First Saturday of the Saratoga season another smash hit with 30k+ in attendance and more than $23MM bet on a perfect afternoon. Other than a pair of maddening steward decisions and my inability to get anything going at the windows through the first 21 events, activity around the Old Spa basically has been as good to the start of the meet as possible.

The stewards call in the Sanford was a difficult one, with Magna Light reacting to the left hand whip of Ortiz and veering out before drifting back in and troubling Percolator enough to cost him 2nd. OK.. To the letter of the law, you cost a horse a placing, you have to come down. However, this was one of those instances where placing the horse that was clearly best in the race third unjustly costs the connections and the bettors. To my way of thinking, fining and benching Jose Ortiz for his ridiculous left hand whipping that caused the ‘dangerous play’ is the more prudent avenue. In fact, with his reaction a few strides earlier, Magna Light had warned Ortiz that he didn’t appreciate the left hand whack before he launched into the trio of swats that generated the right handed turn. But as discussed with Rich Migliore on ATR last week, administering lessons to the jocks on an ongoing basis does not appear to be something the New York stewards have any interest in doing. (As a sidenote that has slipped attention, the stewards only called for an inquiry after an objection had been lodged by Kendrick Carmouche.)

Similarly in Friday’s 2nd, Ortiz was at the heart of another circumstance where policing the pilots was shown to have low priority. In the NY-bred baby race, Ortiz and Lemon Liquor bullied their way through a modest seem and a dogged Here Comes Rosie who was knocked a path or so to her right. Lemon Liquor went on her way while Manny Franco gathered Here Comes Rosie back into stride and back after the new leader. If the stewards want to get the jocks to stop herding and creating unnecessarily dangerous circumstances out there, then they should be disqualifying horses in situations like this one.

I’ll freely add the proviso here that I tabbed and bet Here Comes Rosie. I was uninvolved financially in the Sanford outcome, but anyone who has heard me talk about these kinds of events knows I virtually never gripe about stewards calls having accepted a questionable one that cost me $20k+ in a Del Mar P6 a couple summers ago.

Meanwhile, Here Comes Rosie or no Here Comes Rosie, have had a brutal start to the session finding it impossible to get anything going on the multi-race front with just a third of the winners even identified in the tabs over these first 2 days. Obviously the going has been tough on a widespread basis with a two day carryover of $158k into Sunday. Today may not offer the best chance to get the bankroll into gear either though, with some overnight rain and a threatening forecast of thunderstorms. But, we’ll press on with a terrific Coaching Club American Oaks as the day’s feature feature!

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: MSW, F&M-3+, 7f (P5, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #6 Carrumba 6-5 2nd
Next Best: #1 Theophilia 5-1 WON ($11.40)
Best Value: #5 Que Chulo 8-1 5th
Exotics Use: #2 Picture Day 5-2 3rd

2nd: NY-ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #8 Ack Naughty 7-5 2nd
Best Value: #7 Amazing Anne 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #2 Skinner Box 6-1 4th
Exotics Use: #4 Firm and Gracious 50-1 8th

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

Best Value: #6 Copernicus 6-1 4th
Next Best: #4 Bessie’s Boy 9-5 WON ($6.00)
Exotics Use: #2 Power Nap 3-1 7th
Super Add: #1 False Positive 10-1 DNF (Lost rider)

4th: NY-MSW, F&M-3+, 6.5f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1 (POE) Women Win 5-2 2nd
Next Best: #7 First Service 7-2 WON ($7.20)
Best Value: #2 Foxy Posse 8-1 8th
Exotics Use: #6 Lil Renegade 8-1 5th

5th: CLM, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #2 Ready for Summer 3-1 7th
Next Best: #5 Sweet Nkosi 8-1 5th
Best Value: #8 Kids Tuition 12-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 Magsamelia 5-1 6th

P5 Grid:

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

P4 Grid:

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

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

$158k DBL P6 C/O starts here..

