The skies cleared for day two of Saratoga, and while the temperature soared, the prices fell to earth markedly with but winners of 5-1, 6-1 and 9-1 the exceptions. The racing was good for this awkward early Saturday on the meet calendar, with a P6 carryover adding intrigue. The Coaching Club American Oaks seems to have found a home and purpose with its’ new placement, and went to Todd Pletcher and the Greathouse’s increasingly impressive Devil May Care. This filly may be far better than anyone knows, and should only gain wider laurels and renown when moving to the 10f Alabama in 4 weeks where Blind Luck will need help from the rest of the cast to win.

Winners were plentiful, but the one I needed most, Asmussen 2yo MSW stunner Wine Police, was left off the sextet ducat costing the $7k return, and the $83.50 consolation didn’t exactly assuage. The hit on the early P4 was OK at $359, but the Asmussen steamer stymied the late P4 as well as the P6. Overall, a very solid day. Hope you did well!

Sunday at Saratoga marks several milestones for our Dee Tee Stables group, as when we send our first 2yo to the post in the 2nd race. Ausable Chasm materialized as the anticipated NY bred so many partners were anxious to campaign, and is an old-fashioned Empire product being by Hook and Ladder out of the Comet Shine mare Ausable. Picked out as a sale weanling by our partner Joe Volpe, she has developed ‘on time’ while doing everything right from the time Ocala-based Ken Lejeune started on her last fall. Gary Sciacca and his team have built her further into a bruising looking juvy miss that passes physically as a sophomore. She drew the undesirable rail post for today, and faces a daunting foe as well in John Kimmel’s Risk a Chance who has been garnering ‘freak’ chatter for weeks on end.
More important than the race outcome later this afternoon is the fulfillment of dreams of those that have longed to make it to a place like Saratoga as the owner of a racehorse. As we collectively learned from our experience with Sumwonlovesyou in 2007, being in the paddock at Saratoga, or being able to watch from an OTB with friends and family as a partner, is a moment that helps make the travails of work and life more worthwhile. I want to thank Joe and Ann Volpe, Ken Lejeune, Gary Sciacca, Chuck Simon and every member of Derby Trail and Dee Tee (whether in on Ausable Chasm or not), for making another opportunity like today possible. Together we’re all making a difference in racing’s present and future by actively committing our time, resources and passion as stakeholders. I hope you enjoy today and that your commitment is amply rewarded with a lasting memory.

SARATOGA

PRE-SCRATCHES

NOTE: RACES 5, 7 & 10 ARE OFF THE TURF

1st: NY-ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 8.5fIT (P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #7 Rumors of Glory 6-1: Jumped up first turf; Regularly a positive.. 4th
Next Best: #6 Frivolous Buck 3-1: Return was career best; Repeat less likely in a 5yo.. 3rd
Exotics Use: #1 (POE) Sounds Familiar 7-2 7th
Super Add: #11 (AE) SCR

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

Most Likely: #3 Risk a Chance 5-2: Broman A.P. Indy a half to Minerologist; Buzz horse.. 4th
Best Value: #1 Ausable Chasm 10-1: Dee Tee’s 1st juvy starter doing everything right; Post hurts.. 6th
Next Best: #4 Yawkey Way 2-1 WON ($7.60)
Super Add: #2 Copious Notes 8-1 5th

3rd: NY-ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 7f (P3, DD, Super)

Difficult group to get a handle on with returnee from Morrison having best race on paper and rest of field ‘feeling’ suspect..

Best Value: #7 A Smart Judge 15-1: Taking shot off win, jock upgrade.. 2nd
Next Best:#4 Cody Samora 2-1: Would prefer if Morrison was better with comebackers.. WON ($3.80)
Exotics Use: #1 Team Plan 4-1 8th
Super Add: #9 Catchapenny K. 12-1 6th

$1 Exacta (4-7) Paid $38.00

4th: OC/N2X, 3+, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

Like the state bred ALW before it, this conditional is quirky and treacherous but for different reasons. Four of the starters enter this off barn moves to the likes of Todd Pletcher, Tony Dutrow, Al Stall and Frank Alexander… outstanding horsemen all. Literally a race where no opinion should be seen as unlikely..

