Intense afternoon and evening of action Wednesday as the 2 carryover sequences provided the requisite intrigue. In NY, the series of plausible but tricky to knit winners provided a return of nearly $61k while the Cali skein was more mundane and brought back $15,677. I was awful negotiating the Saratoga sextet, misinterpreting pace scenarios and landing on wrong horses left and right.

The Del Mar action helped recoup some of my Spa losses, particularly hooking the 3rd when 40-1 Oso Smart photoed for show and a $250 tri ($1). As discussed with Brad Free, the $8,000 claiming 4th and MCLM 5th were the quirky races to hurdle in the DMR six and 3rd choices Jim’s No Preacher ($14.00) and Tom Kha ($11.80) effectively buried rivals. Big thanks are due Free who gave ATR listeners a roadmap to all 6 winners, especially the Mandella runners Station House and Indy Point.

Hope everyone enjoyed the day and did OK! It’s Thursday at the Spa and the NSA takes the stage with the first jump race of the year, the Jonathon Kiser..

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: J. Kiser Novce S., 4+, 16.5f-National Fences (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1e Clorevia entry 7-2 3rd/5th
Next Best: #2 Martini Bomber 3-1 WON ($7.30)
Best Value: #8 Constant Contact 8-1 7th
Exotics Use: #7 Sulwaan 10-1 6th

2nd: MSW, 2yo, 5f (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1 Corfu 3-5 WON ($3.00)
Best Value: #6 Pure Sensation 12-1 2nd
Next Best: #2 Aarons Orient 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Crescent 10-1 3rd

3rd: MCLM/$75k, 2yo-F, 5.5f (P3, DD)

Will cover #1 Chase My Tail in the multis..

Best Value: #2 Thundering Gale 4-1 6th
Next Best: #4 She’s Coal Fired 5-2 5th
Exotics Use: #7 Little Miss Brown 5-1 4th
Super Add: #1 Chase My Tail 3-1 WON ($9.60)

4th: Lottsa Talc-NY, F&M-3+, 7f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Willet 2-1 2nd
Best Value: #4 Jitney 15-1 5th
Next Best: #1 Beautiful But Blue 7-2 DNF-Eased

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

Most Likely: #6 Our Amazing Rose 3-5 WON ($2.90)
Best Value: #5 Zip On 10-1 7th
Next Best: #4 Jerry Love 5-1 4th
Exotics Use: #7 Feels So Right 8-1 3rd

<$50 P4 Play:

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

1x4x1x1 = 4 x $4 = $16
2x4x4x2 = 64 x .50 = $32

6th: OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 9.5f-T (G/S, P3, DD)

Very nice group and a real chess match..

Most Likely: #8 Concise 4-1 2nd
Best Value: #1 Sweet Shirley Mae 8-1 9th
Next Best: #5 White Rose 5-2 WON ($7.90)
Exotics Use: #2 Precarious 3-1 6th

7th: MCLM/$25k, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #8 Pan Dulce 5-2 3rd
Best Value: #3 Viva Allegiance 8-1 WON ($14.60)
Next Best: #9 It’s Your Dime 6-1 7th
Exotics Use: #5 Coralita 9-2 2nd

8th: Quick Call, 3yo, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Intriguing group. Will be interesting to see what the board does with these..

Best Value: #4 Central Banker 8-1 WON ($10.40)
Next Best: #8 The Brothers War 6-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #7 Strike the Note 8-1 6th
Super Add: #3 No Distinction 7-2 2nd

9th: CLM, F&M-3+, 8.5f-IT (DD)

Most Likely: #3 Holiday’s Jewel 7-2 WON ($6.80)
Best Value: #8 Zencat 12-1 5th
Next Best: #10 Beverage Queen 5-2 7th
Exotics Use: #4 Casual Elegance 4-1 9th

