SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: CLM, F&M-3+, 6f (P5, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #7 Heir to Dare 8-5 2nd
Best Value: #5 My Donna Jean 10-1 7th
Next Best: #1 Pura Vida Zen 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Bobby Jo 4-1 WON ($5.90)

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

Most Likely: # #5 Potthast 2-1 3rd
Best Value: #7 Path Dependent 10-1 2nd
Next Best: #1a Lamontagne 7-2 WON ($5.40)
Exotics Use: #2 Hillbilly Style 12-1 4th

3rd: OC/N3X, 3+, 7f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #2 Confrontation 2-1 WON ($5.10)
Next Best: #1e Jacobson entry 3-1 5th/7th
Best Value: #3 Associate 5-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 Scarly Charly 5-2 4th

4th: MSW, 2yo-F, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Lady Zuzu the $1.25MM half sis to Optimizer..

Most Likely: #4 Lady Zuzu 4-1 3rd
Best Value: #2 Magnificent Margo 6-1 WON ($19.00)
Next Best: #7 To Be Determined 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #1 Co 5-1 5th

5th: NY-MSW, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (P6, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Bella Kateri 2-1 3rd
Best Value: #8 Sleek 6-1 5th
Next Best: #6 Donatienne 3-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #2 Chasing Paradise 5-1 WON ($7.40)

P5/P4 Grid:

1: 7 (A), 1-5-6 (B), 2-4 (C)
2: 5 (A), 1-7 (B), 9 (C)
3: 1-2 (A), 3 (B), 6 (C)
4: 2-4 (A), 1-7 (B), 6-8 (C)
5: 5 (A), – (B), 2-6-8 (C)

6th: CLM/N3L, 3+, 9f (G/S, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1 Betweenhereandcool 5-2 3rd
Best Value: #6 Denzel 5-1 5th
Next Best: #2 Lieutenant Seany O 3-1 WON ($5.10)
Exotics Use: #4 Piscesbymoonlight 6-1 4th

7th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 1m-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #9 Dominate 6-1 8th
Best Value: #6 Uncle Mitcho 12-1 2nd
Next Best: #4 Loveisheartandsoul 3-1 WON ($6.70)
Super Add: #5 Handsome Dennis 7-2 5th

8th: NY-ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

No reason to not fire aggressively in these manic turf sprints. Entire field separated by perhaps 3 lengths..

Most Likely: #10 Mighty Reward 5-1 WON ($17.20)
Best Value: #9 Kimmies Lucky Star 20-1 2nd
Next Best: #5 Baby B 4-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #4 In Her Day 3-1 4th
Super Add: #6 Porvoo 30-1 7th

9th: Hall of Fame (G2), 3yo, 8.5f-IT (DD)

Most Likely: #7 Bobby’s Kitten 7-5 2nd
Next Best: #1 Give No Quarter 3-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 Bashart 4-1 5th

10th: MCLM/$20k, F&M-3+, 6f

Murky bunch..

Most Likely: #9 Bird Rockette 4-1 7th
Next Best: #6 Murmure 7-5 2nd
Best Value: #10 Sweethots 8-1 4th
Exotics Use: #7 Prove It All Night 10-1 WON ($12.00)

P4 Grid:

7: 9 (A), 4-6 (B), 5-8 (C)
8: 5-9-10 (A), 4-6 (B), 2-3-8 (C)
9: 7 (A), 1-6 (B), – (C)
10: 6-9 (A), 7-10 (B), 2-3 (C)

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: Mrs. Phipps, F&M-4+, 16.5f-National Fences (P3, DD)

May be opportunity to try to beat 2-1 Kisser N Run here. She came to SAR from Georgia last year on similar trajectory and flopped which may indicate that she isn’t right for racetrack chasing. If so, it opens the door for decent exotics..

Best Value: #5 Opera Heroine 4-1 4th
Next Best: #3 Brilliant Match 5-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #1 Cat Feathers 5-1 WON ($10.80)
Super Add: #2 Secret Reward 10-1 5th

2nd: NY-ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 9f (P5, P3, DD)

Considering that everyone says we don’t run route races in America, isn’t this about the 20th main track mile and an eighth event of the meet? Jimmy Jerkens’ maiden winner 3-5 here and not enthralled by Welsch Clocker Note of him lugging out in 8/3 drill..

Most Likely: #1 Star Grazing 3-5 WON ($3.00)
Next Best: #4 Annie Walker 6-1 2nd
Best Value: #3 Legally Bay 15-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 Desert Valentine LATE SCR

Post Script: I looked it up.. There have been 26 races at 9f already this meet, though 4-5 were off the turf to the main track..

