Smallest Saratoga card in recent weeks was a lot of fun Thursday and some good ideas started with a terrific runner-up effort from 11-1 All Together in the G1 NY Turf Writers Cup. Solid prices all afternoon made for big horizontal and vertical mutuels when you connected, with the elusive P4’s returning $1,260 early and $1,905 late. A $47k carryover was a remnant of the tricky P6 sequence.

Cheyenne Nation keyed a nice $114 tri and $546 super in the 6th while Kiaran McLaughlin indeed got another firster home as Sky Painter tipped the 7th race $118 triple off his $18.00 win tote. With Sugar On Top killed any multi-race momentum I had in the 8th ahead of a good finish in the turf sprint scramble nightcap. Hope everyone got something along the way. Finally got a soaking rain overnight which should help the turf courses into the big Travers Weekend that starts today with a terrific G1 Ballerina..

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: MSW, 2yo, 5.5f (P3, DD)

Kowboy King a half to Regally Ready; Mischieviously a half to Gone Astray..

Most Likely: #1 Havana 2-1 WON ($2.80)
Next Best: #5 Kendall’s Boy 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #2 Chomsky 5-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #9 Roberto Gato 20-1 7th

2nd: Chowder’s First-NY, 3+, 6.5f (P4, P3, DD)

The Lumber Guy back with Hushion after disastrous winter in California and returns in this tough spot. Imposing on best and seems to be coming around based on drills, but plenty vulnerable at a short price..

Most Likely: #3 The Lumber Guy 4-5 2nd
Best Value: #6 Palace 12-1 WON ($27.00)
Next Best: #2 N. F.’s Destiny 6-1 6th
Exotics Use: #1a (POE) Spa City Fever 10-1 4th

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

Most Likely: #1 Crackerjack Jones 3-1 5th
Best Value: #3 Driven by Solar 6-1 4th
Next Best: #4 Writingonthewall 4-1 WON ($10.80)
Exotics Use: #2 Dehere of the Cat 6-1 3rd

4th: CLM, 3+, 1m-IT (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1 (POE) Yo Blue 6-5 WON ($3.60)
Best Value: #4 Bashful Bandit 10-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 Unbridled Logic 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #8 Pyro City 6-1 5th

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

$47k P6 C/O starts here..

Quirky end to P4 and start of P6. 8-5 ML choice Ainteasybringgreen is filly v. C&G’s that faced open company in debut. Feels shaky..

Most Likely: #3 Ziggy the Great 3-1 WON ($6.70)
Best Value: #2 Mommas Mark 6-1 4th
Next Best: #7 Ainteasybringgreen 8-5 2nd
Exotics Use: #1 Maybrys Challenge 7-2 7th

<$50 P4 Play:

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

2x3x3x5 = 90 x .50 = $45

$0.50 Pick 4 (6/4/1,5,10/3) Paid $457.50

6th: MCLM/$20k, 3+, 7f (G/S, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #4 Lutesifer 7-2 4th
Next Best: #1e Klaravich entry 5-2 WON ($8.80)
Best Value: #6 Optionality 6-1 6th
Exotics Use: #3 Spintastic 5-1 2nd

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

Not sure what is so special about 3-1 Linda Rice entry..

Most Likely: #8 Bustle 4-1 WON ($7.40)
Next Best: #9 Alwaysinmycircle 6-1 6th
Best Value: #5 Group Therapy 12-1 7th
Exotics Use: #6 Casual Elegance 6-1 9th

8th: NY-OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Likewise, 3-1 Elusive Rumour needs to improve to beat several here..

Most Likely: #3 Double the Energy 7-2 6th
Best Value: #7 Jitney 10-1 2nd
Next Best: #8 Subtle 4-1 WON ($6.70)
Exotics Use: #5 Elusive Rumour 3-1 7th

9th: 35th Ballerina (G1), F&M-3+, 7f (DD)

Outstanding start to the Travers Weekend Stakes activity with deep, talented assembly of sprinting fillies & mares. Make 1-3-5-6-8 the pool of likeliest winners with Book Review an underlay as 5-2 ML fave. Dance to Bristol remarkably plucky when rallying through trouble in Honourable Miss. Versatile and 7 panels is probably her best trip..

Most Likely: #1 Dance to Bristol 3-1 WON ($5.50)
Best Value: #8 Late SCR
Next Best: #6 Starship Truffles 6-1 6th
Exotics Use: #9 Glorious View 20-1 10th

10th: MSW, 3+, 9f-IT

Super competitive finale. Yeesh..