10th: OC/N1X, 3+, 5.5f-T

Best Value: #3 Decisive Move 6-1 WON ($8.00)
Next Best: #8 Saturdayatbernies 4-1 8th
Exotics Use: #5 Shadow Rock 7-2 3rd
Super Add: #9 Channel Marker 3-1 2nd

<$75 P4 Play:

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

2x4x3x5 = 120 x .50 = $60

$0.50 Pick 4 (3/4/3,11,12/3) Paid $289.00

Closed out the opening 96 hours of Saratoga 150 with the kind of day that gives you a solid leg up for the meet. We all regularly discuss how one good idea on the card at these kinds of meets can propel success and $40.20 Joe Can Gallop was the lynchpin Monday in the turf sprint 4th. In addition to the generous win tote, the George Weaver 2nd time starter tripped the $1,519 P4 and $2,228 in P3 returns with the other mundane reachables. Upsets in the later stages of the afternoon derailed the P6 carryover try and a $245k two day pot adds excitement to the kickoff of Week 2 today. Del Mar has their own C/O, so thrillseekers can tie on this afternoon from 3:08pm ET (SAR 5th) to 8:40pm ET (DMR 8th)! Hope you did well Monday… Let’s take runs at the sequences today.

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: CLM, 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

An old fashioned, plating donnybrook. A little intimidated by fact that favorite Dighton bulleted on June 26th and wasn’t seen by clockers again until July 20th. There’s enough speed to give long looks at all styles including 15-1 DiPrima closer Mewannarose who will be coming late..

Most Likely: #8 Midnight Music 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #4 Much Stronger 7-2 WON ($4.40)
Best Value: #5 Mewannarose 15-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #2 Dighton 5-2 6th

2nd: Broom Dance-R, 3yo-F, 9f (P4, P3, DD)

Sure feels like Profetiza leads them on a merry chase here..

Most Likely: #4 Profetiza 2-1 5th
Best Value: #1 Parc Monceau 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #5 Flash Forward 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #2 Montana Native 3-1 WON ($5.50)

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

Most Likely: #5 Summer Sands 4-1 4th
Next Best: #1 Town Hall 2-1 2nd
Best Value: #2 Nevada 9-2 WON ($17.80)
Exotics Use: #3 Bedouin Now 6-1 8th

4th: MSW, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD)

Interesting group of sophomore fillies that seem to be constantly knocking on the door. Mott’s Callana (8-5) the missy to beat with Clement’s Celtic Arch (4-1) and Chad Brown’s Industrial Road (3-1) equally apparent. Samiam (10-1) going out ‘first time Weaver’ and Domino 2nd/layoff stretcher Forever Road (8-1) offer value..

Best Value: #7 Forever Road 12-1 8th
Next Best: #8 Industrial Policy 3-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 Callana 8-5 7th
Super Add: #5 Samiam 10-1 WON ($10.80)

5th: MCLM/$20k, F&M-3+, 6f (P6, P3, DD)

$245k Double P6 C/O starts here..

Most Likely: #1 (POE) Work N Flirt 8-5 (A) 4th/5th
Next Best: #6 Inaflash 4-1 (A) 2nd
Best Value: #7 Lady Halite 10-1 (B) 6th
Exotics Use: #8 Rettalfa 8-1 (B) 3rd

<$75 P4 Play:

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

3x2x6x4 = 144 x .50 = $72

6th: OC/C, 4+, 1m-IT (G/S, P3, DD)

Stakes-quality affair and a big challenge to P6 players on a budget..

