Had an OK day overall Thursday but was frustrated from shot at big P4 by gate scratch of I Bet Toni Knows out of the featured 9th. Anchor leg include Warrior Up scored in the nightcap at 30-1 under hot bug Wilmer Garcia to trip a $2,550 quad behind $8 Statue of Liberty winner My Jopia, $6 Pearl of Wisdom and $8 draw-in Stormy Beauty. Access to the payoff was further blocked by getting Why Take a Chance as the post favorite by a slight margin in the wagering over winner My Jopia. Other than the early double and finale, the afternoon was chalky overall and a number of mundane P3’s and whatnot made the day more than passable. 13-1 Papa Tom’s second behind Pearl of Wisdom in the 8th was a nice spur to the day actually when the tri came back $131 ($2). Hope everyone did well!

Hall of Fame induction ceremonies this morning ahead of terrific namesake stake this afternoon. $53k C/O today thanks to Warrior Up. Forecasts are calling for thunderstorms throughout the day ( Weather Underground for 12866 ), so keep tabs on the Scratches/Changes/Course Conditions at the NYRA website.

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: CLM, 3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Here is an appropriate snapshot of how difficult this meet has been. Totally inscrutable group with absolutely 7 of the 9 possible as winner..

Best Value: #2 Everyday Dave 6-1 8th
Next Best: #5 Decisive Move 5-2 4th
Exotics Use: #7 Shotinthefog 6-1 3rd
Super Add: #4 Taproot 10-1 2nd

NOW ALL RACES ARE OFF THE TURF; WHOLESALE CHANGES TO COME

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

Most Likely: #6 Effie Trinket 5-2 WON ($5.20)
Best Value: #8 True Fortune 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 Sharon Spagetti 3-1 7th
Exotics Use: #5 Westerday 5-1 4th

3rd: CLM, 3+, 6.5f (P3, DD)

Super cancelled..

Most Likely: #5 Temecula Creek 3-1 4th
Best Value: #1 For All Who Conga 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 Regal Strike 5-2 WON ($4.60)

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

As a full to Giant Moon, Al Fried’s homebred The Giant’s Beauty is cut out to be a nice horse. Cuts back, retains Lezcano and could move up on wet if applicable..

Most Likely: #4 Islarama 5-2 2nd
Best Value: #2 The Giant’s Beauty 8-1 6th
Next Best: #7 Typhoon Teri 4-1 5th
Exotics Use: #3 Haldane 5-1 WON ($16.20)

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

Most Likely: #14 SCR
Best Value: #13 Cindy Says 5-1 7th
Next Best: #7 Insolvent 4-1 WON ($9.10)
Exotics Use: #1 Worthwhilepursuit 5-2 6th

<$75 P4 Play:

2: 6-8
3: 1-5-7
4: 2-3-4-7
5: 1-4/SCR-5-7-13-14/SCR

2x3x4x6 = 144 x .50 = $72

$0.50 Pick 4 (6,9/3,4,7/3/7) Paid $152.75

6th: NY-MSW, F&M-3+, 7f-OFF THE TURF (G/S, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #4 Mela Dramatically 3rd
Best Value: #3 Ampa’s Girl 2nd
Next Best: #1 Nobody Cares 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Royal Suspicion WON ($10.20)

7th: NY-MSW, 2yo, 5f (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #6 Tweet Me 5-2 4th
Best Value: #4 Weekend Hideaway 4-1 (*) WON ($5.70)
Next Best: #7 Horatio 3-1 8th
Exotics Use: #8 Shot Rock 8-1 2nd

8th: NY-OC/N2X, 3+, 6.5f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #9 Saratoga Snacks 5-2 WON ($4.10)
Next Best: #3 Wee Freudian 5-1 3rd
Best Value: #2 Southbeachsandy 15-1 5th
Super Add: #6 Law Enforcement 12-1 4th

9th: 28th Hall of Fame (G2), 3yo, 9f-OFF THE TURF (DD)

Most Likely: #4 Csaba 4-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 Daddy Nose Best 2-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #1 (POE) Skyring 3-1 6th/5th
Super Add: #6 Quick Wit 8-1 WON ($23.80)

10th: CLM, F&M-3+, 5.5f-OFF THE TURF

Confusing bunch and having it come off turf won’t clear anything up either..

