Rollicking first Saturday of Saratoga had a bit of everything including thrilling Diana that saw popular Lady Eli win for the last time where she broke her maiden in 2014. Pletcher’s Mr. Crow announced himself for the KRA in the opener Saturday, etching a 109 Beyer in the 3yo’s second career start. The Korea Racing Authority buys many horses that ship out and run there, so it’s great to have them campaigning domestically. Rare to get double digit value on Jason Servis runners, so Firenze Fire’s upset of the Sanford provided a nice boost as a $27 winner. Hope everyone did well. Terrific wagering opportunities all day Sunday, punctuated by the $200k+ carryover in the torturous P6…..

Fun start to the Spa session Friday with a robust crowd at large on a nearly perfect summer afternoon. Typical variety of appropriate and eyebrow-raising winners, with lower profile connections Barbara Minshall (Dream It Is) & Brendan Walsh (Proctor’s Ledge) acing the stakes at square prices. Takaful (105 Beyer in return to SAR and sprinting) was one of the day’s highlights as Kiaran McLaughlin got off to the same nice start he did a year ago with 2 wins (Muqtaser). New main track surface, which saw the addition of clay (3%) in renovation work, clearly is heavy and tiring. No major scores to open the stand, but a number of nice pops with value horses kept the ball in the …

Incredibly beautiful morning here in Upstate New York. Best wishes to all for a safe, profitable Saratoga season..

SARATOGA ~ OPENING DAY

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: CLM, 3+, 9f (P5, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Rich Daddy Late SCR
Next Best: #1 Indycott 8-5 WON ($4.90)
Best Value: #6 River Date 9-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #8 Praetereo 6-1 4th

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

In moderate looking set of state bred juvy fillies, Carlos Martin’s Scat Daddy Scatback stands out on all pedigree fronts including sire prowess and productive dam. And Martin excellent with win early types. NOTE: Add Gargan/Midwest MTO Trouble for Skylar to your watch list …

It’s been another delightful Spa session and I hope everyone has enjoyed the coverage and had their share of successes.. Big finish appears in store this Labor Day with stakes-dotted carryovers at both Saratoga and Del Mar.

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: CLM, 3+, 6f (P5, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1 Gambler’s Ghost 7-5 WON ($2.50)
Next Best: #5 American Creed 6-1 2nd

2nd: NY-MSW, 2yo-F, 7f (P4, P3, DD)

Home of the $800k New York bred ~ #5 Moondance..

Most Likely: #2 Swing and Sway 4-1 5th
Best Value: #4 Strawberry Tequila 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 Mini Megan 7-2 6th
Exotics Use: #5 Moondance 3-1 8th

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

Very …

SARATOGA

PRE-SCRATCHES

1st: NY-MCLM/$40k, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P5, P3, DD)

These misfit affairs usually end sequences. Having it at start of P5 helps as board may give clues as to who’s live. Clear contenders, yes, but no shortage of upset candidates too..

Best Value: #5 Rescue Cat SCR
Next Best: #10 Sanifiera 3-1 8th
Exotics Use: #7 Palladian Bridge 6-1 2nd-DQ’d to 5th
Super Add: #9 Sea Pebble 7-2 5th-Up to 4th on DQ

2nd: S/ALW, 3+, 7f (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #5 Shuffle Up SCR
Next Best: #8 Roll Tide Roll 3-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #3 Gentrify 6-1 WON ($29.00)
Super Add: #1 Money Changer 7-2 3rd

3rd: …