3rd: NY-MSW, 2yo, 8.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Treacherous place for a ‘Best Bet’ type of designation but Thirst for Glory has appeal as ‘shouldn’t lose’ in here. As such, looks to be ideal key horse with some prices as Pletcher 7-2 Animalia and Brown 5-2 Chief Kitten seem underwhelming while Clement 5-1, Schettino 15-1 and Brown 6-1 as likely for success..

Most Likely: #6 Thirst for Glory 3-1 4th
Next Best: #3 Brother O’Connell 5-1 3rd
Best Value: #4 G R’s Giant 15-1 8th
Exotics Use: #8 Startup Nation 6-1 WON ($21.20)

4th: 4th Birdstone, 3+, 14f (P3, DD)

Birdstone certainly deserving of a stake in his honor, but if we’re running one at a mile and three quarters, shouldn’t it be named for the local record holder at the trip, the great Reigh Count? Will lean on the 8# spread between the top choices..

Best Value: #4 Don Dulce 7-2 4th
Next Best: #5 Micromanage 4-5 WON ($3.00)
Exotics Use: #2 Irsaal 4-1 2nd

5th: NY-MCLM/$40k, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (P6, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 Transplendid 3-1 WON ($5.70)
Next Best: #1 Miss Motivation 7-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #5 The Lady’s Cruisen 5-2 2nd
Super Add: #10 Bi Light of Day 6-1 4th

6th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 9f (G/S, P3, DD)

Faves (1-5-7) are the right horses but Golden Nugget is by sire (Stonesider) whose progeny steadily improve with age and experience. About 3-4 lengths behind the top choices going in and best candidate to boost exotics..

Most Likely: #7 Chrisandlorisposse 2-1 WON ($6.30)
Best Value: #5 Navaho Ca Lo 5-2 5th
Next Best: #1 Q Two 9-5 2nd
Exotics Use: #4 Golden Nugget 10-1 6th

P5/P4 Grid:

2: 1-4 (A), 3 (B), 2-5-6 (C)
3: 6 (A), 3 (B), 4-8 (C)
4: 4-5 (A), 2 (B), 1-3 (C)
5: 1-3 (A), 5 (B), 9-10 (C)
6: 7 (A), 1-5 (B), 4 (C)

$0.50 Pick 5 (1,6/8/5/3,7,11,12/7) Paid $153.00 (5OF5)
$0.50 Pick 4 (8/5/3,7,11,12/7) Paid $105.12 (4OF4)

7th: NY-MCLM/$40k, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (P4, P3, DD)

State breds long on the grass regularly a recipe for boxcars. Nearly all have board-hit potential. Micelli 2nd timer on the lawn No Trespassers feels sneaky in here after significant improvement moving to turf for 4yo debut. More forward progress makes him a contender at a big price. He should float up from that 15-1..

Most Likely: #7 Tenacious Indeed 8-1 4th
Best Value: #5 No Trespassers 15-1 5th
Next Best: #6 Fire Ship 4-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #10 Kevin’s Steel 6-1 6th

8th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 5.5f-T (DD)

As in Rumble Doll-Datts Da Boss monster exotics race Sunday, potential here for gonzo closers to scoop ’em up late..

Most Likely: #4 Defiant 7-2 5th
Best Value: #2 Bluegrass Springs 20-1 4th
Next Best: #9 Casa Creek 10-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #3 Santa Elf 8-1 3rd

.10 SUPER: Key 4 in 1st/2nd with 1-2-3-5-9 ($12)

9th: OC/N3X, 3+, 9f-IT (DD)

Most Likely: #1 Ghurair 5-2 WON ($4.10)
Best Value: #4 Two Months Rent 15-1 7th
Next Best: #3 Red Rifle 3-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #7 Tetradrachm 5-1 3rd

10th: NY-MSW, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T

This lawn dash isn’t as hot-blooded up front. Leaders could stay on to the wire..

Most Likely: #7 Rose Quartz 8-1 5th
Best Value: #5 Barrier to Entry 20-1 4th
Next Best: #3 Jenny’s Creek 3-1 7th
Exotics Use: #11 Home to Carrowkeel 6-1 8th

P4 Grid:

7: 5-7 (A), 6-10 (B), 2-9 (C)
8: 4 (A), 2-9 (B), 3-5 (C)
9: 1 (A), 3-4 (B), 7 (C)
10: 5-7 (A), 3-11 (B), 9-10 (C)

SARATOGA RACE COURSE RESULTS 8/6

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: ALW, 4+, 16.5f-National Fences (P3, DD)

Presence of Lillehammer SCR’D and Mr. Starr’s Report would figure to assure honest pace for steady stalker Manacor; Witor won’t be 20-1 with Tod Wyatt’s ’14 record an attraction; Sheppard (All the Way Jose) admitted his layoff hoppers have been a start behind right now, but young gelding here broke through at Parx 6 weeks ago; Albany Road a nibbler who may float up in price..