Most Likely: #10 Mr. Commons 5-2 (A) 5th
Best Value: #1 Sleepless Knight 8-1 (B) 9th
Next Best: #5 Turallure 10-1 (C) 2nd
Exotics Use: #7 Hoofit 10-1 (C) 3rd

7th: MCLM/$20k, F&M-3+, 5.5f-OFF THE TURF (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 My Cousin Zinny 4-1 (A) 5th
Best Value: #2 Bear Slayer 15-1 (B) 8th
Next Best: #8 Blue Ballerina 5-2 (C) 2nd
Exotics Use: #4 Lara 6-1 (C) 3rd

8th: OC/N3L, F&M-3+, 7f (P3, DD)

Best Value: #3 Clarinda 5-1 (A) 4th
Next Best: #1 Jan’s Perfect Star 3-1 (B) 5th
Exotics Use: #4 Girl Code 4-1 (B) 3rd
Super Add: #2 Alexandra’s Grace 12-1 (C) 2nd

9th: 18th Lake George (G2), 3yo-F, 8.5f-IT (DD)

Though there are some fillies with upside signed on, it’s hard to argue with merits of Kitten’s Dumplings here, particularly for small ticket P6 players as you get the most accomplished horse in the field as the 5-2 second choice. Plus, top pilot and superagent Ron Anderson sided with the Maker miss over the 2-1 Mott fave..

Most Likely: #6 Kitten’s Dumplings 5-2 (A) WON ($5.00)
Next Best: #1 Watsdachances 4-1 (B) 2nd
Best Value: #5 Midnight Watch 5-1 (C) 4th
Exotics Use: #2 Tapicat 2-1 (C) 3rd

10th: MCLM/$35k, 3+, 5.5f-OFF THE TURF

#13 (AE) Harrier Hill certainly a factor if drawing in..

Best Value: #3 Show Some Lovin (A) 3rd
Next Best: #13 Harrier Hill (B) 11th
Exotics Use: #14 Alvear (B) 7th
Super Add: #7 Lasso (C) 5th

<$150 P6 Play:

5: 1-6-7-8
6: 1-10
7: 3
8: 1-3-4
9: 6
10: 3-13-14

4x2x1x3x1x3 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 2-3
8: 1-2-3-4
9: 1-2-5-6
10: 3-13-14

2x4x4x3 = 96 x .50 = $48

DEL MAR

PRE-SCRATCHES

3rd: MSW, 2yo, 1m-T (P6, P3, DD)

$238k C/O starts here..

Most Likely: #2 Taelyn’s Prince 2-1 (A) 2nd
Next Best: #9 Sunny’s Kat 5-2 (B) 4th
Exotics Use: #8 Station House 3-1 (B) WON ($9.60)
Super Add: #5 Oso Smart 20-1 (C) 3rd

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

Most Likely: #13 Shediak 4-1 (A) 5th
Next Best: #1 Streets of Heaven 7-2 (B) 3rd
Best Value: #11 Iron Joe T 9-2 (B) 7th
Exotics Use: #5 Bev N Bud 15-1 (C) 2nd

5th: MCLM/$30k, 2yo-F, 5.5f (P4, P3, DD)

This event comes close to making the sequence unplayable. There is next to nothing concrete about this group..

Most Likely: #7 Ryleigh Ruler 8-1 (A) 2nd
Next Best: #4 Wickedly Sassy 5-1 (B) 8th
Best Value: #14 SCR
Exotics Use: #11 Monstro Ness 4-1 (C) 6th

6th: OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 1m (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 Sweet Lulu 2-1 (A) WON ($7.00)
Next Best: #1 Ondine 5-2 (A) 3rd
Best Value: #8 Royal Tiger 8-1 (B) 7th
Exotics Use: #4 Bella Viagia 7-2 (C) 2nd

7th: Wickerr, 3+, 1m-T (DD)

Best Value: #8 Wilkinson 5-1 (A) 5th
Next Best: #2 Indy Point 6-1 (A) WON ($6.20)
Exotics Use: #7 Chips All In 7-2 (B) 4th
Super Add: #3 Tigah 6-1 (C) 3rd

8th: MCLM/$20k, 3+, 8.5f

$47k Hi-5 C/O here..