Best Value: #2 Lotta Lolly 6-1 8th
Next Best: #8 Crystal Wave 5-1 4th
Exotics Use: #7 Rebelle 12-1 2nd
Super Add: #3 Deedeezee 4-1 3rd

7th: NY-OC/N2X, 3+, 5.5f-T (G/S, P3, DD)

Best Value: #10 Isn’tlovejustgrand 8-1 7th
Next Best: #5 Saratoga Dreamer 3-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #11 Saltine Warrior 12-1 8th
Super Add: #12 Latigo Trail 10-1 5th

8th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 9f (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 Unbridled Juan 2-1 2nd
Next Best: #2 Financial Modeling 6-1 3rd
Best Value: #9 Rare Eagle 10-1 5th
Exotics Use: #11 Lunar Rover 5-1 7th

9th: MSW, 3+, 11f-IT (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #8 Tweet Kitten 4-1 2nd
Next Best: #1 (POE) Good Response 3-1 WON ($8.20)
Exotics Use: #10 Andalusite 7-2 8th
Super Use: #3 Tobias 10-1 4th

10th: 99th Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), 3yo-F, 9f (DD)

Most Likely: #3 Curalina 3-1 WON-Via DQ ($3.90)
Best Value: #6 Keen Pauline 4-1 6th
Next Best: #8 I’m a Chatterbox 5-2 2nd-DQ’d from Win
Exotics Use: #5 Include Betty 7-2 3rd

11th: S/ALW, 3+, 8.5f-T

Best Value: #10 Mr Maybe 8-1 4th
Next Best: #3 Reach for a Kitten 5-1 11th
Exotics Use: #9 Mexican Groove 8-1 9th
Super Add: #8 Stevie’s Moonshot 8-1 8th

P6 Grid:

6: 2 (A), 8 (B), 1-3-7 (C)
7: 5-10 (A), 11-12 (B), 1-4 (C)
8: 3 (A), 2 (B), 1-6-9-11 (C)
9: 1-8 (A), 10 (B), – (C)
10: 3 (A), – (B), 5-6-8 (C)
11: 10 (A), 3 (B), 2-8-9 (C)

P4 Grid:

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

Opening Day at the Spa was a rousing success Friday with mammoth, enthusiastic crowd of nearly 35,000 (25,600 in ’14) and robust handle ($17.7MM) that was nearly 20% above last year ($14.9MM). Other than a tornado warning and not being able to include winners on half of the slate, it could not have been a better way to start the Saratoga season.

Notable on Day 1 was an exceedingly tiring main track that took it’s toll on many a front runner, making Schuylerville winner Off the Tracks’ performance (83 Beyer) even more impressive. In the 6 events on the main track, only the stake-winning Florida shipper and $16k CLM’r victor Big Blue Talent were able to press the pace and stay on successfully. Even the sealing off the track after the 4th – in preparation for the storm that skirted north – failed to quicken the strip.

$36k carryover was created in large part to the 55-1 stunner by Kelly’s Prize who broke sharp in the 5th under Elvis Trujillo, took control and battled gamely in the late stages to prevail. Gary Sciacca and Dr. Paul Giacopelli claimed the NY-bred Pure Prize filly for $12.5k in January.

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: MSW, 2yo, 5.5f (P5, P3, DD)

Doesn’t look like the usual tony group of Spa juvies. Slight edge to the Kenneally’s (28% 2nd time starters) Metal Magic SCR’D who owns benefit of experience when just missing versus Sanford contender Twirling Cinnamon in debut. Presence of Pletcher SCR’D, Asmussen, Casse, etc., could help 4-1 ML number stick..

Most Likely: #7 Moon King 3-1 4th
Next Best: #4 Hundred Years 6-1 5th
Best Value: #2 Totally Discreet 10-1 6th
Exotics Use: #1 Add Four 15-1 3rd

2nd: ALW/N1X, 3+, 1m-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Interesting ALW set with the top pair stretching out. Have to expect improvement from Bam Bam on move to Mott from rebuilding (and struggling) Paulo Lobo..

