Saratoga more or less reaches the quarter pole today with 28 days in the book and 12 to come. After an early stretch of tumultuous results that had most players scrambling at the start of the meet, an intense period of normalcy has pervaded the Spa with an average of nearly 6 favorites a day finding success over the last 7 cards. So in what amounts to bit of a shell game, the first third of the stand invited you to reach out for price plays just as the sands were shifting back towards the age old paradigm of faves winning about 35% and hitting the board 65% of the time.

Saratoga is a relatively short meet, but the lesson is that staying the course with your play, with expectations of typical pervading results, is always the best of course of action. As usual, fairing well will be determined by how successfully your emotions are held in check and that your confidence not be swayed. I’ve reminded many frustrated visitors that mixed or weak returns at Saratoga are not generally a result of poor handicapping or wagering and the slightly curious ebb/flow of this particular season has added to the already difficult equations. If the big scores you expect and find annually have yet to materialize, hang in as long as your bankroll allows. Though entering the final stretch, there is still plenty of time to leave the summer session a big winner!

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

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

Only Madam I’m Adam (SCR’D) has started and that wasn’t too pretty. Not a lot to base decisions on here except trainer stats and modest pedigree info. Meet the Mets is a half to the excellent R Betty Graybull (Holy Bull). Schosberg reaches for Johnny V. (3/8 last two summers) for Sandy’z Slew, half to fast 2yo Palmetto Bluffs (Salt Lake)..

Most Likely: #7 Saint Arthur 7-2 3rd
Best Value: #8 Sandy’z Slew 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #3 Meet the Mets 3-1 WON ($9.60)
Exotics Use: #6 Tom Ed 8-1 5th

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

Most Likely: #4 Jess Not Jesse 5-2 WON ($6.50)
Next Best: #6 Little Nick 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #1 Evacuation Route 7-2 3rd
Super Add: #7 Ziptronic 8-1 2nd

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

Most Likely: #5 Victory Island 5-2 4th
Best Value: #2 Ibid 8-1 6th
Next Best: #6 Class Action Suit 2-1 WON ($7.90)
Exotics Use: #3 Clear Pasaj 7-2 5th

4th: OC/N2X, F&<M-3+, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #2 Sylvestris 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #1 Eye Candy Annie 10-1 4th
Next Best: #7 Adjacent 5-2 WON ($4.80)
Exotics Use: #5 Warm Hugs 7-2 3rd

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

Hard to go against the obvious ones here..

Most Likely: #7 Bourbon Twist 5-2 WON ($7.90)
Next Best: #4 Moonlit Sonata 3-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 The Lady Says Yes 2-1 2nd
Super Add: #3 John’s Mariah 6-1 4th

<$75 P4 Play:

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

4x3x4x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

$0.50 Pick 4 (4,5,8/6/7,8,9/7) Paid $80.00

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

Note that #1a Dubai Time (10-1) could change this scenario a great deal.. GETS IN

Best Value: #1a Dubai Time 10-1 5th
Next Best: #2 Kitten’s Kid 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #8 Master Achievement 3-1 WON ($10.80)
Super Add: #9 Political Courage 6-1 9th

.10 SUPER: Key 1 in 1st/2nd with 2-5-8-9-10 (1x5x4x3 [60] + 5x1x4x3 [60] = 120 x .10 = $12.00

7th: MDN CLM, 2yo, 5.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Interesting MDN/$50k affair with droppers from Pletcher and Mott, turf movers and debuters from dangerous outfits..

Most Likely: #3 Coach A. J. 2-1: WinStar using the quick hook; Dynaformer mare.. WON ($3.70)
Best Value: #1 Counting Days 10-1: Bulleted at Downs, vanned here for $47k pot.. 4th
Next Best: #7 Bold and Ready 6-1: Hill homebred right for lawn, spotted for success.. 5th
Exotics Use: #8 Boston Proper 4-1 2nd

8th: OC/S-ALW, 3+, 9f (P3, DD)

Quality group..

Most Likely: #2 Bluember 7-2 DNF (Incident)
Best Value: #5 Colony Strike 8-1 WON ($30.60)
Next Best: #4 Desert Storm 3-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #3 Washington’s Rules 4-1 2nd

9th: 35th Albany-NY, 3yo, 9f (DD)

This event is a bit of a curiosity and before mailing it in with the ML faves, remember that Bigger is Bettor won it last year at 30-1. It feels like there is no shortage of pace here and the 9f is a an unknown element for most of them..