Most Likely: #1 Miss Woods 8th
Best Value: #12 Natalie Victoria 2nd
Next Best: #8 Elusive Jozi WON ($6.50)
Exotics Use: #5 Blondecat 3rd

<$150 P6 Play:

5: 1-7-13
6: 4
7: 4-6
8: 9
9: 1-4-6-7
10: 1-8-12

3x1x2x1x4x3 =  72 x $2 = $144

$2 Pick 6 (7/6/5,9/4,5,7,9/6/2,3,6,8,9,11) Paid $324.00 (5OF6)

<$50 P4 Play:

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

6x1x5x3 = 90 x .50 = $45

$0.50 Pick 4 (5,9/4,5,7,9/6/2,3,6,8,9,11) Paid $278.25

 

While Saratoga continued to be a daily minefield where quality hits must be mined patiently, Wednesday’s carryover sequence at Del Mar proved readily accessible and profitable. As discussed on ATR, the Del Mar card was the preference of the summer circuits Wednesday and while 4 of 6 attacking the $2,000,000 pool at La Jolla, I mashed the $563 P4 and an additional $300 in P3 spins. As tough as the Spa slates have been, it felt good to cash early and often at DMR. The P6 paid nearly $15,000 and leaving 5th race third tab Brooklyn Rose out off the play and relying too heavily on Unusual Jazz in the 6th doomed the attempt. Still, the foray westward was a nice boost to the season’s bankroll after a steady leaking funds at the Spa.

The Saratoga action again featured a few spots where an odd horse stymied a sequence or a single placing with a price play meant the difference between agony and ecstacy. Among the frustrators was Merrill Scherer getting his first Spa session score with curious Do I Do in the 4th and marginal turfer Sportswriter running down King Kreesa in the Cab Calloway. Nelson Avenue was a dreamy 26-1 in the 7th and needed only hold 2nd to provide a big exotics hit, but the one-paced longshot settled for 3rd. I bet $20 to win on Nelson Avenue and exacta backwheeled him with 5 others, but this was a spot where the inverted tri key concept flashed its’ huge potential. With $40 invested, just another $20 provides 3rd choice Alarmed Ndangerous and 2nd choice Why Not Whisky combing with Nelson Avenue for a momentum-changer $978 triple ($1). Arrgh.

Finally in the 10th, Griffin Rock and Wilmer Garcia delivered another good effort falling a neck short of Cytherean. Already unhappy that Toy Cannon had to miss a chance to run Wednesday, I left Saratoga plenty miffed. Luckily Del Mar raised the spirits as we head toward the weekend. Hope everyone did well somewhere during the long day!

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

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

Best Value: #8 Euro Power 8-1 7th
Next Best: #1e Fout entry 5-2 3rd/9th
Exotics Use: #4 Sweet Shani 7-2 2nd
Super Add: #5 Eastern Starlett 10-1 8th

2nd:MDN CLM, 2yo, 5.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Zayat homebred won MCLM staggerfest yesterday and Starlight has been productive with its’ babies since meet broke from gate..

Most Likely: #7 All Keyed Up 5-2 5th
Next Best: #5 Yankee Mickey 4-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #3 Jacksalildevil 4-1 7th
Super Add: #6 Summer Revival 3-1 2nd

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

As mentioned on ATR & twitter, FTS (“first time start”) High Five Again is full brother of Awesome Feather; Royal Art is half to Rattlesnake Bridge..

Most Likely: #3 Overanalyze 8-5 WON ($3.20)
Next Best: #5 High Five Again 3-1 5th
Best Value: #1 Royal Art 8-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 Nevada 7-2 2nd

4th: CLM, 3+, 5.5f (P3, DD)

Good tough group..