Most Likely: #3 Manacor 5-2 WON ($8.70)
Best Value: #6 Witor 20-1 5th
Next Best: #5 All the Way Jose 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #7 Albany Road 10-1 3rd

2nd: MCLM/$20k, 3+, 6f (P5, P3, DD)

Hard to make group with some being obviously dangled for sale. 3-5 Moonluck has been poor in mornings preparing for return while Boss Daddy, from a very unsound female family, has been good moving towards debut. Watch board for clues..

Best Value: #4 Boss Daddy 12-1 4th
Next Best: #7 Yankee Dime SCR
Exotics Use: #5 Moonluck 3-5 WON ($3.50)
Super Add: #3 Lyrical Miracle 15-1 3rd

3rd: CLM, 3+, 9f (P4, P3, DD)

Well-matched set of honest $25k claimers and there’s no reason to wholly swallow the faves. Both inside runners are big numbers and both appear to be circling back towards good efforts. Most Happy Fella or Dynamical look like the ones potentially able to control the pace up front..

Best Value: #2 Most Happy Fella 15-1 7th
Next Best: #4 Dynamical 7-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #1 Matt and Jesse 20-1 6th
Super Add: #5 Sacred Ground 5-1 4th

4th: MCLM/$75k, 2yo, 5.5f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #6 Dinner Time 3-1 4th
Best Value: #2 Radamel 5th
Next Best: #7 Jet Alley 7-2 6th
Exotics Use: #3 Dangerous Cowboy 8-1 3rd

5th: OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P6, P3, DD)

$36k C/O starts here..

To get a price involved with faves (4-5-11), you’re obliged to project Spun Silky running her A race or Kiama improving 2-3 lengths. Spun Silky is the more attractive number. Derek Ryan seems to struggle crossing from Jersey into NY, but Aquinnah is tactical and gets the weight break with Tiny Taylor..

Most Likely: #5 Aquinnah 7-2 6th
Next Best: #11 Subtle 5-2 5th
Best Value: #1 Spun Silky 8-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #4 Quay 4-1 WON ($8.40)

6th: NY-MSW, 2yo-F, 6f (G/S, P3, DD)

Some notable pedigrees among these Empire breds including Razia Sultana (Half to Samraat); She’s Marvy (Half to Flea Flicker); Hard to Stay Notgo (Halt to Monday NYSS winner Mark My Way). Top pair should be enough to end P5..

Most Likely: #1 Razia Sultana 5-2 3rd
Next Best: #5 Zo Zo 3-1 7th
Best Value: #7 Sweetpollypurebrd 6-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 Building Permit 4-1 4th

P5/P4 Grid:

2: 4 (A), 5-7 (B), 3 (C)
3: 2-4 (A), 1-5 (B), 5-6-7 (C)
4: 2-6 (A), 3-7 (B), 4 (C)
5: 5 (A), 11 (B), 1-2-4 (C)
6: 1-5 (A), – (B), 6-7 (C)

7th: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 9f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #1 Precarious 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #11 Kitten’s Queen 4-1 WON ($5.80)
Exotics Use: #3 Lawn Party 2-1 5th
Super Add: #7 More Than Less 8-1 6th

8th: OC/N2X, 3+, 1m-IT (P3, DD)

Excellent group with plenty of options. Note Napravnik reunited with Motion’s 8-1 Helm who may be better now than when he made solid lawn debut at KEE that was career best effort at the time. Gets first run on what may be dueling leaders..