Best Value: #4 Live for Today 5-1 DNF (Eased)
Next Best: #2 Willy Beamin 9-5 WON ($4.30)
Exotics Use: #3 Zivo 3-1 2nd
Super Add: #6 Smokin Candy 20-1 5th

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

#11 (AE) Race Palace certainly a big threat if she gets in..

Most Likely: #10 Thus 5-1 6th
Best Value: #11 Race Palace 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #6 Cypress Pond 4-1 DNF (Froggy fall off)
Exotics Use: #9 Warm Glow 7-2 2nd

<$75 P4 Play:

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

5x3x5x2 = 150 x .50 = $75

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

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

Nothing clever..

Most Likely: #6 Tiz Yankee 7-5 2nd
Next Best: #1e West Point entry 9-5 WON/3rd ($3.60)
Best Value: #3 After the Bell 8-1 4th (3rd for Trifecta)
Exotics Use: #4 Round Midnight 5-1 6th

2nd: NY-OC/C, 3+, 7f (P4, P3, DD)

Hushion terrific but 5-2 favorite Tug of War still needs more improvement to best all of the alternatives..

Best Value: #5 Pete’s Parlay 6-1 DNF (Incident)
Next Best: #3 Recurring Dream 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #2 Tug of War 5-2 3rd
Super Add: #1 Mineswept 3-1 WON ($6.30)

3rd: MDN CLM, 3+, 1m-IT (P3, DD)

Here Comes Drz gets stretched out, weight break and keeps improving. 5-1 more than acceptable..

Best Value: #8 Here Comes Drz 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 Br. Alexander 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Rangey 8-5 WON ($3.40)
Super Add: #4 Todd Cole 12-1 7th

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

Undefineable set with not a tremendous amount of pedigree insight to offer..

Most Likely: #8 Birchwood Road 7-2 3rd
Best Value: #4 Always for You 6-1 8th
Next Best: #5 Grahamandwithers 3-1 7th
Exotics Use: #2 Becker’s Galaxy 8-1 4th

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

Nice little feature..

Most Likely: #6 Risky Rachel 6-5 WON ($3.40)
Best Value: #7 Superior Sarah 6-1 6th
Next Best: #2 Willet 2-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #3 Final Mesa 10-1 4th

<$75 P4 Play:

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

4x3x2x4 = 96 x .50 = $48

6th: OC/N2X, 3+, 8.5f-IT (G/S, P3, DD)

Absolutely terrific ALW with well-matched field including one of my offbeat favorites in Tonto Fontenot (SCRATCHED)..

Most Likely: #7 Late SCR
Next Best: #9 Voodoo Storm 5-1 3rd
Best Value: #1 Midnite Silver 12-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #5 Jimmy Simms 2-1 WON ($4.70)

7th: NY-MSW, 2yo, 8.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

More pedigree here than in the earlier state bred affair with Terranova sending FTS Irish Jade, a full to Oedipus O’Neal, and Pletcher introducing Larry Goichman’s Medaglia d’Oro son M Six who is out of nice MSW J’ray..

Best Value: #4 Irish Jade 4-1 2nd
Next Best: #2 M Six 3-1 5th
Exotics Use: #9 Notacatbutallama 5-2 WON ($4.00)
Super Add: #7 Tequila Hero 15-1 7th

8th: MSW, F&M-3+, 9f-IT (P3, DD)

Yikes! You don’t expect to find this many solid types with remaining upside in a maiden event for 3+’s. Tremendously competitive group..

Most Likely: #8 Geisha Gal 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #6 Cerce Cay 10-1 4th
Next Best: #2 Conquesta 4-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #1a Gloat 6-1 7th

9th: OC/N3X, 3+, 7f (DD)

For $90k, why not put a name on this heat and make it a stake?

Most Likely: #9 Little Drama 3-1 WON ($4.50)
Best Value: #3 Gallant Fields 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #4 Raging Six 7-2 6th
Exotics Use: #7 Banner Bill 10-1 7th

10th: CLM, 3+, 9.5f-T

Best Value: #5 Slambino 12-1 5th
Next Best: #8 Grand Rapport 5-2 WON ($5.60)
Exotics Use: #2 Pocket Cowboys 2-1 2nd
Super Add: #4 Monteagle 20-1 9th

<$75 P4 Play:

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

2x6x3x4 = 144 x .50 = $72

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: MSW 2yo-F, 7f (P3, DD)

Nothing should stop Kimono, the Pletcher side of the Coolmore entry, but Champagne d’Oro half sis Liberty Girl may be much more prepared for 2nd start underneath..