Best Value: #5 Mesa Sunrise 5-1: Steady drills for first as a 4yo and under A. Dutrow.. 3rd
Next Best: #1 Desert Key: Has back class if close to right 3rd off layoff.. WON
Exotics Use: #2 American Classic 9-2 6th
Super Add: #3 Overbid 20-1 7th

5th: NY-MSW, 3+, 5.5f-OFF THE TURF (P6, P3, DD, Super)

OFF THE TURF: 1 – WON ($5.10)-5-3-11

<$75 P4 Play:

2: 1-3-(5) — Sorry about transcribing error here from selections of the 2nd.. Meant the 4..
3: 1-4-7
4: 1-2-3-5
5: 1-3

3x3x4x2 = $72

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

Most Likely: #11 Artie’s Chapter 9-2: Needs clever trip from Lezcano from tough launch.. 3rd
Best Value: #4 Splendid Behavior 6-16-1: Moves to Baker who adds hood (20% W’s).. 5th
Next Best: #8 Mr. Benjamin 10-1 4th
Super Add: #2 Scary Good 3-1 7th

7th: CLM, 3+, 5.5f-OFF THE TURF (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Somewhat non-descript bunch of turf sprinting $25k claimers with some class droppers adding to the intrigue. Both cross-entered Little Nick (2-1) and Moose Man (10-1) passed on the similar event at MTH yesterday for this..

OFF THE TURF: 4-1a-2-9

8th: OC/N2X, 3+, 8.5f-IT

Best Value: #5 Peace Wine 10-1: Expect better off solid comebacker.. 9th
Next Best: #9 Mikoshi 3-1: Reasonable favorite but Ramon needs trip.. 3rd
Exotics Use: #1 War Hoot 4-1 4th
Super Add: #4 Slambino 8-1 8th

OFF THE TURF: 12-10-3

9th: 96th Sanford (G2), 2yo, 6f (DD, Super)

Best Value: #3 Nacho Saint 10-1: Maiden but accomplished as the rest; Arrives late.. 2nd
Next Best: #2 Maybemaybenot 6-1: Adds Leparoux; Has already gone three quarters.. WON ($21.20)
Exotics Use: #6 Chipshot 7-2 5th
Super Add: #4 Bail Out the Cat 2-1 6th

$1 Exacta (2-3) Paid $61.75

10th: CLM/N2L, F&M-3+, 5.5f-OFF THE TURF (Super)

OFF THE TURF: 15 – WON ($12.40)–14 – 3rd-9-1 – 2nd

$1 Exacta (15-1) Paid $36.25
$1 Trifecta (15-1-14) Paid $157.75

@$75 P4 Play:

7: 1-2-4
8: 5-9
9: 1-2-3-4-5-6
10: 14-15

3x2x6x2 = $72

Despite a brutal day of weather, in fact the first significant rain of the entire summer thus far, Saratoga opening day was a complete pleasure. From the crowd of 23,000, to all sources handle in excess of $13,000,000 (with three races off the turf), to 5 of 10 winners paying over $20.00 tripping enormous exotics and multis, to performances like Vineyard Haven’s in the James Marvin, it took just one day of Saratoga to remind anyone of racing’s best attributes.

Things clicked early as Best Value second choice Dontstealmyland ran them all down in the season opener as the longest shot on the board (23-1), tipping payments of $48.60, $22.20, $7.10, the $226 exacta and $953 triple with top choice Seattle Mission (4-5) third and 4th choice Sir Dunstan (13-1). I only had the winner on a win/place ticket, but this kind of score got the meet off on a great note and provides the bankroll girding that can trigger aggressive play which frequently is rewarded. Trained by regular ATR caller Kerry ‘Kerry from Saratoga’ Metiver, Dontstealmyland was discussed on ATR Thursday and Friday as the kind of horse to use and play with on the chance that a favorite like Seattle Mission falters, and that’s exactly what happened. In turf races particularly, these are the opportunities on which you hope to capitalize at Saratoga. The son of Badge had run a nice race two weeks back at Suffolk in which he flashed his predilection for turf while ‘pairing up’ to his previous career best performance. Any improvement was going to make the 4yo grey competitive with the group he was facing, and the addition of a skilled turf pilot like Leparoux made Dontstealmyland a prime longshot play.