Most Likely: #11 Tuckers Point 2-1 (A) 7th
Next Best: #1 Indycott 5-2 (A) WON ($7.40)
Exotics Use: #2 Warren’s Cliff S. 5-1 (B) 5th
Super Add: #10 Will He Amaze 6-1 (C) 3rd
Hi-5 Play: #9 Rocabar 10-1 (C) 9th

<$150 P6 Play:

3: 2-8-9
4: 13
5: 4-7
6: 1-3-8
7: 2-8
8: 1-11

3x1x2x3x2x2 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

5: 4-7-11-14
6: 1-3-8
7: 2-3-7-8
8: 1-11

4x3x4x2 = 96 x .50 = $48

It was one of those wacky Saratoga Sundays when bombs fly and as soon as Happy Fella won the 5th, you could assume a P6 carryover. But a late P4 that included $24.40 Strong Impact in the Fiddlers Patriot, $16,40 Wired Bryan in the Sanford and $141.50 Gialiana in the NY-ALW nightcap $17,714 quad pay and $900 4/6 consos in the sextet. $57,553 in the pot to start the Monday P6 pool. Frustrating part of the losses on the day was sensing that Sunday was going to be quirky, reaching for offbeat horses and connecting with none of them! Hope everyone did OK. As usual at Saratoga, you only needed to be right a little bit to make out or at least get out. Rain overnight and t-storms possible but everything on turf as of now..

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

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

Most Likely: #8 Financial Mogul 7-2 4th
Best Value: #4 Flat Jack 8-1 8th
Next Best: #3 Big Sugar Soda 4-1 WON ($12.00)
Exotics Use: #1 Pecorino 5-2 2nd

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

Cello a dull to Optimizer; Super Sky a half to Princess Aeabella. Dam of Duff One is half sis of Kindergarten Kid, Assateague and He’s Had Enough..

Most Likely: #7 Super Sky 4-1 3rd
Best Value: #5 Ready to Act 5-1 WON ($17.60)
Next Best: #4 Whomping Willow 8-5 7th
Exotics Use: #3 The Careless Cat 6-1 5th

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

SCR of fave Seans Silverdancer changes this markedly..

Most Likely: #4 Full of Intent 7-2 6th
Next Best: #5 Chance Encounter 4-1 WON ($8.70)
Best Value: #3 Mess in a Dress 20-1 8th
Exotics Use: #8 Nuff Said Nuff Said 5-1 5th

4th: MSW, 3+, 5.5f-T (G/S, P3, DD)

More wide open than ML indicates as Mongol Boss (9-5) doesn’t have to win..

Best Value: #3 Joe Can Gallop 15-1 WON ($40.20)
Next Best: #11 Mongol Boss 9-5 3rd
Exotics Use: #2 Pacific Theater 4-1 4th
Super Add: #4 Goesse 6-1 10th

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

$57k C/O starts here..

Clement firster Sea Queen a half to Nereid. Paulownia was a $500k weanling (!)..

Best Value: #2 Sea Queen 6-1 WON ($10.80)
Next Best: #9 Candy Kitty 5-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #8 Palestrina 10-1 6th
Super Add: #7 Hillhouse High 7-2 4th (Purse only/Lost shoe pre-race)

<$75 P4 Play:

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

3x4x4x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

$0.50 Pick 4 (5/5/3/2) Paid $1,519.25

6th: OC/S-ALW, 3+, 5.5f-T (G/S, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #8 Off the Page 5-1 3rd
Next Best: #6 Southern Tier 4-1 4th
Best Value: #9 Thomas Hill 12-1 WON ($16.60)
Exotics Use: #7 Hebert Hall 9-2 8th

7th: MCLM/$25k, 3+, 6f (P4, P3, DD)

SCR of Fairy Snow leaves Stop Sign alone up front..