Most Likely: #2 Flying Pegasus 3-1 2nd
Next Best: #5 Megalith 5-1 WON ($10.00)
Exotics Use: #8 Madman Diaries 5-2 3rd
Super Add: #6 Kind Regards 12-1 7th-DNF

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

As mentioned, Endorphins Fly is FTS and first foal to make the races from Mrs. Weber’s My Typhoon, MG1W daughter of Arc heroine and legendary broodmare Urban Sea (Sea the Stars, Galileo, Black Sam Bellamy, et al..)

Most Likely: #4 Sayaad 5-1 2nd
Best Value: #6 Endorphins Fly 15-1 4th
Next Best: #7 Asunder 2-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #5 Jump for Kitten 4-1 WON ($6.60)

<$75 P4 Play:

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

3x4x3x4 = 144 x .50 = $72

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

8yo Vanquisher may be getting long in the tooth but any of his good races only back to May can win this at a square number..

Best Value: #4 Vanquisher 6-1 6th
Next Best: #5 Veiled Prophet 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #7 Concert Stage 2-1 WON ($4:30)
Super Add: #9 Tapanna 8-1 5th

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

Most Likely: #5 Richbelle 3-1 7th
Next Best: #6 Dorothy’s Spirit 5-2 4th
Exotics Use: #11 Stormy Beauty 7-2 WON ($8.10)
Super Add: #2 Lady Lizzy 6-1 2nd

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

Most Likely: #2 Readtheprospectus 9-5 3rd
Best Value: #3 Downgoesfrazier 8-1 6th
Next Best: #6 Pearl of Wisdom 2-1 WON ($6.10)
Exotics Use: #1 Papa Tom 15-1 2nd

9th: NYSS-Statue of Liberty, 3yo-F, 1m-IT (DD)

Would love to reach for prices but the pace scenario favors favorite #10 I Bet Toni Knows (2-1). Simply taking the damsels from the Cupecoy’s Joy might be the best approach here..

Most Likely: #10 Late SCR
Best Value: #8 Mah Jong Maddnes 8-1 8th
Next Best: #1 Why Take a Chance 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Manero 5-1 2nd

10th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 8.5f-T

Best Value: #8 All Zipped Up 12-1 4th
Next Best: #3 Rally Point 5-2 8th
Exotics Use: #1 Ambit 5-1 2nd
Super Add: #6 Rover 7-2 5th

<$50 P4 Play:

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

4x3x1x8 = 96 x .50 = $48

 

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: NY-MSW, 2yo-F, 5f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Physical Delivery 8-5 3rd
Best Value: #6 Kitty Panda 6-1 WON ($7.70)
Next Best: #2 Spinit to Winit 5-1 4th
Exotics Use: #4 Aunt Tipsy 8-1 6th

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

Most Likely: #3 Jess Not Jesse 5-2 WON ($4.80)
Next Best #1 Bay Park Boy 4-1 2nd
Best Value: #8 Silent Pipe 12-1 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Saints Alive 6-1 3rd

3rd: MDN CLM, 2yo-F, 5.5f (P3, DD)

Funky set..

Best Value: #3 Spicy Devine 6-1 5th
Next Best: #1 My Emma 5-2 WON ($5.20)
Exotics Use: #8 Open Mic 5-1 3rd
Super Add: #2 Mizz’s Midas Touch 4-1 8th

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

Most Likely: #8 Momentum Investor 9-5 2nd
Best Value: #2 Side Party Ralph 8-1 5th
Next Best: #4 Big Red Talent 6-1 6th
Exotics Use: #9 Rock N Glamour 12-1 7th

5th: 10th NYSS-Cab Calloway, 3yo-R, 1m-IT (P6, P3, DD)

King Kreesa is better than these but will have company on the front end. Vulnerable only if pressed in waves by foes..