Most Likely: #1e Coolmore entry 3-5 WON/2nd ($2.40)
Best Value: #3 Liberty Girl 6-1 3rd (2nd for wagering)
Next Best: #5 Gamientos Girl 6th
Exotics Use: #6 Rainbow Dreams 10-1 4th (3rd for wagering)

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

Uggh.. There’s about 8 fillies in here within a length or two of each other. Some way to start the P4. Smilin’ Phil Serpe has won a hatful of races the last couple days and has had time to tinker with Always Home (12-1). Anything close to her June 2 try at Belmont will win this at a fat number. Johar Beauty (8-1) from Graham Motion may continue to progress after showing improvement in 2nd start while stretching out. Speaking of which, is it me, or has the Motion barn been unusually dull the last several months?

Best Value: #5 Always Home 12-1 7th
Next Best: #3 Johar Beauty 8-1 8th
Exotics Use: #4 Fast and Strong 5-2 2nd
Super Add: #9 Clever Spirit 6-1 3rd

3rd: MDN CLM, 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

Best Value: #6 Tricky Guy 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #3 Revere 3-1 6th
Exotics Use: #4 Backdown 2-1 WON ($4.50)
Super Add: #1 Side Party Ralph 4-1 2nd

4th: OC/S-ALW, F&M-3+, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #6 Wise Harmony 5-1 6th
Best Value: #7 Sheza Heartbreaker 6-1 DNF (Saddle)
Next Best: #8 First Whippoorwill 5-2 7th
Exotics Use: #1 Cosmic Energy 3-1 WON ($7.50)

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

Round up the usual suspects for this 2yo filly turf route. Note that Chad Brown sends Stonestreet Curlin miss J’esprit that’s a half to Stormin Baghdad. Barbara Banke is 6 for 6 at the meet with 4 wins coming alone as Stonestreet and 2 in partnership with George Bolton..

Best Value: #8 J’esprit 5-1 3rd
Next Best: #10 Citizen Emma 5-2 6th
Exotics Use: #5 Broken Spirit 6-1 WON ($15.80)
Super Add: #2 Colorful Image 4-1 10th

<$50 P4 Play:

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

6x3x2x4 = 144 x .50 = $72

6th:OC/S-ALW, 3yo, 8.5f-IT (PG/S, P3, DD)

Many candidates for success lined up. Our Entourage (3-1) has been consistent against better, so this constitutes class relief. Dominguez lands on Hear the Word (8-1) giving this ‘first time Motion’ a major piloting upgrade..

Most Likely: #1 Our Entourage 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #3 Hear the Word 8-1 6th
Next Best: #7 Selection Sunday 7-2 8th
Exotics Use: #6 Balance the Budget 20-1 5th

7th: MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

‘Big messy group. Watch the board for any hints when putting your P4 tix..

Most Likely: #9 Wish to Opine 3-1 WON ($4.50)
Best Value: #14 Marcy 10-1 5th
Next Best: #8 Irish Wedding 4-1 4th
Exotics Use: #3 Pegasus Diamond 12-1 3rd

8th: 29th Lake Placid (G2), 3yo-F, 9f-IT (P3, DD)

Real chess match. Who would be a surprise?

Best Value: #4 Better Lucky 5-1 5th
Next Best: #2 Centre Court 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 Somali Lemonade 12-1 3rd
Super Add: #1 Stephanie’s Kitten 9-5 WON ($4.20)

9th: OC/S-ALW, F&M-3+, 7f (DD)

Wild scramble. Don’t be shy about prices..

Best Value: #6 Marvelous Margeret 8-1 7th
Next Best: #8 Caviar N Champagne 4-1 4th
Exotics Use: #9 Princess Mara 12-1 5th
Super Add: #10 Bid a Moon 15-1 6th

10th: CLM, F&M-3+, 7f

Most Likely: #1 Read the Research 9-2 WON ($6.10)
Best Value: #11 Tahoe Tigress 20-1 3rd
Next Best: #9 Readygetsgold 8-1 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Deflate the Bubble 4-1 8th

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 3-8-9-14
8: 1-2-3-4-5-6
9: 6-8-9
10: 1-11

4x6x3x2 = 144 x .50 = $72

DEL MAR

POST-SCRATCHES

4th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 6.5f (P6, P3, DD)

$442k C/O starts here..