Had to abandon the off the turf races (4th-6th) with no chance to rework selections, but listeners to the afternoon feed of At the Races were directed to Cinder Cone who won ($29). The day’s best effort came from Vineyard Haven who turned in a sparkler in the James Marvin that earned a 102 Beyer that stamps him as one of the early favorites for the BC Mile. It was a fun, if soggy, opening salvo of the Saratoga summer, and I hope you did well! Great Saturday of action in the offing besides the Coaching Club American Oaks and Spa slate, which includes a $42k P6 carryover, as Rachel Alexandra looks to put on an exhibition at Monmouth, the Claiming Crown runs at Canterbury and the Gr. I Eddie Read highlights ol’ Del Mar.

SARATOGA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: NY-ALW/N1X, 3+, 1m OFF TURF (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #7 Abilio 5-2 3rd
Next Best: #11 Mineswept 8-5 WON ($3.40)
Best Value: #8 Leatherhead 6-1 6th

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

Not much to go on; As with Friday, tough way to open P4..

Most Likely: #4 D’ Sauvage 5-2 2nd
Next Best: #2 Never Right Joey 3-1 WON ($6.60)
Exotics Use: #7 Private Rules 8-1 6th

3rd: MSW, 3+, 8.5f OFF TURF (P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #6 Baatesh 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #1 Chairman Now 5-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #11 Keep Me Informed 7-2 WON ($4.80)
Super Add: #9 El Primero 9-2 6th

4th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 1m-IT (P3, DD, Super)

What’s better than a grass mile with no standouts? Spread a bit here with even Northern Giant a serious player given strong pattern and nice pedigree for lawn bow..

SCR’S get Xodo, as well as #12 Piazza Di Spagna into the field..

Best Value: #4 Compliance Officer 12-1 WON ($13.80)
Next Best: #11 Xodo 5-1 5th
Exotics Use: #12 Piazza Di Spagna 20-1 7th
Super Add: #7 Northern Giant 12-1 3rd

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

Quirky way to start the P6 carryover sequence

Most Likely: #9 Lindsay Point 9-2 WON ($8.00)
Best Value: #3 Late SCR – Went nuts in paddock
Next Best: #4 Heck 7-2 7th
Super Add: #10 Kaitlyn Ann 4-1 5th

<$75 P4 Play:

2: 2-4
3: 1-6-11
4: 4-7-11-12
5: 3-4-9

2x3x4x3 = $72 $1 P4 (2-2/3/7/8/10/11-4-9) Paid $359.00

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

On a firm course, I’d use the top two in multis and key only in-race, but turf condition may come into play as bioth have been less effective on going with cut to it.. Note that #3 Saginaw has been tried to get on grass over and over last fall..

Most Likely: #8 Hangingbyathread 7-2: Owns edge; Softer going an issue? 6th
Best Value: #7 Spa City Fever 6-1: Gets first run; Again, going gives pause.. WON ($12.20)
Next Best: #3 Saginaw 8-1 3rd
Super Add: #11 Midnight Billy 8-1 4th

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

Most Likely: #1a Joe Vann 7-2 6th
Next Best: #7 Soldat 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #8 Wine Police 6-1 WON ($7.10)

8th: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 7f (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Ash Zee 2-1: Anything near last effort wins.. WON ($3.40)
Best Value: #6 Patience Drive 8-1: Benzel effective off these breaks.. 7th
Next Best: #1 Zonga Zing 7-2 3rd
Super Add: #7 SCR

9th: 94th Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), 3yo-F, 9f (DD, Super)

Outstanding, deep and balanced cast for this august standard which may have found new life as a natural stepping stone towards the Alabama..

Most Likely: #7 Devil May Care 6-5 WON ($3.40)
Best Value: #8 Acting Happy 5-1 3rd
Next Best: #1 Bahama Bound 8-1 4th
Super Add: #6 Biofuel 6-1 2nd

10th: MSW, 3+, 6f (Super)

Oof.. tough nightcap..