Most Likely: #3 King Kreesa 8-5 2nd
Best Value: #5 Goodtime Boy 6-1 6th
Next Best: #7 Western Tryst 5-1 4th
Exotics Use: #1 Sleepy Freud 10-1 3rd

<$72 P4 Play:

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

3x8x3x1 = $72� ($36 for .50)

6th: CLM, F&M-3+, 6f (G/S, DD)

Deep group and luckily not in a P4. Gets especially compelling if you have doubts about Union Victory’s invincibility as Andy Serling suggested on ATR Tuesday. Note that this is not a straight N2L..

Most Likely: #8 Union Victory 5-2 WON ($4.00)
Best Value: #2 Malibu Holiday 5-1 5th
Exotics Use: #3 Royal Start 7-2 4th
Super Add: #1 Wedding in Sorano 15-1 6th

7th: NY-MSW, 3+, 8.5f-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Other than Runnin Bayou, this field is literally within 3 lengths of each other based on recent form. Tough start to P4 that will come down to trip. Post Pattern is the marginal horse-to-beat, but I’ll work off prices like 6-1 Why Not Whisky (2nd as a 3yo after 8 mo. break) and Call Up the Chief (15-1) who continues to improve since becoming a turfer and being introduced to Irad Ortiz. Don’t lose track of #11 (AE) Nelson Avenue (15-1) should he draw in DOES DRAW IN. As plausible as the rest at fat number..

Most Likely: #4 Why Not Whisky 6-1 2nd
Best Value: #3 Call Up the Chief 15-1 6th
Next Best: #5 Post Pattern 5-2 5th
Exotics Use: #6 Mr Cowboy 4-1 4th
Super Add: #11 Nelson Ave. 15-1 3rd

8th: Mandy’s Gold, 3yo-F, 6.5f (P3, DD)

Return of 2yo Champion My Miss Aurelia and indications are that she’ll pick up where she left off. At the same time, at 2-5, this is not a case of tomato cans she’s facing with Well Kept, Srumdiddlyumptious, Delightful Quality and Ullapool all solid missies and nearly the whole cast interested in being on or near the lead. Appreciate that Asmussen got a full 6f spin into My Miss Aurelia as final tune up..

Most Likely: #6 My Miss Aurelia 2-5 WON ($2.50)
Best Value: #1 Well Kept 15-1 3rd
Next Best: #3 Delightful Quality 6-1 2nd

By the way… If George and Lori Hall never win another race, it’s because they named a horse Srumdiddlyumptious..

9th: NY-ALW/N1X, 3+, 1m-IT (DD)

Unfortunately have to SCR #5 Toy Cannon from this spot due to a splint that popped up and will sideline him 7-10 days..

Most Likely: #2 In My Eyes 6-1 3rd
Best Value: #4 John Joe 12-1 6th
Next Best: #10 Late SCR
Exotics Use: #6 Hysterical Cat 9-2 5th

10th: MDN CLM, 3+, 8.5f-T

Most Likely: #4 Santonio d’Oro 3-1 4th
Best Value: #9 Griffin Rock 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #3 Master of Markets 4-1 7th
Exotics Use: #1 Star Walk 20-1 10th

<$75 P4 Play:

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

6x1x4x6 = 144 x .50 = $72

DEL MAR

POST-SCRATCHES

3rd (6:00pm ET): CLM, 4+, 8.5f-T (P6, P3, DD)

$257k P6 C/O starts here..

As discussed with him on ATR Tuesday, the opener of the Carryover sequence goes through Ron Ellis (Smokey Lonesome; Megastar) with Ted West (Atticus Jack) lurking..

Most Likely: #2 Smokey Lonesome 5-2 WON ($6.40)
Best Value: #5 Megastar 9-2 6th
Next Best: #9 Atticus Jack 7-2 7th
Exotics Use: #Mr. Candy Bar 8-1 8th

4th: MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 6f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 War Excess 7-2 3rd
Best Value: #1 Suances Vixen 5-1 WON ($11.00)
Next Best: #7 Late SCR
Exotics Use: #4 Bull Rush 8-1 6th

5th: CLM/N2L, F&M-3+, 6f (P4, P3, DD)

Would love to single Queen Mercury or narrow to her and Bila Shaka but Brooklyn Rose broke maiden on this quirky strip and did it off a break at that. Arrgh..