Most Likely: #7 Stop Sign 4-1 WON ($8.50)
Best Value: #9 Dapper Draper 6-1 6th
Next Best: #2 Mr. William 5-1 9th
Exotics Use: #1 Optionality 3-1 3rd

8th: OC/N3X, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Peace Preserver 5-2 5th
Best Value: #4 Corsage 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #6 Fantasy of Flight 6-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #7 Open Water 7-2 6th

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

Best Value: #2 Awesome Vision 3-1 2nd
Next Best: #5 Groomed for Victory 2-1 4th
Exotics Use: #3 Readbytheline 9-5 3rd

10th: CLM, F&M-3+, 8.5f-IT

Most Likely: #8 Starship Gambler 5-2 WON ($4.30)
Next Best: #3 Sheerflakesofgold 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #1 Silent Joy 20-1 8th
Exotics Use: #9 Miss Sweet Afleet 8-1 9th

<$150 P6 Play:

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

3x3x1x4x2x1 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

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

3x4x3x2 = $72 ($36 for .50)

Good luck!
Steve

Super first Saturday of the meet overall with a just-miss 2nd run from Toy Cannon mid-card the personal highlight. Failed to take advantage of the biggest wagering opportuinities on the day, as I obstinately left Therapy (4th) and Road Agent (11th) off tickets derailing some quality multi hits. The $179 (1st-3rd) early P3, the $67 Tycoon Cat-Toy Cannon exacta and the top to bottom exotics sweep with Crackerjack Jones were the balance sheet benefitters. Hope everyone did well. Cooler morning finally and an OK Sunday card on tap..

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

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

State bred babies and not a lot of clues other than the obvious..

Most Likely: #2 Fox Rox 4-1 2nd
Next Best: #6 Double Gold 3-1 WON ($7.10)
Best Value: #4 Sing the Dream 10-1 5th
Exotics Use: #5 Empire Dreams 5-1 4th

2nd: MSW, 3+, 1m-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Nice group of older maiden, several bred for lawn are trying lawn for first time including Town Extension, All That and Rapscallion. Likely need to include 6-7 to assure passage to 2nd leg of quad..

Best Value: #1 First Beach 5-1 9th
Next Best: #5 All That 4-1 5th
Exotics Use: #2 Red Vine 2-1 2nd
Super Add: #3 Town Extension 12-1 4th

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

Deep & contentious unless School Spirit can reprise last at CD..

Best Value: #10 Derby Watch 8-1 10th
Next Best: #5 Thinking of Girls 9-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #4 School Spirit 3-1 7th
Super Add: #11 Define 6-1 5th

4th: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 7f (P3, DD)

Faves look tough but Neith (8-1) could wait out potential pace battle and pick ’em up late..

Most Likely: #6 Uno Dou 7-5 WON ($3.00)
Next Best: #5 Pow Wow Wow 5-2 3rd
Best Value: #4 Neith 8-1 5th
Exotics Use: #3 Belle Gallantey 15-1 4th

5th: OC/S-ALW, 3+, 8.5f-IT (P6, P3, DD)

Tater the horse to beat but after that, it gets murky and quirky..

Most Likely: #3 Tater Downs 7-2 3rd
Best Value: #1 Street Fight 12-1 6th
Next Best: #5 Wild Billum 3-1 5th
Exotics Use: #9 Myhorseofcourse 12-1 9th

<$50 P4 Play:

2: 1-2-3-4-5-7
3: 4-5-6-10-11
4: 4-5-6
5: 3

6x5x3x1 = 90 x .50 = $45

6th: MCLM/$25k, 3+, 8.5f-T (G/S, P3, DD)

Rag tag bunch including pair of easily eligible and hungry hoppers from Jack Fisher (Opening Day’s Short Shrift) and one from Arch Kingsley Jr..

Most Likely: #2 Vinny Goodtimes 1-1 WON ($3.20)
Best Value: #10 Rugged Rascal 12-1 5th
Next Best: #4 Ryvit 10-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #8 Shortcoming 15-1 3rd

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

Several obvious candidates, but think Legally Bay will be glossed over being from Finger Lakes connections. Tries grass for the first time and dam Try N Sue was a Sir Harry Lewis stalwart and half sister of turf earner Haggs Castle. Worthwhile flyer at boxcars..