Best Value: #2 Sweet Elation 12-1 3rd
Next Best: #5 Panettone 7-2 6th
Exotics Use: #1 Oskar Hval 5-1 2nd
Super Add: #10 Aragorn Sword 5-1 7th

5th: S/ALW, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD)

Best Value: #6 Folk Dancer 9-2 2nd
Next Best: #1 Ambitoness 3-1 WON ($6.60)
Exotics Use: #3 Ghost N Your Heart 5-1 8th
Super Add: #2 Collating Lady 4-1 3rd

6th: 41st Rancho Bernardo (G3), F&M-3+, 6.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Really good group..

Best Value: #6 Glamorista 12-1 6th
Next Best: #2 Winding Way 2-1 WON ($4.80)
Exotics Use: #5 Moonstruck Maya 6-1 5th
Super Add: #1 Rumor 5-2 3rd

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

Sharp-breaking Baffert firster likely a good single option, but has SCRATCHED..

Best Value: #3 Madame Cactus 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #9 Secret Memo 5-2 5th
Exotics Use: #6 Truly Marie 5-1 WON ($6.40)
Super Add: #1 Miss Derek 6-1 4th

8th: 18th Solana Beach H., Cal-bred F&M-3+, 1m-T (DD)

Most Likely: #4 Antares World 3-1 5th
Best Value: #7 Blendara 20-1 4th
Next Best: #9 Halo Dolly 5-2 WON ($8.80)
Exotics Use: #8 A Jealous Woman 8-1 8th

9th: MDN CLM, 3+, 6.5f (Super Hi-5)

$33k Hi-5 C/O here..

Most Likely: #8 Danger Lurking 7-2 3rd
Best Value: #9 A. P. Corsair 9-2 6th
Next Best: #3 America Rising 5-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #10 Lea Von 20-1 12th
Super/Hi-5: #5 I Run for Fun 8-1 WON ($21.40)

<$150 P6 Play:

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

4x3x3x2x1x1 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

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

5x2x3x4 = 120 x .50 = $60

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

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

Most Likely: #8 Master Splash 4-1 5th
Best Value: #10 Gramercy 10-1 7th
Next Best: #5 Redemption Road 5-2 4th
Exotics Use: #2 Hookedonchurchpunch 15-1 10th

2nd: MSW, 2yo, 8.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

As discussed with Nick Tammarro Friday, there’s not a lot to latch on to in today’s baby races that enable you to build plays with confidence..

Most Likely: #7 Lemon Drop Dream 3-1: Half to Denomination.. 3rd
Best Value: #5 Elmutahid 8-1: KMc strong stretching out 2nd start.. 2nd
Next Best: #1 Amen Kitten 6-1 4th
Exotics Use: #8 Sonofasamurai 4-1 WON ($15.40)

3rd: NY-MDN CLM, 3+, 5.5f (P3, DD)

A ‘bad horses win bad races’ situation? Firster from Galluscio as viable as the rest of this group and will be a value..

Best Value: #9 Nine Links 12-1 4th
Next Best: #7 Seghesio 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #4 Five Card Draw 3-1 5th
Super Add: #1 Late SCR

4th: MSW, 2yo, 7f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Titletown Five 7-2: $7 would be value with return to debut effort.. 2nd
Next Best: #4 Violence 9-5: Pletcher $600k yrlg but dam won but once.. WON ($3.60)
Best Value: #3 Bad Hombre 8-1: FTS from Mig’s group; Kimmel earns with debuters.. 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Holden On 4-1: C. Brown 2nd timer should be tighter now.. 5th

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

Will include favored Post Pattern in multis but look for a score within the race. State bred turf routes baby!

Big SCR of #10 River Tune out of here..

Most Likely: #2 Nelson Avenue 6-1 WON ($10.40)
Best Value: #4 Moneyinyour Pocket 20-1 6th
Next Best: #3 Post Pattern 5-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #9 Jake’s Shake 12-1 4th

<$75 P4 Play:

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

5x3x2x5 = 150 x .50 = $75

6th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 8.5f-T (P6, P3, DD)

First of 2 on the Mellon that features fields of 14. Only 12 of them look like they can win though..