Most Likely: #2 Secretive 5-1 3rd
Best Value: #7 Brilliant Command 15-1 7th
Next Best: #10 Late SCR
Exotics Use: #11 Marine Patrol 7-2 9th

<$150 P6 Play:

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

4x2x1x3x3x1 = 72 x $2 = $144

$2 Pick 6 (3/1/3,8,11,12/6,8,10,12,13,14,15/1/3) Paid $67.00 (5OF6)

<$50 P4 Play:

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

5x3x3x2 = 90 x .50 = $45

Carryover P6 was worth a robust $42k to winning plays Wednesday with the McLaughlin firster Almurra surprising the MSW 8th at a crazy 22-1 and Eascapefromreality upset Amberjack in the Albany. Early part of the day was heavily skewed towards short numbers and the early P4 hit lost $35 (!) despite the hit. Nine race card Thursday highlighted by the NSA-G1 NY Turf Writers Cup. Travers Day card was drawn Wednesday and it’s outstanding..

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: NY Turf Writers H. (NSA G1), 4+, 19f-National Fences (P3, DD)

Faves loom large here including defending winner Demonstrative, but I want to build my tickets through 8-1 All Together who is the most viable price option and in receipt of significant 10-20#..

Best Value: #4 All Together 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #6 Demonstrative 5-2 8th
Exotics Use: #1e Sheppard entry 7-5 WON ($3.90)/3rd/8th

2nd: MCLM/$20k, 2yo-F, 5.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #6 Foxbeau 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #4 Saratoga Karaoke 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #2 Free Release 7-2 3rd
Super Add: #5 Two Step Flor 6-1 WON ($32.20)

3rd: Alydar, 3+, 9f (P3, DD)

Best Value: #4 Easter Gift 9-5 2nd
Next Best: #3 Csaba 3-1 5th
Best Value: #5 Vitoria Olympica 8-1 WON ($11.40)

4th: NY-MSW, 2yo, 5.5f (P6, P3, DD)

Some nice working Empire babies including Speed Read, a full to fast-early Cribnote..

Most Likely: #3 Polecat 5-2 2nd
Next Best: #2 Sandcat 3-1 WON ($12.60)
Exotics Use: #1 Speed Read 2-1 3rd
Super Add: #6 Let’s Discuss 12-1 6th

5th: CLM, 3+, 8.5f-T (G/S, P3, DD)

Keep a close eye on the turf courses as speed is absolutely killing it given the extended lack of rain..

Most Likely: #4 Never On Time 7-2 7th
Next Best: #5 Native Wave 4-1 3rd
Best Value: #3 Sam’s Buck 12-1 4th
Exotics Use: #2 Horvat Clan 3-1 WON ($9.30)

<$50 P4 Play:

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

3x1x3x5 = $45 ($22.50 for .50)

6th: CLM, 3+, 8.5f-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Going to hope that the presence of speeds and stalker-pressers produces honest results..

Most Likely: #1a Cheyenne Nation 3-1 WON ($7.80)
Best Value: #4 Madris 8-1 4th
Next Best: #8 Z Dager 5-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #2 Irish Lion 8-1 2nd

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

Most Likely: #7 Super Sky 7-5: Half to Princess Arabella has experience.. 2nd
Best Value: #6 Sky Painter 6-1: KMc slipped one by Wed; Darley H/B looks OK.. WON ($18.00)
Exotics Use: #1 Reign 5-1: MSW dam was fast early, goof turfer later.. 6th
Super Add: #8 Camden Jane 12-1 3rd

8th: OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 9f-IT (DD)

First time 4yo Malibu Yankee can stay in touch with leaders under Napravnik and get run on closers for under-radar Saville..

Best Value: #7 MALIBU YANKEE 12-1 3rd
Next Best: #3 Free as a Bird 3-1 7th
Exotics Use: #4 Moonwalk 6-1 5th
Super Add: #6 Viva Rafaela 4-1 8th

9th: NY-OC/N2X, 3+, 5.5f-T

Most Likely: #3 Wee Freudian 3-1 6th
Best Value: #9 Quick Money 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 Notmydirstime 2-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #4 Dreamsfonewild 12-1 WON ($24.80)

$36 P4 Play:

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

3x3x2x4 = 72 x .50 = $36

Was rolling along through Monday card until like most others, was tripped up by a pair of difficult winners in the late double. The after effect of $39.20 She’s Not Lazy (hard-to-like) and $46.00 Luminuese (impossible-to-like) was a $22k P4 (.50!) and $61k carryover into today’s challenging action. There were a number of good ideas up until the late double and I hope everyone did well. Travers Week and the final fortnight of the season are here and the cards leading into today’s Travers Day draw are terrific..