Most Likely: #5 Bam Bam 5-2 3rd
Best Value: #6 Artie Crasher 10-1 4th
Next Best: #4 English Minister 7-2 WON ($8.10)
Exotics Use: #7 Speeding Comet 3-1 5th
Super Add: #2 Adirondack Dancer 4-1 2nd

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

First of Chad Brown’s turf route-debuting babies..

Most Likely: #6 Life Imitates Art 7-2 2nd
Best Value: #9 Swagger Jagger 10-1 3rd
Next Best: #10 Dissident 6-1 4th
Exotics Use: #2 Smarty Kitten 3-1 6th

4th: S/ALW, 3+, 6.5f (P3, DD)

Like Sea Raven Friday, Stay Tuned way the horse to beat. Danzig Storm a tad dangerous on front end. Easy Comparison gets the triple whammy — and then some: 1st/claim, turf/dirt, route/sprint, blinkers on, testicles off..

Most Likely: #1 Stay Tuned 1-1 2nd
Best Value: #8 Easy Comparison 12-1 9th
Next Best: #7 Danzig Storm 6-1 8th
Exotics Use: #3 Ogremeister 10-1 7th

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

Third baby race of the day a mysterious group with those that have run (2-7-8) with edge but just OK and debuters having assortment of merits and demerits. Greenpointcrusader from firster-adept Schettino is a half to Keyed Entry and Justin Phillip, but note that Clocker Mike Vesce speculates that the $575k Bernardini son may need two turn racing. You’ll know what to expect from Pletcher’s Saratoga Mischief based on the debut of Boalt Hall in the 1st as they’ve been working together (and modestly at that). Horner Man from Lynch looks like an exotics booster..

Most Likely: #7 Show Bound 4-1 3rd
Best Value: #8 Silvertown 10-1 4th
Next Best: #9 Crosstown Route 6-1 7th
Exotics Use: #3 Horner Man 15-1 6th

P5 Grid:

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

Simple (A+B): 4x3x1x2x6 = 144 x .50 = $72
Full (A/B/C): $70

P4 Grid:

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

Simple (A+B): 3x2x2x10 = 120 x .50 = $60
Full (A/B/C): $52.50 (With $1 All A’s Play)

6th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 5.5f-T (P6, P3, DD)

$36,444 P6 C/O starts here..

Turf sprint tricky place to start P6 sequence but pecking order appears pretty distinct..

Most Likely: #3 Lewys Vaporizer 3-1 7th
Best Value: #4 Run for Logistics 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #8 Dowse’s Beach 7-2 WON ($5.80)
Exotics Use: #9 Asset Inflation 4-1 6th

7th: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 6f (G/S, P3, DD)

Messy sprint set with 8 of the 11 featuring layoff lines of one duration or another. Ashado daughter Regent’s House (Street Cry) was a debut winner for KMc & Godolphin and barn excels at these long layoff returns. 15-1 to start the bidding but don’t be surprised if it’s half that by post time..

Best Value: #5 Regent’s House 15-1 5th
Next Best: #1 Sister Margaret 5-1 9th
Exotics Use: #7 Bedford Land 7-2 8th
Super Add: #11 Irish Sweepstakes 10-1 10th

8th: Opt CLM/C, 3+, 8.5f-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Have to take a leap of faith and believe the pace will be legit here..