Most Likely: #9 Colonel Bill 5-2 WON ($6.40)
Best Value: #1 Cat Sweep 10-1
Next Best: #7 Kathy’s Kitten 5-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #2 Hardrocker 12-1 2nd
Super Add: #10 See Me Proud 10-1 4th

7th: OC/N2X, 3+, 7f (G/S, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #4 Que Posse 5-2 6th
Best Value: #5 Prince Silver 5-1 4th
Next Best: #7 Shrewd One 3-1 WON ($7.40)
Exotics Use: #2 Hello Lover 7-2 2nd

8th: OC/N1X, 3+, 5.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1 Strong Impact 7-2 WON ($7.40)
Best Value: #4 Tazered 15-1 7th
Next Best: #5 Clip the Coupons 5-1 8th
Exotics Use: #7 Marquet Cat 5-1 2nd

9th: 38th Sword Dancer Inv. (G1), 3+, 12f-IT (P3, DD)

This race frequently goes to a quality turfer that has been knocking on the door in G1 turf marathons and Brilliant Speed ran better than it looks in the Manhattan and Woodford Reserve. Change to Catellano may be timely and price will be nice..

Best Value: #8 Brilliant Speed 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #2 Point of Entry 5-2 WON ($4.80)
Exotics Use: #9 Turbo Compressor 2-1 9th
Super Add: #1 Al Khali 8-1 2nd

10th: Alabama (G1), 3yo-F, 10f (DD)

Grace Hall or Questing are overwhelmingly likely, but take a long look at Uptown Bertie as a nutty alternative, small multi-race back-up play and exotics booster. Yes she needs to make up perhaps 15 lengths to compete with the big girls, but this race is a mile and a quarter and none of these are proven commodities at that trip. Uptown Bertie has improved dramatically since the start of the summer and has a pedigree positive for the trip that may be getting overlooked. Productive dam De Bertie is by De Niro, the Brant-Strawbridge campaigned son out of their long-winded champion Waya who won the 10f Saratoga Cup here in 1974 and the Beldame at the same trip later that fall. Love that Margolis put a 6f work in her 10 days ago and with plenty of minor Oaks opps available, the Kleins are too smart to waste a start here. Uptown Bertie found a cruising gear in her maidenbreaker and there’s a puncher’s chance that she keeps running when others start to feel the burn..

Most Likely: #3 Grace Hall 7-5 5th
Next Best: #6 Questing 5-2 WON ($6.40)
Best Value: #4 Uptown Bertie 20-1 7th
Exotics Use: #5 Via Villagio 8-1 3rd

11th: NY-ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 8.5f-IT

Most Likely: #7 Schillerette 4-1 3rd
Best Value: #3 G. A. Empress 15-1 7th
Next Best: #1 Love Stanza Chance 8-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #8 City Scamper 15-1 9th

<$100 P4 Play:

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

4x4x2x5 = 160 x .50 = $80

$0.50 Pick 4 (1/2/6/2,5,12) Paid $75.10

Back-up:

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

4x3x1x3 = 36 x .50 = $18

ARLINGTON PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

7th: American St. Leger, 3+, 13.5f-T (P5, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #8 Jakkalberry 9-5 WON ($5.20)
Next Best: #10 Zuider Zee 5-1 3rd
Best Value: #5 Lake Drop 8-1 4th
Exotics Use: #11 Ioya Bigtime 9-2 2nd

8th: Secretariat (G1), 3yo, 10f-T (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #8 Silver Max 9-5 5th
Best Value: #7 Bayrir 6-1 WON ($8.40)
Next Best: #2 Summer Front 5-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #5 All Stormy 20-1 7th

9th: Hatoof, 3yo-F, 8.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 Lady Candidate 6-1 6th
Best Value: #10 Soonerette 10-1 5th
Next Best: #2 Leading Astray 4-1 WON ($6.80)
Exotics Use: #1 Imposing Grace 12-1 8th

10th: Beverly D. (G1), F&M-3+, 9.5f-T (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #8 Marketing Mix 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #5 Mystical Star 6-1 8th
Next Best: #1 Kapitale 12-1 4th
Exotics Use: #7 Aruna 7-2 10th

11th: Arlington Millon (G1), 3+, 10f-T (DD)

Most Likely: #9 Crackerjack King 5-1 5th
Next Best: #2 Boisterous 4-1 9th
Best Value: #5 Colombian 8-1 3rd-DH
Exotics Use: #6 Treasure Beach 6-1 6th

<$100 P5 Play:

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

2x2x5x5x2 = 200 x .50 = $100

Thursday was a chalk-filled ‘take what they give you’ kind of day at the Spa with very little imagination required to do well. 7 favorites, 2 second choices, a third and fourth choice were your winners, with only $13.60 Plainview paying over $10. After being sure to prominently feature the obvious horses, using Plainview was the one good idea you needed to make the day a darn good one as he boosted the late P4 to $169 (Doubled to $338 with SCR) and final P3’s to $122, $172 and $101. Hope everyone did well. Another good 10 pack today with big Alabama-Sword Dancer/Arlington Million Weekend dead ahead!