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: NY-MSW, 2yo-F, 5.5f (P3, DD)

All firsters so you’re looking for win-early pedigrees, win-early outfits and sharp gate workers..

Best Value: #4 Court Dancer 6-1 WON ($8.30)
Next Best: #2 Margaret Ownzit 5-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 Isabelle 6-1 4th
Super Add: #7 Fee and Sugar 3-1 6th

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

Bit of a chess match from a pace standpoint..

Best Value: #2 Nothing But Air 5-1 7th
Next Best: #7 Queen Mercury 3-1 5th
Exotics Use: #6 Tanglewood Tale 5-2 WON ($4.40)
Super Add: #3 Quiet Sunshine 8-1 6th

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

Hard to separate 2-3-4-5-6 in this turf dash set.

Most Likely: #3 Dust Em Mick 4-1 2nd
Best Value: #5 Imanindianoutlaw 5-1 4th
Next Best: #6 Regal Joanne 5-2 WON ($5.40)
Exotics Use: #4 Sweet Sway 5-1 3rd

4th: Dance of Life, 3yo, 1m-IT (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1 Winning Cause 8-5 3rd
Best Value: #6 One More Cat 6-1 4th
Next Best: #3 Sayaad 5-2 WON ($6.80)
Exotics Use: #4 Hamp 12-1 5th

5th: OC-S-ALW, 3+, 9f (P6, P3, DD)

$61k P6 C/O starts here..

Most Likely: #5 Point Taken 3-1 WON ($5.60)
Next Best: #7 Tuvia’s Force 2-1 6th
Best Value: #1 Giant Indian 15-1 5th
Exotics Use: #6 Cinnamon Beach 12-1 7th

<$75 P4 Play:

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

3x4x5x2 = 120 x .50 = $60

$.50 P4 (6-2/6-3-5) Paid $25.60

6th: MCLM/$20k, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (G/S, P3, DD)

If unfamiliar with Penn National workout times, the breezes Fly Solo has been turning in are sharp. Gets back on proper surface for her too. Kind of cool that Adam Kitchingman comes to town with a few including major King’s Bishop player Let Em Shine..

Most Likely: #4 Fly Solo 5-2 2nd
Next Best: #1a (POE) I’m Smokin Hot 4-1 3rd
Best Value: #2 Chessrate 10-1 4th
Exotics Use: #6 With Diamonds 7-2 WON ($5.60)

7th: MCLM/$40k, 3+, 7f (P4, P3, DD)

SCR of Easement complicates this..

Most Likely: #6 Apex 5-2 WON ($6.20)
Best Value: #8 Cowboy Prince 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 Foggy Road 6-1 6th
Exotics Use: #4 Let’s Have Us One 7-2 3rd

8th: MSW, 2yo-F, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #6 Ruslana 2-1 7th
Next Best: #3 Zindaya 5-1 2nd
Best Value: #2 Ireland 15-1 6th
Exotics Use: #5 Zip On 8-1 4th

9th: 36th Albany-NY, 3yo, 9f (DD)

Amberjack looks for Big Apple Triple which is frequently more difficult than anticipated..

Most Likely: #4 Amberjack 4-5 2nd
Best Value: #6 Go Get the Basil 6-1 4th
Next Best: #3 Escapefromreality 7-2 WON ($8.30)
Exotics Use: #2 Smooth Bert 5-1 3rd

10th: MCLM/$25k, 3+, 9f-IT

Thoroughly odd group. Taking shots..