Best Value: #9 Helm 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #1 Middleburg 3-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #2 Silver Freak 6-1 WON ($13.40)
Super Add: #4 Joes Blazing Aaron 8-1 9th

9th: John’s Call-R, 3+, 13f-T (DD)

Most Likely: #8 Winning Cause 2-1 4th
Best Value: #7 Manchurian High 20-1 3rd
Next Best: #1 Tricky Hat 5-1 WON ($9.10)

10th: NY-MCLM/$40k, 3+, 1m-IT

Most Likely: #2 Sole Train 5-2 2nd
Next Best: #9 Copper Core 2-1 3rd
Best Value: #3 Island Therapy 9-2 WON ($7.60)
Exotics Use: #10 Full Pads 8-1 7th

P6 Grid:

5: 5 (A), 11 (B), 1-2-4 (C)
6: 1-5 (A), – (B), 6-7 (C)
7: 1-11 (A), 3 (B), 4-7 (C)
8: 9 (A), 1 (B), 2-4-6 (C)
9: 8 (A), – (B), 1-2-7 (C)
10: 2-9 (A), 3 (B), 10 (C)

P4 Grid:

7: 1-11 (A), 3 (B), 4-7 (C)
8: 1-9 (A), 2-4 (B), 5-6 (C)
9: 8 (A), 7 (B), 1 (C)
10: 2-9 (A), 3 (B), 10 (C)

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: NY-ALW/N1X, 3+, 9f (P5, P3, DD)

Best Value: #2 Salisbury Knight 5-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 Onecats Chance 2-1 WON ($4.60)
Exotics Use: #1 Beyond Empire 4-1 2nd
Super Add: #3 Do a Legger 3-1 4th

2nd: NY-MCLM/$40k, 3+, 6f (P4, P3, DD)

Three late-starting firsters complicate this already murky NYB seller. Greg’s Intuition (5-1) is competitive on figs, returns to the Empire State, finds friends dropping from open MSW at PRX to NY-MCLM and gets services of top pilot..

Best Value: #6 Greg’s Intuition 5-1 WON ($7.40)
Next Best: #3 King Gettigan 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #2 Bryce Bryce Baby 9-2 3rd
Super Add: #5 Mineral Water 8-1 5th

3rd: NY Stallion Series-R, 3yo, 1m-IT (P3, DD)

Specialized condition stake based on qualified NY sires quite a fun gathering. Pace picture far from clear which could make it tricky on the obvious, but later-running, favorites..

Most Likely: #4 Mental Iceberg 4-1 5th
Next Best: #7 Mark My Way 8-5 WON ($5.20)
Best Value: #6 Forever Utopia 10-1 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Free Mugatu 3-1 2nd

4th: NY-MSW, 3+, 9f-T (P6, P3, DD)

Best Value: #3 Iced Over 4-1 WON ($9.00)
Next Best: #2 A Marked Man 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #4 Dreamboat 5-1 6th
Super Add: #5 Blue Shark 3-1 3rd

5th: CLM, 3+, 6f (G/S, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Doubledown Again 2-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 Frazil 4-1 6th
Exotics Use: #4 Back Forty 7-2 7th
Super Add: #2 Metaurus 20-1 5th

P5 Grid:

1: 2-7 (A), 1-3 (B), – (C)
2: 3-6 (A), 2-5 (B), 4-9 (C)
3: 4 (A), 7 (B), 5-6 (C)
4: 3 (A), 2-4 (B), 5 (C)
5: 5 (A), 7 (B), 4 (C)

6th: NY Stallion Series-R, 3yo-F, 1m-IT (P4, P3, DD)[

Most Likely: #6 Old Harbor 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #9 Selenite 8-1 WON ($22.60)
Next Best: #8 Missy Bay 6-1 –
Exotics Use: #2 Takeoff Your Hat 5-1 –

7th: CLM/N2L, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #9 Thundering Gale 5-2 3rd
Best Value: #3 Saratoga Karaoke 6-1 6th
Next Best: #8 Dattts Da Boss 8-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #1 Rumble Doll 12-1 WON ($35.60)

8th: NY-ALW, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (DD)

Will cover Unbelievable Dream in multis but play against within race..

Best Value: #1 Dreaming of Cara 10-1 9th
Next Best: #3 Invading Humor 5-1 WON ($16.20)
Exotics Use: #8 Frosty Bay 6-1 4th
Super Add: #4 Vicki’s Dancer 7-2 6th

9th: CLM, 3+, 6f

Good old fashioned $20k claimer with 7-8 win candidates..

Most Likely: #4 Cast a Doubt 5-1 6th
Best Value: #2 Ancient Rome 12-1 3rd
Next Best: #9 Reserved Quality 6-1 4th
Exotics Use: #11 Sense of Peace 4-1 2nd

P4 Grid:

6: 6 (A), 8-9 (B), 2-7-10 (C)
7: 9 (A), 3 (B), 1-8 (C)
8: 1-3 (A), 4-8 (B), 2 (C)
9: 4 (A), 2-9-11 (B), 1-3-10 (C)

Thoroughly terrific Whitney Day at Saratoga Saturday with a tremendous card that whistled by in front of an appreciative, enthusiastic crowd. Proving once again that horseplayers relish big days and competitive action, the 11 race slate generated a stunning $27.8MM in handle from a myriad of exciting and notable heats. While the Moreno win in the Whitney was a fascinating apex of the afternoon, the thrilling Test was undoubtedly the highlight; a frantic finish offering 4 superb efforts from the superfecta quartet with Sweet Reason.