Most Likely: #3 Taghleeb 7-2 3rd
Next Best: #4 Zambian Dream 3-1 5th
Best Value: #5 Ocala Jim 20-1 7th
Exotics Use: #9 Market Outlook 4-1 8th

9th: 101st Sanford S. (G3), 2yo, 6f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #8 Cocked and Loaded 3-1: Rivelli returns to NY with big buzz baby.. 6th
Best Value: #1 Awesome Slew 10-1: Plesa/Live Oak bay can sit and rally.. 4th
Next Best: #6 He’s Comin in Hot 4-1 5th
Exotics Use: #9 Twirling Cinnamon 10-1 8th

10th: 77th Diana (G1), F&M-3+, 9f-T (DD)

Classy set. I get that everyone is looking to beat Tepin — and this is her sternest test yet — but don’t talk yourself into leaving her off multis. She’s going to get first run on My Miss Sophia and can win if the closers (Stef, Matilda, Lara) are late arriving..

Most Likely: #2 Stephanie’s Kitten 7-2 5th
Next Best: #1 Tepin 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #7 Lady Lara 10-1 6th
Exotics Use: #5 Waltzing Matilda 8-1 7th

11th: CLM, 3+, 7f

An old fashioned, knockdown, drag out, straight $50k claimer going 7/8ths.. Racing as it’s meant to be and a super-challenging end to the card..

Best Value: #4 Mordi’s Miracle 10-1 4th
Next Best: #5 Monster Mash 10-1 WON ($17.20)
Exotics Use: #11 Regulus 6-1 8th
Super Add: #2 Sailmate 10-1 6th

P6 Grid:

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

Simple (A+B): 1x3x3x1x2x3 = 54 x $2 = $108
Full (A/B/C): $118.00

P4 Grid:

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

Simple (A+B): 4x1x4x5 = 80 x $.50 = $40
Full (A/B/C): $72 (With $1 All A’s Play)

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

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

Sea Raven appears almost too good here..

Most Likely: #5 Sea Raven 3-1 WON ($6.00)
Next Best: #1 Royal Posse 5-1 2nd
Best Value: #8 Fox Rules 8-1 5th
Exotics Use: #3 Beyond Empire 5-2 3rd

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

Muddled group of state-bred baby girls and despite a lack of pedigree strength, want to take chance with Miah Englehart and sharp-drilling Here Comes Rosie. Violette (Lemon Liquor) and Schettino (Corinthian’s Joy) command first time starter (‘FTS’) respect. Stewart offers Lady’s First, a Ghostzapper daughter out stakes winning Lady Giacomo..

Best Value: #6 Here Comes Rosie 12-1 2nd
Next Best: #1 Lemon Liquor 5-2 WON ($6.60)
Exotics Use: #4 Lady’s First 10-1 6th
Super Add: #9 Corinthian’s Joy 12-1 5th

3rd: NY-MCLM/$40k, F&M-3+, 8.5f-IT (P3, DD)

More than half this group of underachievers look eligible with Dacoma and Khaleesi Kat the lone droppers from NY-MSW company. Rafael Hernandez (Dacoma) has emerged from Midwestern obscurity and should win his share of races upstate riding for Wesley Ward. Wild Inthe Streets, Hope’s Roar, Flying K C & Weekend Hottie all can win..

Most Likely: #1 Dacoma 5-2 7th
Best Value: #6 Wild Inthe Streets 12-1 10th
Next Best: #7 Khaleesi Kat 6-1 WON ($9.10)
Exotics Use: #3 Hope’s Roar 15-1 5th

4th: 97th Schuylerville (G3), 2yo-F, 6f (P3, DD)

Positively Royal has impressed in the morning since ordinary career debut win (65 Beyer). May surge forward today..

Most Likely: #7 Positively Royal 2-1 8th
Next Best: #8 Banree 5-1 2nd
Best Value: #3 Areolite 8-1 8th
Exotics Use: #1 Decked Out 4-1 3rd

5th: CLM/N3L, F&M-3+, 1m-IT (P6, P3, DD)

Dee Tee’s William’sluckygray a SCR out of this event having cut herself during the van ride from Belmont. Well-matched group seems sure to produce a couple double digit prices in the pay slots..