Most Likely: #8 Ae Pit 3-1 8th
Best Value: #7 Grand Strategy 8-1 8th
Next Best: #4 Equestrio 9-2 5th
Super Add: #3 Cravin Caden 8-1 4th

<$150 P6 Play:

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

2x3x1x1x1x10 = 60 x $2 = $120 $2 P6 (9/7/8/4,7/2,4,7/6) Paid $83.50 (5OF6)

@$75 P4 Play:

7: 1-7
8: 4
9: 1-6-7-8
10: ALL

2x1x4x10 = $80

‘At the Races’ coverage started Thursday live from the Carolina Barbecue Cafe patio, and today will include the 9a-12p kickoff as well as a 3-6p Internet streaming show ( LISTEN LIVE LINK ). Best wishes for a super Saratoga!

SARATOGA

PRE-SCRATCHES

4TH, 5TH, 6TH OFF THE TURF… KEEP CHECKING SCRATCH PAGE FOR LATE CHG’S…

1st: NY-ALW/N1X, 3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Top choice owns clear edge, but look for prices to use after him; Would include #14 (AE) Mr. Vantastic (15-1) should he somehow draw in..

Most Likely: #1 Seattle Mission 2-1: Saves ground; Owns pace edge.. 3rd
Best Value: #5 Dontstealmyland 15-1: Suffolk invader; Major jock switch.. WON ($48.60)
Next Best: #6 Fortissi More 12-1 7th
Super Add: #7 Sir Dunstan 10-1 2nd

$1 Exacta (5-7) Paid $226.25
$1 Trifecta (5-7-1) Paid $953.50

2nd: MSW, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T

First maiden race of season and start of initial P4 a doozy..

Best Value: #6 Dandyna 12-1: Howard grey threat returning to lawn bow.. 3rd
Next Best: #2 Flourish 7-2: Expect improvement from Mott-Juddmonte miss..
Exotics Use: #11 Home Rule 5-2 11th
Super Add: #12 Speak Freely 20-1 12th

3rd: ALW/N1X, 3+, 6.5f (P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #6 Bimini 6-1: Shug adds hood; MTH try better than looks.. 4th
Next Best: #5 Bonavento 5-2: Caught late in ’10 bow; Tighter today.. 6th
Exotics Use: #1 Aspire 2-1 5th
Super Add: #4 Mad for Smarty 3-1 3rd

4th: CLM, 3+, 8.5f OFF TURF (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely:
Best Value:
Next Best:
Super Add:

5th: NY-MSW, 3+, 1m OFF TURF (P6, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely:
Best Value:
Next Best:
Super Add:

<$75 P4 Play:

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

3x4x = $

6th: CLM, 3+, 8.5f OFF TURF (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely:
Best Value:
Next Best:
Super Add:

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

First Spa baby race an open company heat with little to go on but breeding, works and connection karma..

Best Value: #1 Playing Pirates 3-1: Well bred missy lost all chance in debut.. 2nd
Next Best: #4 Maria’s Luck 15-1: Cesare annually pops with 2nd timers.. 6th
Exotics Use: #5 Heavenly Pride 8-1 3rd
Super Add: #8 With the Current 5-1 7th

8th: James Marvin, 3+, 7f (P3, DD, Super)

Not sure this group stays completely intact given that many dropping in could not have expected a Gr. II caliber event when they entered; Vineyard Haven has distinguished himself on this oval at 2 and 3 and despite the overly-aggressive 3-5 ML, looms the ‘tough to go against’ choice here..

Most Likely: #4 Vineyard Haven 3-5 WON ($3.30)
Best Value: #7 Le Grand Cru 12-1 4th
Next Best: #5 Discreet Treasure 12-1 8th
Super Add: #8 Flat Bold 12-1 6th

9th: 92nd Schuylerville (G3), 2yo-F, 6f (DD, Super)

Most Likely: #2 Stopspendingmaria 3-1: Likely 1st of many TAP Spa stake scores.. 2nd
Next Best: #4 Let’s Get Fiscal 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Dos Lumas 12-1 5th

10th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 7f (Super)

Maniacally difficult finale as gate fills to capacity of 14..