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

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

Most Likely: #3 Unabashed 9-5 WON ($5.60)
Best Value: #1 Ruby Lips 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 Sawyers Trustylady 3-1 5th
Exotics Use: #8 Sense of Reality 6-1 8th

2nd: Summer Guest-R, eyo-F, 9f (P4, P3, DD)

Top pair better than the rest..

Most Likely: #4 Ciao Bella 2-1 4th
Next Best: #5 Moment in Dixie 5-2 2nd
Best Value: #3 Harbor Mist 10-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 Lemon Splendor 8-1 5th

3rd: MDN CLM, 3yo-F, 1m-IT (P3, DD)

Quirky group with droppers, turf movers, stretchouts and scary Clement FTS. Favored Race Palace (5-2) would be logical place to start here if Brown barn wasn’t blind without a cane right now. He Loves Me More feels overlaid at 8-1 having what looks like an edge controling the pace. If no one has notices, Dominick Schettino has had a very nice meet thus far and Chat Me Up hasa big shot returning to the lawn after off turf washout last time. Tagg drops Channel the Green. Suggesting 1-2-4-5-6-8 to get through P4, etc..

Most Likely: #4 Chat Me Up 5-1 5th
Best Value: #5 He Loves Me More 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #1 Rusila 5-1 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Sands of Humor 10-1 3rd

4th: 33rd Yaddo-NY, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD)

Top pair are great rivals and interchangeable..

Most Likely: #1 Gitchee Goomie 7-5 4th
Next Best: #5 Hessonite 8-5 WON ($4.60)
Best Value: #2 Considerate 10-1 6th
Exotics Use: #3 Elusive Rumor 8-1 3rd

5th: NY-OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 8.5f-IT (P6, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #6 Inimitable Romanee 3-1 3rd
Best Value: #4 Late SCR
Next Best: #1 Shakeira 4-1 WON ($6.70)
Exotics Use: #2 Wholelottashakin 5-2 2nd

<$50 P4 Play:

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

2x6x2x4 = 96 x .50 = $48

6th: OC/N1X, F&M-3+, 9f (G/S, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1a Dance Card 9-5 WON ($3.20)
Next Best: #5 Draw It 2-1 3rd
Best Value: #4 Scampering 5-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #2b Victory for VLT’s 6-1 6th

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

#2 (AE) Bustin On Cecelia (6-1) is worth a long look if she gets in, as are the other AE’s. This group has a chaotic feel..

Best Value: #1 Heading to Toga 7-2 WON ($6.40)
Best Value: #2 Bustin On Cecilia 6-1 7th
Exotics Use: #4 Maybry’s Girl 4-1 3rd
Super Add: #7 Rosalie’s Pleasure 4-1 2nd

8th: MSW, F&M-3+, 6f (P3, DD)

Best Value: #9 It’s Saturday Night 4-1 3rd
Next Best: #3 Glorious View 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #4 Crafty Push 5-1 WON ($15.60)
Super Add: #7 Lady Halite 6-1 5th

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

Most Likely: #1 Subtle 3-1 4th
Best Value: #5 Cozy App 15-1 6th
Next Best: #4 Ave’s Halo 4-1 5th
Super Add: #9 Akira 5-1 2nd

10th: CLM, F&M-3+, 1m-IT

CAME OFF THE TURF AFTER 7TH RACE; YOU RECEIVE ‘ALL’ IN P4/P6

Best Value: #4 Zero Yield 5-1 —
Next Best: #8 Julep Tulip 4-1 —
Exotics Use: #10 Surface Change SCR
Super Add: #2 Proud Dame 8-1 —

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 1-2-4-7
8: 3-9
9: 1-4-5
10: RECEIVE ‘ALL‘ FOR WAGERING PURPOSES

4x2x3x6 = 144 x .50 = $72