Most Likely: #2 Daisy a Day 10-1 5th
Next Best: #8 Jennys Creek 4-1 6th
Best Value:#4 Reversiontothemean 20-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 Annie Walker 15-1 7th

P5 Grid:

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

Simple (A+B): 2x6x3x1x4 = 144 x .50 = $72
Full (A/B/C): $70

P4 Grid:

2: 1-6 (A), 2-4-9-10 (B), 3-5-7-8 (C)
3: 1-6 (A), 3-7 (B), 2-10-12 (C)
4: 7 (A), – (B), 1-3-8 (C)
5: 2-8 (A), 1-4-6-7 (B), 3-11 (C)

Simple (A+B): 6x4x1x6 = 72 x .50 = $72
Full (A/B/C): $86

6th: MSW, 2yo-F, 5.5f (G/S, P3, DD)

Top 4 as listed below look pretty obvious. Just Wicked has advantage of career debut behind her. Mix and match..

Most Likely: #6 Anna House 2-1 6th
Best Value: #9 Lady Devil 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #2 Just Wicked 5-1 WON ($8.10)
Exotics Use: #5 Welcoming 4-1 5th

7th: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 9.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Agonizing start to the late P4 as at least 8 of these 12 can win and whole field separated by about 5 lengths. To give an idea of how difficult this group is to separate, in DRF’s Selection grid, Dave Litfin (12-5-13), Kenny Peck (10-1-8) and Chuck Keuhhas (3-7-9) have no common horses within their tabs.. a rarity. Demand square prices when building your plays and spread in multis..

Most Likely: #4 Lahinch Classics 10-1 3rd
Best Value: #1 The Tea Cups 8-1 4th
Next Best: #13 Dating Lady Luck 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #12 Trophee 3-1 5th

8th: OC/N2X, 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

‘Just’ 8 but quite a nice group. Juba & Castellano SCR’D turn back out of G3 Westchester and should sit nice trip up close behind Scatter Joy..

Most Likely: #6 Doc Almon 4-1 3rd
Best Value: #3 Doubledown Again 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #4 Scatter Joy 5-1 5th
Exotics Use: #7 Life in Shambles 12-1 6th

9th: 20th Lake George (G2), 3yo-F, 8.5f-T (DD)

Terrific edition of this 3yo filly standard that has produced the likes of Memories of Silver and daughter Winter Memories, Voodoo Dancer and Film Maker in its’ 19 year run. Chad Brown attacks here with Mrs McDougal and Sivoliere and outposted Partisan Politics who will have to work out a trip under Castellano..

Most Likely: #12 Partisan Politics 5-1 4th
Best Value: #3 Jellicle Ball 10-1 6th
Next Best: #7 Mississippi Delta 4-1 7th
Exotics Use: #5 All in Fun 8-1 5th

10th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 7f

Most Likely: #14 Kowboy Boots 5-1 3rd
Best Value: #9 Ghost Swagger 15-1 9th
Next Best: #4 Big Blue Talent 4-1 WON ($9.10)
Exotics Use: #6 Culprit 7-2 7th

P4 Grid:

7: 1-4-13 (A), 3-10-12 (B), 5-8-9 (C)
8: 6 (A), 3-4 (B), 1-7 (C)
9: 12 (A), 3 (B), 5-7-9 (C)
10: 9-14 (A), 4-6 (B), 2-10 (C)

Simple (A+B): 6x3x2x4 = 144 x .50 = $72
Full (A/B/C): $69 (With $1 All A’s Play)

DEL MAR

POST-SCRATCHES

3rd: Opt CLM/C, 3+, 5f-T (P6, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 Forest Chatter 5-2 3rd
Best Value: #9 Heir of Storm 6-1 WON ($18.20)
Next Best: #1 Marchman 5-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #5 Holy Lute 2-1 8th

5th: Cal-MSW, 3+, 8.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #10 Bold Papa 12-1 8th
Next Best: #1 Sir Cal 4-1 4th
Exotics Use: #7 Over Par 9-2 WON ($9.00)
Super Add: #2 Unusually 15-1 2nd

