee Tee Stables pleased to finally get Lloydobler into a race at the Spa. The handsome chestnut is as healthy as he’s been in over a year, and gets back to the main track after three fitness-building jaunts on turf. Miguel Mena, who booted Ausable Chasm to the Lime and Royal’s emotional Saratoga win a year ago, takes the reins and should fit the Smarty Jones gelding well.

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

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

Shakeira is nothing special as a 5-2 fave. Having Solis keeps her in the picture, but there are plenty of better options at square prices..

Most Likely: #9 Glory in Motion 5-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #4 Lemon Tiger 6-1 6th
Best Value: #8 Catchapenny K 15-1 8th
Super Add: #5 Shakeira 5-2 2nd

2nd: NY-MSW, 2yo, 5.5f (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Serpe, nursing a broke rib and ankle, sends the highly-likely and very short-priced Flying Zee entry.. NOTE: 1a The Prize Fighter is a SCR..

Most Likely: #4 Dehere of the Cat 7-2 WON ($6.50)
Next Best: #2 Swag Daddy 4-1 6th
Exotics Use: #5 Half Lit 5-1 2nd
Super Add: #3 Readbytheline 12-1 4th

3rd: OC/N2X, 3+, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

Typically tricky turf sprint..

Best Value: #9 Isn’tlovejustgrand 8-1 9th
Next Best: #8 D’oro Dancer 4-1 6th
Exotics Use: #2 Running Tap 12-1 5th
Super Add: #6 Luigi P 15-1 2nmd

4th: OC/N2X, 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

Six betting interests but well-balanced..

Most Likely: #1a Happy Bull 2-1 WON ($4.10)
Best Value: #3 Sun Dance Moon 6-1 5th
Next Best: #4 Fordangshore 3-1 5th

5th: MDN CLM, 3+, 6f (P6, P3, DD, Super)

I’m not sure I’ve ever selected a Dee Tee runner on top to avoid the hoodoo and ‘homer’ accusations, but Lloyd is my favorite, and return to dirt, outside draw, recent drills, hustling rider and big price all reasons to believe..

Best Value: #8 Lloydobler 15-1 8th
Next Best: #11 Afleet’s Acclaim 4-1 9th
Exotics Use: #5 Lemon Ghost 10-1 4th
Super Add: #9 War Colony 6-1 WON ($17.10)

<$75 P4 Play:

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

2x3x4x6 = 144 x .50 = $72

6th:CLM, 3+, 6f (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #6 Coaltown Legend 8-1 WON ($16.00)
Next Best: #8 Katskill Bay 5-1 7th
Exotics Use: #1 The Zipster 3-1 5th
Super Add: #2 System Restore 15-1 2nd

7th: Irish Linnet-NY, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #3 Gitchee Goomie 2-1 2nd
Best Value: #8 Mystic City 10-1 4th
Next Best: #9 Chorus Music 5-2 WON ($8.10)
Super Add: #2 Paraiba 5-1 5th

8th: MSW, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Interesting turf route for diploma seekers. Good betting opp..

Best Value: #5 Brilliant Future 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #1 Enrichment 7-2 8th
Exotics Use: #2 Splendid 15-1 6th
Super Add: #3 Virtously 5-1 4th

9th: 97th Sanford (G2), 2yo, 6f (DD, Super)

They have to run the race, but half brother of Smooth Air certainly will take some beating here after spectacular debut and plenty of time since..

Most Likely: #6 Overdriven 3-5 WON ($2.60)
Best Value: #8 Jack in the Deck 10-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 Power World 5-1 2nd
Super Add: #1 Tarpy’s Goal 12-1 5th

10th: MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (Super)

Would love to come up with clever price here as the principals seem interchangeable — usually a recipe for an upset..

Most Likely: #2 Frothy Market 7-2 6th
Best Value: #12 Winery 6-1 9th
Exotics Use: #1 She Drives Me Wild 3-1 3rd
Super Add: #4 Lemme 5-1 7th

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 2-3-8-9
8: 1-2-5-8
9: 6
10: 1-2-4-12

4x4x1x4 = $64 ($32 for .50)

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: ALW/N1X, F&M/3+, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #1 Rockettes Escapade 7-2: Out-photoed by Hungry Island last.. DNF
Best Value: #6 Up in Lights 15-1: 2nd/break for Wilkes; Close-up twice here ’10.. 7th
Next Best: #8 Font 5-1: Beat little in nice debut but had time and Tagg OK stretching.. 5th
Super Add: #3 Great Gracie Dane 8-1 3rd

2nd: MSW, 2yo, 5.5f (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #6 Whinston 8-5 2nd
Next Best: #7 How Do I Win 5-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #2 Zellers 12-1 5th
Super Add: #4 Mr. Continental 6-1 6th

3rd: ALW/N1X, 3+, 6.5f (P3, DD)

Against Saddleranch here who will be overbet. Of the Cal invaders getting dirt, Wall Dance feels more interesting as a full to Violette’s zippy Summer Doldrums. Meanwhile, turnback Glickman — who Andy Serling also lauded Friday on ATR — wins this race with effort comparable to the one two back when bested by the nice Arch Traveler…

Best Value: #3 Glickman 5-1 4th
Next Best: #4 Global Power 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #2 Wall Dance 4-1 5th

4th:CLM/N2L, 3+, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

Quirky-looking bunch of in-and-outers..