Best Value: #2 Disaster Relief 12-1 8th
Next Best: #8 Cielo Soleggiato 6-1 5th
Exotics Use: #4 Horse Latitudes 7-2 WON ($14.20)
Super Add: #10 Hezro 10-1 2nd

<$150 P6 Play:

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

2x1x1x5x1x5 = 50 x $2 = $100

<$50 P4 Play:

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

4x5x1x5 = 100 x .50 = $50

Back-up (w/ Go Get the Basil):

7: 4-6-7-8
8: 3-6
9: 6
10: 2-4-6-8-10

4x2x1x5 = 40 x .50 = $20

Always a special day when your team wins a race and getting ‘your picture took’ at Saratoga is a further enhancement of the experience. My Pal of Pals moved forward Sunday off what amounted to an exercise run a week before and scored at 7-1 in the 4th. Junior Alvarado, a source of frustration in the previous try, rode an exceptional race on the City Zip colt, avoiding a possible inquiry by holding Pal together when he tried to lug in at the sixteenth pole after taking the lead. In addition to the $16.40 win tote, Pal tripped a $35.50 exacta with 2nd choice Freud’s Debut and $248.50 triple with Spirit of Peace with his second career win. Thanks to Gary & Paul and their staff, Junior, the partners and everyone who was rooting along. It was another memorable day at the old Spa. Hope everyone did well!

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: NY-MSW, 2yo, 6.5f (P3, DD)

This is a curious group and I don’t think Thug Daddy has to win..

Most Likely: #6 Blue Collar Cat 2-1 2nd
Best Value: #2 Testosterstone 15-1 6th
Next Best: #3 Thug Daddy 6-5 4th
Exotics Use: #5 So Lonesome 4-1 WON ($6.50)

2nd: MSW, F&M-3+, 9f (P4, P3, DD)

It’s remarkable that Flores Island remains winless, but despite facing the fewest number of foes in her career, she’s no more likely to break through today either. Sheer Drama stretches out, a good Tony Dutrow move..

Most Likely: #4 Sheer Drama 7-2 WON ($11.00)
Best Value: #5 Keri Belle 5-1 5th
Next Best: #2 Flores Island 6-5 2nd

3rd: NY-OC/N1X, F&M-3+, 6f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #7 Make the Moment 7-2 WON ($9.80)
Best Value: #1 Sweet Maxine 10-1 2nd
Next Best: #3 Hot Stones 8-5 3rd
Exotics Use: #4 L B’s Expression 4-1 6th

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

Most Likely: #9 Hot Tempo 3-1 WON ($6.00)
Next Best: #1 Insolvent 6-1 4th
Best Value: #7 Chloe Bear 12-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #5 Bozique 15-1 2nd

5th: 10th Union Avenue-NY, F&M-3+, 6f (P6, P3, DD)

Nicely matched set. Rudolfo Romero back again with Galiana looking to be first with 3 wins at meet..

Most Likely: #3 Willet 8-5 WON ($4.80)
Best Value: #1 Cape Cod Carol 10-1 4th
Next Best: #4 Clear Pasaj 5-2 2nd

<$50 P4 Play:

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

4x3x2x4 = 96 x .50 = $48

$.50 P4 (4-7-3/9/11-3) Paid $111.25

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

Most Likely: #7 Logan Street 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #12 Trainingforsuccess 15-1 5th
Next Best: 8 An Imaginary Road 6-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #10 Hardrocker 6-1 7th

7th: NY-ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (P4, P3, DD)

As usual, state bred turf ALW route a delicious wagering opp..

Most Likely: #9 Joy Seeker 2-1 5th
Best Value: #4 A Prettydixie 8-1 4th
Next Best: #3 Invading Humor 5-1 WON ($15.40)
Exotics Use: #1 Strike Accord 10-1 3rd

8th: MSW, F&M-3+, 9.5f-T (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #2 The Blonde Peque 3-1 6th
Best Value: #3 Acquisition 20-1 2nd
Next Best: #6 Pleasant Cat 6-1 4th
Exotics Use: #9 Industrial Policy 4-1 WON ($9.60)

9th OC/N1X, F&M-3+, 9f-IT (DD)

Superb group. Wow..

Best Value: #10 Strike Charmer 10-1 4th
Next Best: #3 Lady of Gold 3-1 5th
Exotics Use: #4 Sustained 7-2 3rd
Super Add: #1 Path of Dreams 8-1 7th

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

Compelled to think the 2nd time starters are better candidates here than the ones that have had chances. And watch for AE’s if they draw in..