6th: Opt CLM/C, F&M-3+, 1m (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Savings Account 5-2 WON ($4.20)
Next Best: #6 Divinia Comedia 3-1 6th
Best Value: #8 Campionessa Dolce 10-1 8th
Exotics Use: #9 Front Range 8-1 6th

7th: 26th Wickerr, 3+, 1m-T (DD)

Best Value: #6 Pure Tactics 12-1 WON ($9.40)
Next Best: #11 Winning Prize 5-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #10 Wilkinson 15-1 3rd
Super Add: #2 Footstepsinbronze 8-1 7th

8th: MCLM/$20k, F&M-3+, 1m (Super Hi-5)

Best Value: #6 Gentle Caroline 8-1 8th
Next Best: #8 Luvuryan 7-2 WON ($7.40)
Exotics Use: #1 Dixie Tweet 5-2 Late SCR
Super Add: #5 Katsfashion 6-1 3rd
Hi-5 Play: #11 Crystal Harbor 10-1 4th

P4 Grid:

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

$.50 Pick 4 (7-5-6-1/8/14) Paid $119.90 x 2 = $239.80

Simple (A+B): 4x1x5x5 = 100 x .50 = $50
Full (A/B/C): $67 (With $1 All A Play)

All A Entries

1 $1.00 pick P4: 1,10 with 5 with 6,11 with 6,8 – $8.00

A’s with One B

2 $0.50 pick P4: 2,7 with 5 with 6,11 with 6,8 – $4.00 $.50 Pick 4 (7-5-6-1/8/14) Paid $119.90
3 $0.50 pick P4: 1,10 with 5 with 2,8,10 with 6,8 – $6.00
4 $0.50 pick P4: 1,10 with 5 with 6,11 with 1,2,11 – $6.00

A’s with Two B’s

5 $0.50 pick P4: 2,7 with 5 with 2,8,10 with 6,8 – $6.00
6 $0.50 pick P4: 2,7 with 5 with 6,11 with 1,2,11 – $6.00 $.50 Pick 4 (7-5-6-1/8/14) Paid $119.90

7 $0.50 pick P4: 1,10 with 5 with 2,8,10 with 1,2,11 – $9.00

A’s with One C

8 $0.50 pick P4: 3,8,9,11 with 5 with 6,11 with 6,8 – $8.00
9 $0.50 pick P4: 1,10 with 6 with 6,11 with 6,8 – $4.00
10 $0.50 pick P4: 1,10 with 5 with 4,7 with 6,8 – $4.00
11 $0.50 pick P4: 1,10 with 5 with 6,11 with 5,7,9 – $6.00

Total: $67.00

BELMONT PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

5th: MSW, 3+, 8.5f-T (P6, P3, DD)

$209k Triple C/O starts here..

Vigilante the horse to beat, yes, but almost all are within hailing distance including KMc’s first Lasix/first as 3yo Sky Tower, forward-moving Fourth of July from Weaver, Chad Brown 2nd time starter Irish Cat & FTS America’s Kitten, both Donks (Bluegrass Rye/Britannia’s Moat) and Tagg debuting 3yo Tale of Fancy. Even Heady Creek has a look being out of nice 2yo poly stake winner Van Lear Rose and towing a number of strong karma moves for Schettino (blinkers off; dirt/turf, etc.)..

Most Likely: #7 Vigilante 7-2 2nd
Next Best: #6 Irish Cat 4-1 10th
Best Value: #1 Sky Tower 5-1 WON ($10.00)
Exotics Use: #8 Fourth of July 6-1 4th

6th: 2nd Rockville Centre-NY, 2yo, 6f (G/S, P3, DD)

State-bred baby stake with firsters in the form of good-working entry from the Bromans (Jerkens/Kimmel) and a MTH invading Robert Smith Posse colt (Devastating). Lucky Lurie (Hennig) held own with Merry Meadow preparing for debut where he nipped Asmussen player Love That Jazz..