Most Likely: #2 Houston Harbor 3-1 9th
Best Value: #8 Good to Be Me 15-1 8th
Exotics Use: #6 Wishingonastar 6-1 WON ($24.60)
Super Add: #7 Jungle Rain 5-1 3rd

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

Best Value: #3 Ordained 10-1: Speed held well all strips Opening Day; Why not? 3rd
Next Best: #4 Dynafortwo 6-1: Another that may love firmer going after boggy bow.. WON ($11.80)
Exotics Use: #9 SCR
Super Add: #8 Self Control 7-2: Solid debut downstate though foes from that just OK.. 4th

<$75 P4 Play:

2: 6-7
3: 1-3-4
4: 1-2-4-5-6-7-8-13
5: 3-4–9/SCR

2x3x8x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

6th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 8.5f-T (P6, P3, DD, Super)

$68k P6 C/O starts here..

Most Likely: #1e Darley entry 7-2: Potent pair.. WON/6th ($8.50)
Best Value: #9 Clear Attempt 5-1: Enjoyed 10f.. 3rd
Exotics Use: #7 Code of Conduct 6-1: Gaudy synth/turf stats.. 4th
Super Add: #2 Pretty Boy Freud 20-1: Nice effort this lawn.. DNF

$1 Pick 3 (6-4-1) Paid $275.00

7th: MSW, 3+, 6f (G/S, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #8 Backdown 4-1 2nd
Best Value: #10 Eastside Train 5-1 5th
Exotics Use: #2 R King of the Road 6-1 WON ($11.40)
Super Add: #7 Perfect Slam 8-1 4th

$1 Pick 3 (4-1-2) Paid $160.50

8th: NY-MSW, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Mediocre set of state-bred gals. No one looks overly-appealing..

Most Likely: #6 Dancing Tiz 3-1 6th
Best Value: #2 Notell 6-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #9 Strikealinethruit 7-2 3rd
Super Add: #4 Crypto Kitten 12-1 12th

9th: OC/N2X, 3+, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD, Super)

Yikes.. Very deep and compelling group with plenty of pace signed on..

Best Value: #5 Gathering Cloud 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #1 Farish entry 7-2 4th/7th
Exotics Use: #8 Colonialism 9-2 3rd
Super Add: #4 Jimmy Simms 8-1 WON ($7.50)

10th: 95th Coaching Club American Oaks (G!), 3yo-F, 9f (DD)

As discussed on ATR, as good and intriguing a set of 5 as you could want for the historic race..

Most Likely: #4 Royal Delta 2-1: TAM flop long forgotten; G2 Susan winner still has upside.. 3rd
Next Best: #5 It’s Tricky 3-1: GP fiasco dismissed after Acorn; Can survey inside speed and go on.. WON ($$10.60)
Exotics Use: #2 Plum Pretty 3-1: Missed Goose but figures dangerous with return to dirt.. 2nd

$1 Exacta (5-2) Paid $17.70
$1 Trifecta (5-2-4) Paid: $36.50

11th: MDN CLM, 3+, 8.5f (Super)

Best Value: #2 Surf King 10-1 10th
Next Best: #5 Binks Forest 3-1 WON ($9.10)
Exotics Use: #11 Fast Grievance 5-1 9th
Super Add: #12 Conway 8-1 8th

$1 Pick 3 (4-5-5) Paid $107.25

<$200 P5 P6 Play:

This is a VERY difficult P6 sequence. Limited bankroll are likely best applied elsewhere..

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

2x3x2x4x1x2 = 96 x $2 = $192

<$75 P4 Play:

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

3x4x4x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

David Flores arrived too late on Proctor’s Grandma’s Rules in the first leg of the quad Thursday at Del Mar, an outcome that scuttled the play. Salvaged a $34 P3 from that point and caught a nice enough $46 triple in the nightcap to round out the modest action.

All of that was strictly a diversion during the evening with real work needed on Saratoga’s opening day slate. As Tom Durkin says in the familiar Spa advertising, ‘the season you wait for all year’ has arrived, and a very challenging 10 race card is upon us. Last season we stormed from the gate to a big early advantage, but that doesn’t always happen, and patience, discipline and determination are paramount to success over these next 7 weeks.

Best of luck for Saratoga 2011!

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: NY-ALW/N1X, 3+, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD, Super)

Meet starts with same event that triggered monster bankroll kickoff a year ago when local kid Kerry Metiver combined with Julien Leparoux on 23-1 Dontstealmyland. This edition feels a bit more modest in the mutuel department, but the same jockey-trainer tandem offer a square 6-1 on Rocky World, and Metiver sends solid Tapitdar out with Prado at 8-1 as well..