Best Value: #6 Legally Bay 20-1 11th
Next Best: #3 As Well 5-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #8 Atlantic’s Smile 2-1 5th
Super Use: #4 Chow Fun 10-1 4th

8th: Fiddlers Patriot, 3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Excellent cast of accomplished turf sprinters. Tightend Touchdown OK enough favorite but only one of perhaps 6 ‘logical’ winners. Not a play-against per se, but no multi-race single either..

Most Likely: #8 Longhunter 4-1 6th
Best Value: #9 Spring to the Sky 12-1 9th-Eased
Next Best: #11 Great Attack 5-1 5th
Exotics Use: #6 Tightend Touchdown 2nd

9th: 99th Sanford (G2), 2yo, 6f (DD)

Schuylerville girls put on a great show opening day and exacta pair from Bashford Manor plus slick Pletcher/Starlight debut winner All in Blue make the boy’s edition intriguing. Perfect and potentially special Debt Ceiling tabbed as 2nd choice on the line and may have plenty yet to show. Nothing says Wired Bryan, Jake’s Magic Hat or Southern Blessing couldn’t improve 2nd out and impact this either. SCR Yes Liz who ran Friday..

Most Likely: #3 Debt Ceiling 5-2 6th
Best Value: #5 Jake’s Magic Hat 8-1 5th
Next Best: #1 All in Blue 2-1 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Hollywood Talent 6-1 3rd

10th: NY-OC/N1X, F&M-3+, 6.5f

SCR Saltamontes who flopped in FL stake yesterday. Impossibly deep group of 14 to close out the day with any combination as likely as the next. Swing from your heels..

Most Likely: #5 Make the Moment 8-1 3rd
Best Value: #1 All Mine Tonight 12-1 7th
Next Best: #7 Run a Dubb Dubb 20-1 11th
Exotics Use: #2 Julesco 15-1 12th

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 3-6-8
8: 8
9: 1-2-3-4-5-6
10: 1-2-3-5-7-9-10-11

3x1x6x8 = 144 x .50 = $72

Hot but fun day opening for the Spa with a food number of ideas coming to fruition with $14.20 Short Shrift and $24.80 turnback winner New Line anchoring the action. Short timing to turn around the Saturday opinions… Hope everyone got off the mark well Friday!

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

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

Faves Moonlit Sonnet and Heart of New York are solid enough, but it’s a state bred turf route, so you’re compelled to use viable prices. Mela Dramatically has the same scenario for Motion here that opening day 1st race runner up I’ll Call had saving ground inside. Maragh gets call with Prado at Finger Lakes today for Terranova..

Most Likely: #1 Mela Dramatically 8-1 9th
Next Best: #5 Moonlit Sonnet 5-2 2nd
Best Value: #3 Palace Dreams 6-1 WON ($15.40)
Exotics Use: #6 Heart of New York 3-1 3rd

2nd: NY-MSW, 3+, 5.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #6 Insighting 5-2 6th
Best Value: #4 Downgoesfrazier 5-1 4th
Next Best: #5 Asset Inflation 3-1 WON ($5.70)
Exotics Use: #9 Slimshady 12-1 7th

3rd: My Princess Jess, 3yo-F, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD)

Like the De La Rose, a stakes for quality missies that haven’t got black type win this year. Wide, wide open and note there is a fair amount of speed involved. In answer to speculation on air Friday, Joe Rocco Jr. is indeed part of the Saratoga jockey colony this summer..

Best Value: #5 Miss Squeal 15-1 10th
Next Best: #8 Wave Theory 5-2 4th
Exotics Use: #7 Silsita 10-1 WON ($14.60)
Super Add: #2 Kitten’s Queen 8-1 6th

4th: NY-MSW, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Balanced, tough to figure group of older F&M’s dashing. Firsters demand attention and anyone else doing something different (1st turf; 1st start at 3, etc.) feels useful. Note that Rice can get 13-AE Pie’s First Lady (5-2) in to body of race if she SCR’s Ivana Pucker..