Most Likely: #7 Queen Mercury 5-2 2nd
Next Best: #9 Bila Shaka 7-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #8 Brooklyn Rose 8-1 WON ($12.80)
Super Add: #13 Warren’s Performer 5-1 5th

6th: Cal-OC/N1X, 3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD)

With Risky Reward out, it appears Unusual Jazz is going to get in and he may be highly reliable back in with Cal-breds..

Most Likely: #12 UNUSUAL JAZZ 4-1 6th
Best Value: #7 Excessive Assault 15-1 2nd
Next Best: #8 Swift Eagle 7-2 WON ($6.60)
Exotics Use: #10 Dugan Bill 4-1 10th

7th: 44th Sorrento (G3), 2yo-F, 6.5f (DD)

Obviously Executiveprivilege is the key to many sextet tries..

Most Likely: #7 Executiveprivilege 4-5 WON ($2.80)
Best Value: #2 Renee’s Titan 12-1 4th
Next Best: #6 Speedinthruthecity 5-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #8 Switch to the Lead 6-1 3rd

8th: MSW, 2yo-F, 1m-T (Super Hi-5)

Most Likely: #2 Dance Team 5-2 3rd
Next Best: #3 Renee’s Queen 3-1 6th
Best Value: #5 Jerry’shoneycarol 6-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #12 Wishing Gate 6-1 WON ($12.60)

<$150 P6 Play:

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

3x3x2x1x1x4 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

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

3x3x1x4 = 36 x $2 = $72 ($36 for $1; $18 for .50)

$2 Pick 4 (8/2,5,8,13,14/3,7/12) Paid $563.40

 

Wonderful Whitney-Vanderbilt weekend despite weather and messy card hiccup Sunday. C/O into Monday on very difficult srquence. The 10# bug in the Spa pp’s today is Dylan Davis, son of Robbie and termed a natural by respected eyes. On 2 for Wes Ward. Best of luck as he launches his following in his dad’s and sisters footsteps. Hope everyone did OK this weekend and have room for another afternoon of wagering frolic.

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

TURF YIELDING; 3RD/10TH ARE OFF

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

Most Likely: #7 Dreaming of Julia 5-2 WON ($2.80)
Best Value: #6 Paper Kite 12-1 6th
Next Best: #2 Form Fitting 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #5 Sensationalize 12-1 4th

2nd: OC/N1X, 3+, 11f-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Terrific group..

Best Value: #5 Hangover Kid 8-1 WON ($8.40)
Next Best: #7 Animal Spirits 5-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #1 Situational Ethics 6-1 4th
Super Add: #4 Solitaire 6-1 2nd

3rd: CLM, 3+, 7f-OFF THE TURF (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #11 Ea WON ($5.80)
Next Best: #12 Sumo 2nd
Exotics Use: #7 Sr. Henry 4th

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

Most Likely: #5 Itsnottheright 9-5 2nd
Best Value: #8 Grey Foose 12-1 5th
Next Best: #6 Black Rhino 5-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #1 Heavy Duty 5-1 7th

5th: MDN CLM, 2yo-F, 5.5f (P6, P3, DD)

$73k P6 C/O starts here..

Most Likely: #3 Everything Sweet 7-2: Half to speedy juvy Ad Litem.. 5th
Next Best: #8 Fierce 5-2: Bug Davis gives Ward 2nd timer 10# edge.. 8th
Best Value: #5 Over the Counter 5-1: Sold well at OBS; Win early connections.. WON ($12.00)
Exotics Use: #6 My Kinda Party 4-1: Another Ocala buy from sharp team.. 3rd

<$75 P4 Play:

2: 1-3-4-5-7
3: 7-11-12
4: 5-8
5: 3-4-5-6-8

5x3x2x5 = 150 x .50 = $75

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

Most Likely: #2 Port Conway 7-2 5th
Best Value: #7 Artist Colony 12-1 2nd
Next Best: #8 Box Office 6-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 Just for Today 5-1 WON ($10.00)

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

Non-descript group of Empire babies..