Most Likely: #9 Boat 4-1 WON ($14.20)
Best Value: #8 Tapitdar 8-1 9th
Exotics Use: #10 The Noz 5-1 8th
Super Add: #5 Mr. Hooker 30-1 7th

2nd: NY-MSW, 3+, 8.5f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #3 Chardsey 3-1 3rd
Best Value: #7 Raffie’s Choice 8-1 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Poliziotto 5-1 2nd
Super Add: #11 Winloc’s John Lee 6-1 6th

3rd: S/ALW, 3+, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #3 Awesome Arceno 4-1 6th
Best Value: #4 Lubango 6-1 8th
Exotics Use: #9 Cure 5-1 3rd
Super Add: #5 Wise Stop 6-1 WON ($11.80)

4th: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

First straight open ALW of the meet, an unless I’m misreading the somewhat curious cast, LA bred Illusion of Speed (6-1) is a big overlay on the ML..

Most Likely/Best Value: #1 ILLUSION OF SPEED 6-1 4th
Next Best: #6 Babai Baby 7-2 6th
Exotics Use: #4 Valiant Passion 3-1 WON ($6.10)
Super Add: #5 Wild in Montana 30-1 7th

5th: MSW, 2yo-F, 5.5f (P6, P3, DD, Super)

First baby race of the stand, and be aware that Todd Pletcher only won 18 of these a year ago. His #1 Stopshoppingmaria for Repole is likely ready, but draws the dreaded rail for her bow. #8 Bargain Blitz is a full to T. D. Vance, which begs the question of how soon Neil Howard moves her to the grass and stretch her out. Don’t get me wrong about her chances however, as that main track dash last time at CD was darn good. #3 My Miss Aurelia (By Smart Strike) is out of the wonderful My Miss Storm Cat, whose other baby (Albergatti) was bought up by same outfit (Stonestreet/Late Jess Jackson) and sparkled in debut as a 3yo this past winter at Santa Anita for Asmussen/Blasi. #7 Party of Interest is a Janney-Phipps homebred by 18% W’s first out sire Bernardini, and Shug an interesting 1-2-0 with last 4 debuters (3-3yo’s, 1-2yo). Great start to the juvenile Spa juvenile season..

Most Likely: #3 My Miss Aurelia 5-2 WON ($8.40)
Next Best: #8 Bargain Blitz 3-1 6th
Exotics Use: #1 Stopshoppingmaria 6-1 3rd
Super Add: #2 Delightful Magic 7-2 2nd

<$75 P4 Play:

2: 3-7-13
3: 3-4-5-9
4: 1-4-6
5: 1-2-3-8

3x4x3x4 = 144 x .50 = $72

6th: CLM/N2X, 3+, 8.5f-T (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

$20k claimers, and it’s tough to be overly confident in favored Marine Officer and Purvis. Several here in form at more attractive pricing..

Best Value: #2 Storm Galileo 8-1 4th
Next Best: #12 Ahgogo 5-1 11th
Exotics Use: #9 Pico Dinero 10-1 WON ($27.20)
Super Add: #3 Short Shrift 10-1 2nd

7th: NY-MSW, 2yo-F, 5.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Sing Like a Bird 3-1 7th
Best Value: #1e Kimmel entry 5-1 6th/8th
Next Best: #9 Wildcat’s Smile 4-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #8 The Funky Express 10-1 9th

8th: James Marvin, 3+, 7f (P3, DD, Super)

As discussed Thursday on ATR with P. J. Campo, this event and the Curlin are recent stake intros that NYRA expect will get grading after this year. If this was to be instantly graded, it would be a G2 with a shocking lineup of accomplished sprinter-milers targeting the Forego, etc..

Best Value: #8 Hamazing Destiny 12-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 D’ Funnybone 8-1 8th
Exotics Use: #2 Jackson Bend 12-1 WON ($18.80)
Super Add: #3 Aikenite 4-1 5th

9th: 93rd Schylerville (G3), 2yo-F, 6f (DD, Super)

SCR #8 Flashy Lassie..

Best Value: #1 Force de La Nature 5-1: Note Bargain Blitz earlier today; Picks ’em up late.. 3rd
Next Best: #9 Georgie’s Angel 5-2: Pletcher barn excels at earning black type early.. WON ($3.90)
Exotics Use: #2 SCR
Super Add: #6 Gypsy Robin 3-1 4th

10th: CLM, 3+, 8.5f-T (Super)

Most Likely: #5 Chosen Empire 3-1 WON ($6.40)
Best Value: #3 Giarixa 12-1 5th
Next Best: #9 Alfarabi 4-1 7th
Exotics Use: #7 Liberty Cap 5-1 4th

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 1-5-9
8: 2-7-8
9: 1-2/SCR-6-9
10: 3-5-7-9

3x3x4x4 = 144 x .50 = $72