Best Value: #7 Amber Morning 10-1 4th
Next Best: #11 Rosalie’s Pleasure Late SCR
Exotics Use: #3 Bileaps and Bounds 15-1 9th
Super Add: #9 Echluath 10-1 7th

5th: NY-ALW/N1X, 3+, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD)

Always awkward for me when a Dee Tee runner is involved and Toy Cannon returns here from slightly maddening downstate campaign. Big, obstreperous gelding needs pace up front and perfect handling from quixotic pilot to succeed but price may be more inviting today than 3-2 and 7-2 disappointments this spring..

Most Likely: #2 Toy Cannon 5-1 2nd
Best Value: #9 Tycoon Cat 12-1 WON ($19.60)
Next Best: #11 Poliziotto 4-1 8th
Exotics Use: #12 Read the Proposal 10-1 12th

<$75 P4 Play:

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

3x3x4x4 = 144 x .50 = $72

6th: OC/N2X, 3+, 7f (P6, P3, DD)

Rode 7f turnback victory of Mott’s New Line to juicy Day 1 P3 hits, but barn’s Power World has more challenging assignment here stretching out to the trip from the tricky rail draw. Integrity feels as likely to regress as to repeat big effort..

Most Likely: #1 Power World 5-1 4th
Best Value: #5 Blind Hope 10-1 8th
Next Best: #10 Leave of Absence 6-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #3 Integrity 2-1 6th

7th: NY-OC/N1X, 3+, 6.5f (G/S, P3, DD)

Yeesh.. Seven — at least — of the 13 can win. There’s plenty of pace on here so collapse distinctly possible. Don’t be shy about swinging for the fences here..

Best Value: #10 Charlie’s Punch 15-1 4th
Next Best: #8 Soul House 4-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #11 Crackerjack Jones 5-2 WON ($7.80)
Super Add: #4 Even Got Quiet 6-1 3rd

8th: MSW, 3+, 7f (P4, P3, DD)

Excellent cast of elder MDN’s that still have upside including debuting Scam, Phipps’ Giant’s Causeway colt out of Mother Goose/CCAO winner Smuggler (herself the daughter of Inside Information)..

Most Likely: #7 Charlie’s Picnic 5-1 5th
Best Value: #8 Tony D 20-1 12th
Next Best: #3 Apex 6-1 9th
Exotics Use: #11 Scam 12-1 3rd

9th: 37th Shuvee H. (G3), F&M-3+, 9f (P3, DD)

Zenyatta sister Eblouissante apparently will run here and why not? Race goes through Padua mare Authenticity. Unless there’s a change, SCR Summer Applause who is running in Delaware versus Royal Delta..

Most Likely: #7 Authenticity 7-5 WON ($3.00)
Best Value: #1 Royal Lahaina 15-1 5th
Next Best: #3 Eblouissante 7-2 6th
Exotics Use: #2 Flashy American 12-1 3rd

10th: 97th Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), 3yo-F, 9f (DD)

Bit of a chess match here between stablemates Unlimited Budget and Princess of Sylmar. Pletcher has a way of spreading these kinds of laurels around and Unlimited Budget is more tactical than the KY Oaks heroine..

Most Likely: #3 Unlimited Budget 2-1 5th
Next Best: #4 Princess of Sylmar 9-5 WON ($6.30)
Exotics Use: #2 Cue the Moon 10-1 4th

11th: CLM, 3+, 6f

Major Fire Sale! Everything Must Go! Lost Our Lease! Act Now! Drum Roll, Road Agent, Velvet Cap, etc., being given away..

Most Likely: #2 Vee’s Accolade 5-1 3rd
Best Value: #3 Ludo Bagman 8-1 9th
Next Best: #12 Velvet Cap 4-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #7 Drum Roll 4-1 6th

<$75 P4 Play:

8: 2-3-4-7-8-11
9: 1-3-7
10: 3-4
11: 2-3-7-12

6x3x2x4 = 144 x .50 = $72