Best Value: #6 Ultimate Empire 12-1 3rd
Next Best: #4 Lucci the Lion 5-2 WON ($5.50)
Exotics Use: #8 Collaborator 10-1 7th
Super Add: #5 Maintainer 3-1 2nd

8th: Waya-R, F&M-3+, 12f-T (P3, DD)

Insanely competitive three-turner with too many appetizing prices..

Most Likely: #7 Kissable 8-1 WON ($10.40)
Best Value: #5 Pinch Pie 12-1 6th
Next Best: #4 Sikara 5-1 7th
Exotics Use: #8 Sky Willow 15-1 5th

9th: OC/C, 4+, 8.5f-T (DD)

Most Likely: #2 Air Support 2-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 A Diehl 3-1 4th
Best Value: #3 Late SCR (11:44a)
Exotics Use: #9 Beau Choix 12-1 2nd

10th: MDN CLM, 3yo-F, 7f-OFF THE TURF

Check the SCR’s to see who stays and who goes in this off-turfer..

Most Likely: #6 Fun and Gains 4-1 7th
Best Value: #4 Kaitlyns Cat 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #1 Dark Nebula 4-1 4th
Exotics Use: #13 Los Ojitos 5-1 WON ($8.40)

<$200 P6 Play:

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

4x1x4x2x1x3 = 96 x $2 = $192

<$50 P4 Play:

7: ALL (4)
8: 4-5-7
9: 2
10: 1-4-6-13

8x3x1x4 = 96 x .50 = $48

Long, hot day at the Spa Saturday featured some notable performances and the leaking of money. Seeing Allen Jerkens win another G1 was worth losing the late P4 when Emma’s Encore nosed Judy the Beauty and having some of the sports’ good people like Janis Whitham, Ian Wilkes and Brian Hernandez win the Whitney with Fort Larned was equally heart-warming. Fort Larned blew apart the quality Whitney field showing an added stalking dimension to earn an ideal trip. Solid, low profile pilot Hernandez seized control of the race at the top of the stretch throttling the E Dubai colt into high gear. The move earned the field’s lone 4 year old an immediate 4+ length lead that put the closers into panic mode. By the time Ron the Greek, Flat Out and Hymm Book found their best stride, the race was long over. Fort Larned’s 110 Beyer makes him the 8th horse in 2012 to achieve a 110 or more fig at a mile or more joining Wise Dan (117), Shackleford and Caleb’s Posse (Both 115’s), Game On Dude (116), Nates Mineshaft (113), Royal Delta and Successful Dan (110’s).

The day’s wagering was manically frustrating having found several featured price plays that ran well but ultimately fell short of placements required for remunerative success. In the 5th, Fredricksburg (9-1) threw his head before the gates opened and missed the start before turning in a sustained run that got him the super slot in his debut. Mark him down for next time. Meanwhile, Summer Shiner (29-1) was involved from the outset chasing Craving Carats and ended third. The 6th saw Lord of Love (10-1) stymied for a beat while trying to rally, only to miss by a neck and head, third to Poliziotto and Prime Devil. In the De La Rose, Dancing to Town (10-1) ran a courageous race on the front end only to be headed at the wire by favored Dealbata that stole an exacta score out from under with winner Julie’s Love. In the 11th, 23-1 Ya Gotta Have Soul lost the photo to 46-1 (!) Our Dark Knight quashing a big exacta with slam dunk 4-5 winner Dominus. Finally, in the nightcap, 24-1 Out of Your Mind was too fresh from the gate for Edgar Prado to deal with and after chasing ‘chaser Manacor, leveled out in the stretch to be 4th. One price that did help out was the 7-1 on Fort Larned who hooked up with Ron the Greek for a decent $70+ exacta in the Whitney. So while there were consistent losses much of the day, I left knowing the concepts brought to the undertaking were valid enough. Hope everyone did OK and enjoyed the good Saturday racing. Vanderbilt Day Sunday with agood card and exceedingly intriguing feature with Shackleford, Emcee, Rothko, Justin Phillip and more..