Best Value: #1e Broman entry 4-1 WON ($4.00)/6th
Next Best: #2 Lucky Lurie 9-5 2nd
Exotics Use: #3 Love That Jazz 2-1 5th
Super Add: #5 Devastating 20-1 7th

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

Clear pecking order with Chunnel SCR’D the horse to beat. Blue Shark next best returning to turf after washout last time. Beyond the top 2, Transcend, Easy Bay Lodge, Police Camp, It Matters, Mangold, Marvino all possible. Blue Shark, East Bay Lodge & Police Camp all exit a hot 5/17 NY-ALW/N1X that produced impressive subsequent efforts from Macagone & Runaway Posse..

Most Likely: #12 Blue Shark 6-1 5th
Best Value: #5 East Bay Lodge 12-1 7th
Next Best: #11 Police Camp 8-1 WON ($16.60)
Super Add: #6 Foxhall Drive 12-1 3rd

8th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 7f (P3, DD)

Quality ALW set and Joking feels strong exiting BEL Week try v. emergent Speighster and 7/27 placing behind equally impressive Victory Is Sweet. Extra yardage and potential for pace to heat up should assist rally giving Charlie Baker runner look of the kind of horse I like to single. Various combos of Sioux, Day of Fury, Round, Dekalb County & Indian Brut will appear on deep P6 tix..

Best Value: #2 JOKING 5-1 WON ($10.80)
Next Best: #3 Day of Fury 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Round 10-1 6th
Super Add: #8 Sioux 6-1 5th

9th: NY-OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 6.5f (DD)

Looks like Here’s Zealicious gets ideal stalking spot while adding pilot ideal for that role in Saez. Sciacca players should have forward (Bileaps and Bounds) and mid-pack positions with both eligible for success. Scat Away intrigues at a price having taken a long time to get to the races but now in a decent cadence. Tricky Zippy moved up in the mud for diploma and may get those conditions today. Hot Rendezvous will need a pace set up. Wheels came off Take Issue in the Bouwerie and most recent drill gave cautionary note regarding an abrupt pull-up. Saharan Serenade is competitive and gets first Lasix from Toscano. Very squirrelly set..

Most Likely: #7 Here’s Zealicious 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #8 Perfect Freud 3-1 5th
Best Value: #3 Scat Away 15-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #1 Bileaps and Bounds 6-1 9th

10th: NY-MCLM/$40k, F&M-3+, 6f-IT

Not how you want to end a sequence like this with typical hodge podge of $40k state-bred maidens. 4-9 the unimaginative favorites while 1-3-7-12 are big numbers that can win. 2-5-6 are firsters that wouldn’t have to be that special to jump right up at first asking..

Most Likely: #4 Splendid Gold 3-1 6th
Best Value: #2 Rahy’s Bandit 20-1 12th
Next Best: #9 Pink Freud Live 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #12 Super City 15-1 7th

P6 Grid:

5: 6-7 (A), 1-8 (B), 5-11 (C)
6: 1 (A), 2-3 (B), 4-5 (C)
7: 12 (A), 5-11 (B), 1-6-7 (C)
8: 2 (A), – (B), 3 (C)
9: 7 (A), 8 (B), 1-3-4 (C)
10: 4 (A), 2-12 (B), 7-9 (C)

Simple (A+B): 4x3x3x1x2x3 = 216 x $2 = $432
Full (A/B/C): $184

P4 Grid:

7: 12 (A), 5-11 (B), 1-6-7 (C)
8: 2 (A), 3 (B), 5-8-10 (C)
9: 7-8 (A), 1-3-4 (B), 5-9-10 (C)
10: 2-4 (A), 3-9-12 (B), 1-7 (C)

Simple (A+B): 3x2x5x5 = 150 x $.50 = $75
Full (A/B/C): $63.50 (With $1 All ‘A’ Play)