Graham Motion swept the 2yo maiden events with gargantuan turf baby Strong Coffee and resolute main track 2nd start winner Pride of Stride. Strong Coffee’s win continues the remarkable freshman stallion success of Warrior’s Reward as the 6th debut tally for his progeny in just 10 unveilings.

Went into Saturday looking for price plays and the the front half of the afternoon went well with alternatives to the favorites clicking with alacrity. But aside from Moreno’s 9-1 tote in the feature, one or other of the top 2 public choices prevailed in the 6th-11th. Still, a good day overall from every vantage point. Hope everyone did well!

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: MSW, 2yo-F, 6f (P5, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Feathered 5-2 2nd
Next Best: #3 Kinsley 2-1 4th
Best Value: #1 Harbouring 8-1 3rd

2nd: OC/N2X, 3+, 5.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #4 Summer Breezing 4-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 Partly Mocha 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Banzai Charge 8-1 WON ($12.60)

3rd: MSW, 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

Prefer the firsters..

Most Likely: #5 March Too 3-1 3rd
Best Value: #1 Sherifco 10-1 5th
Next Best: #4 Flat Jack 2-1 2nd

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

Most Likely: #7 Kharafa 2-1 3rd
Best Value: #10 Barrel of Love 12-1 2nd
Next Best: #1 Compliance Officer 6-1 6th
Exotics Use: #9 Front 8-1 4th

5th: CLM/N2L, F&M-3+, 6f (P6, P3, DD)

Saucon Valley SCR’D being given away but that doesn’t mean she needs to be avoided. With Delite freshened and likely ready to fire..

Best Value: #11 With Delite 6-1 10th
Next Best: #3 South Sound 5-2 WON ($3.40)
Exotics Use: #7 Little Gidding 3-1 3rd
Super Add: #5 Mononoke 8-1 4th

P5/P4 Grid:

1: 5 (A), 3 (B), 1 (C)
2: 4-7 (A), 6 (B), 2 (C)
3: 1-5 (A), 4 (B), 2-3-6 (C)
4: 7 (A), – (B), 1-10 (C)
5: 11 (A), 3-7 (B), 5-6 (C)

6th: CLM/N3L, 3+, 1m-IT (G/S, P3, DD)

Fun betting affair with plenty of prices (1-6-10-11-12) to feather in with the solid faves (5-8)..

Most Likely: #8 Shining Copper 3-1 WON ($3.40)
Best Value: #1 Mop Head 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #5 Dream Man 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #11 Chief Cochise 15-1 8th

7th: MCLM/$75k, F&M-2yo, 5.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1 Milista 3-1 7th
Best Value: #8 Replay Runaway 15-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 Mercer Mill Mae 5-2 4th
Exotics Use: #4 Ex Wives 10-1 9th
Super Add: #3 No Shanks 6-1 5th

8th: CLM, 3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1 Political Courage 4-1 7th
Best Value: #6 Nubin Ridge 10-1 8th
Next Best: #10 Cage Fighter 8-5 2nd
Exotics Use: #9 Precious Metal 8-1 4th

9th: Waya, F&M-3+, 12f-IT (DD)

Crazily well-matched and of course the pace scenario is completely muddled. No bad concepts..

Most Likely: #8 Inimitable Romanee 9-2 9th
Best Value: #10 English Class 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #12 Gulsary 5-1 4th
Exotics Use: #13 Cat’s Claw 6-1 WON ($28.40)

10th: MCLM/$40k, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T

Fun nightcap. Seems a good spot to take shot(s)..

Best Value: #9 Reckless Move 10-1 8th
Next Best: #7 Costenia 5-1 WON ($14.00)
Exotics Use: #1 Little Miss Brown 3-1 3rd-DH
Super Add: #8 Town Leader 10-1 5th

P4 Grid:

7: 1 (A), 7-8 (B), 3-4 (C)
8: 1-6 (A), 9-10 (B), 8 (C)
9: 8-10 (A), 12-13 (B), 3-7-9-11 (C)
10: 7-9 (A), 1 (B), 8-12 (C)