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

PRE-SCRATCHES

1st: OC/N1X, F&M-3+, 9.5f-T (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #9 Trophy Wife 3-1 WON ($8.30)
Best Value: #1 Centrina 6-1 5th
Next Best: #3 Decennial 5-1 9th
Exotics Use: #2 Forbidden Gift 10-1 2nd

2nd: MSW, 3+, 9f-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #9 Input 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #6 Cornhusker 10-1 DNF
Next Best: #2 Conspiracy 4-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #1 Lelaps 10-1 WON ($10.60)

3rd: MSW, 3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Zito sends Mrs. Whitney’s Prescott Brown, an Awesome Again colt out of KY Oaks winner Bird Town who has had trouble getting a foal to the races..

CAME OFF THE TURF

Most Likely: #5 Loud Pipes 7-2 2nd
Best Value: #7 Late SCR
Next Best: #2 Rockin Boogie 3-1 DNF-Lost rider
Exotics Use: #1 Our Mister 8-1 WON ($8.40)

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

Most Likely: #7 Late SCR
Next Best: #6 Resonating 9-5 WON
Best Value: #2 Evasive Cat 8-1 6th
Exotics Use: #3 Brilliant Katie 5-1 3rd

5th: MSW, F&M-3+, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD)

CAME OFF THE TURF

Best Value: #7 Late SCR
Next Best: #8 Junoon 5-2 WON
Exotics Use: #10 Always Home 4-1 5th
Super Add: #2 Late SCR

<$75 P4 Play:

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

4x4x3x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

$0.50 Pick 4 (1/ALL/6,7/ALL) Paid $4.70 x 24 = $112.80

6th: MSW, 2yo-F, 8.5f-T P6, P3, DD)

Fun group with interesting peds including Paddy O’Prado baby sis Double Tapped. 3-1 on Three Hearts is an underlay. Pundits may cite her being a sib of Pluck, as if that’s an endorsement..

Most Likely: #3 Double Tapped 6-1 6th
Best Value: #6 Pink Traffic 8-1 4th
Next Best: #1 Anita Chica 10-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #4 Skyfall 4-1 WON ($12.80)

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

Here it is… A NY-bred turf route allowance. The most productive value events on the circuit..

CAME OFF THE TURF

Most Likely: #1 I Dreamt I Was 7-2 3rd
Best Value: #4 SCR
Next Best: #5 SCR
Exotics Use: #2 Siracha 15-1 8th

8th: NY-MDN CLM, 2yo-F, 5.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Doubt the 5-1 on Sassy Expressions with Tony Dutrow numbers on the drop, etc..

Most Likely: #2 Sassy Expression 5-1 5th
Best Value: #7 Uncaged Heart 6-1 4th
Next Best: #6 SCR
Exotics Use: #5 Ascended Fever 3-1 3rd

9th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #6 Professor Fate 4-1 4th
Best Value: #4 Ascauga 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #3 Thermal Cat 5-2 WON ($6.20)
Exotics Use: #8 Cajun Breeze 3-1 2nd

10th: 28th Vanderbilt H. (G1), 3+, 6f (DD)

Great group for this prep/companion to the Forego..

Best Value: #4 Rothko 8-1 5th
Next Best: #1 Shackleford 6-5 8th
Exotics Use: #3 Justin Phillip 10-1 2nd
Super Add: #2 Emcee 2-1 3rd

11th: CLM, 3+, 7f

Some scrammble in this nightcap with a million things going on at once: Drop downs, Cut backs, Turf to dirts, First off claim. you name it. Grab your angle and hold on tight!

Best Value: #10 Kid Wando 15-1 5th
Next Best: #5 Africanist 3-1 7th
Exotics Use: #3 My Man Dan 5-1 11th
Super Add: #4 Devoted Wildcat 8-1 4th

@$75 P4 Play:

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

3x2x4x7 = 168 x .50 = $84