Best Value: #2 Ivana Pucker 12-1 9th
Next Best: #6 Uman Candy 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #1 Bi Light of Day 8-1 8th
Super Add: #11 Utopian Wife 7-2 7th

<$50 P4 Play:

7: 9
8: 2-3-6-9
9: 1-3-4-10
10: 1-2-6-9-11

1x4x4x5 = 90 x .50 = $45

Spectacular day of racing played out as expected Saturday with virtually something for everyone. It was a magical afternoon for Team Ramsey, Kitten’s Joy and Chad Brown obviously, while the win column was cracked by D. Wayne Lukas, Joe Aquilino, John Hertler and Robbie Davis at Saratoga. Not a lot of time for blow by blow recapping except to note that Mike Welsch’s DRF Clocker Report was brilliant citing Real Solution’s “A” works leading into the Million. When Big Blue Kitten — whom Real Solution had been outworking — scored in the Sword Dancer, it made the ground-saving Chad Brown trainee a big play in the Arlington feature. It took a rightful steward decision to cash, but $18.80 and more was your reward for paying attention. I took particular pleasure in the work of ATR guests leading into Saturday, as Nick Luck, Jay Frederick, Joe Kristufek, Nick Tammaro, Gus Alonso, etc., recorded significant contributions to bottom lines. Hope everyone did well! Del Mar carryover and another potentially kooky Sunday card at the Spa…

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: MSW, 2yo-F, 6.5f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 Art of the Game 5-2 WON ($4.80)
Best Value: #6 Ma Billet Doux 6-1 4th
Next Best: #5 Cosi Celeste 9-2 3rd

2nd: MCLM/$20k, F&M-3+, 6f (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #2 Broadway Music Gal 8-1 WON ($12.60)
Next Best: #1 Alexa 5-1 5th
Exotics Use: #4 Scienzato 2-1 4th
Super Add: #6 You Take the Cake 5-2 3rd

3rd: CLM, 3+, 7f (P3, DD)

Invocation’s good races best these, but without a lot of pace help signed on, Rocco can’t loose touch..

Most Likely: #6 Invocation 5-2 6th
Best Value: #3 Grey Oak 12-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 Escape Artist 7-2 2nd

4th: CLM, 3+, 1m-IT (P3, DD)

We bring My Pal of Pals right back after last week’s endlessly blockaded run. Meets similar set, appears a fit and yet is twice the ML of last Sunday..

Most Likely: #6 Freud’s Debut 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #3 My Pal of Pals 20-1 WON ($16.40)
Next Best: #7 Life’s a Roar 4-1 8th
Exotics Use: #2 Spirit of Peace 20-1 3rd

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

Most Likely: #6 Bashart 5-2 WON ($4.50)
Next Best: #7 Storming Inti 4-1 3rd
Best Value: #3 High Ransom 12-1 6th
Exotics Use: #4 Branded Hand 3-1 4th

<$50 P4 Play:

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

7x1x3x4 = 84 x .50 = $42

6th: NY-OC/N1X, 3+, 9f (P6, P3, DD)

Best Value: #9 Smokin Candy 9-2 3rd
Next Best: #3 Street Lord 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #2 Read the Proposal 3-1 7th
Super Add: #6 Ghostly Vision 5-1 WON ($11.40)

7th: NY-ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (G/S, P3, DD)

Best Value: #6 MY UPTOWN GAL 9-2 3rd
Next Best: #9 Neck of the Moon 3-1 WON ($4.80)
Exotics Use: #2 White Crane 4-1 7th
Super Add: #8 Desert Bliss 5-1 6th

8th: 30th Lake Placid (G2), 3yo-F, 9f-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #2 Tapicat 9-5 5th
Next Best: #3 Watsdachances 2-1 2nd-Elevated from 3rd
Best Value: #4 Nellie Cashman 15-1 3rd-DQ’d from Win
Exotics Use: #5 Broken Spell 8-1 7th

9th: OC/N1X, 3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #4 Channel Marker 5-2 WON ($6.40)
Best Value: #7 Thomas Hill 8-1 7th
Next Best: #6 Partly Mocha 6-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #5 Skylander 15-1 6th

10th: MSW, 3+, 11d-IT (DD)

Best Value: #9 Three Streets 6-1 4th
Next Best: #5 Runs Like a Kitten 7-2 WON ($8.10)
Exotics Use: #11 Bramley 3-1 2nd
Super Add: #4 Bank Float 12-1 6th

11th: MSW, 2yo-F, 8.5f-T

Most Likely: #7 Kitten Kaboodle 2-1 2nd
Next Best: #10 Candy Kitty 3-1 WON ($7.90)
Best Value: #9 Zloty 6-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #5 America 8-1 9th

$16/$32/$48 P4 Play:

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

1x4x4x2 = $32 ($48 for $1.50; $16 for .50)