Most Likely: #9 In Just We Trust 7-2 WON ($6.40)
Best Value: #2 Adams Circle 8-1 12th
Next Best: #4 Awesome Encore 12-1 9th
Super Add: #6 Scorch the Torch 30-1 6th

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 1-4-5-8
8: 4-5-7
9: 1a/SCR-2
10: 2-4-9

4x3x2x3 = $72

Del Mar got off to a rollicking start Wednesday, with the predictably enthusiastic crowd that annually fills the quaint facility for the trademark summer scene for which it is famous. And while the early portion of the action on the ovals produced little fireworks, the nightcap’s 21-1 winner tripped a $164k carryover into Thursday as a stunning $300,000 was bet into the opener day P6 pool. The sequence produced mundane results through the first five legs, as winners of 3-1, 3-1, 9-2, 4-5 and 5-2 came through before the tough to use victor in the 10th.

Most notable on the day was the Sadler-Craig Oceanside hero TWIRLING CANDY who made the $3.60 look like value stretching his perfect slate to 3. Though he won his first pair on the Hollywood main track, Twirling Candy looked like a horse whose best action will continue to come on the turf. He toyed with the group he faced Wednesday, and it will be interesting to see what Sadler does next with the talented Candy Ride Craig homebred.

Wasn’t a lot of money to be made Wednesday, but with a P6 that is likely to pass $1,000,000, there is some to be made today on a difficult sextet! Hope you did OK Wednesday, are ready to try the P6 today, and are as excited for Friday’s Saratoga opener as I am!

DEL MAR

PRE-SCRATCHES

3rd: OC/N1X, F&M-3+, 5f-T (P6, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #8 Sister Dawn 8-5
Best Value: #2 El Nadia 5-1
Next Best: #4 Amina 3-1
Super Add: 3 Pink Diamond 6-1

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

Most Likely: #8 Holloween Candy 4-5
Best Value: #4 Genio 8-1
Next Best: #1 Haunted Highway 4-1
Super Add: #2 Lady Adelle 7-2

5th: OC/C, F&M-3+, 5f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Two turf sprints in a P6 sequence is 2 too many for me..

Most Likely: #1 Reba is Tops 3-1
Best Value: #7 Miss McCall 5-1
Next Best: #4 Porto Marmay 5-2
Super Add: #5 Waveline 4-1

6th: MDN CLM, 2yo, 5.5f (P3, DD, Super)

Another unwelcome event in a tough multi skien with 2yo’s that offer few clues..

Most Likely: #3 Comma to the Top 9-5
Best Value: #8 Dime 12-1
Next Best: #2 Ride Candy Ride 5-2
Super Add: #5 What’s the Rumpus 15-1

7th: OC/N1X, 3+, 11f-T (DD, Super)

Best Value: #6 Shediak 7-2
Next Best: #5 Soul Candy 8-1
Exotics Use: #4 Triptaka 5-2
Super Add: #3 Scorpion Time 5-1

8th: MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 6f (Super, Super High 5)

Most Likely: #6 Sexy Melody 3-1
Next Best: #5 Go Lourdes Go 5-2
Exotics Use: #8 Warrens Matchmaker 5-1
Super Add: #1 Great Bernadine 5-1
High 5 Play: #7 Searfavoritesecret 7-2

<$200 P6 Play:

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

2x1x2x2x4x3 = 96 x $2 = $192

<$75 P4 Play:

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

3x4x4x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

Good luck!
Steve

Though just three Del Mar and one Saratoga card are available for perusal, the slates at the two mid-summer resort favorites should be heartening and exciting to horseplayers and race fans. Adding in the remaining 21 cards of the Monmouth uber-meet, the next 7 weeks should be the kind of intense period of quality on track and wagering performance for which we all hope. The .50 P4 makes its’ debut at Del Mar today, and with the sequence featuring 11, 10, 9 and 10 wagering interests (9,900 combinations), it will be a welcome and popular addition to the wagering menu. Brad Free, Rick Hammerle and Steve Davidowitz all join me on ATR this morningf to preview the Del Mar action, and the last 6 races on today’s opening card were my focus.

DEL MAR

POST-SCRATCHES

5th: OC/N1X, 3+, 8.5f (P6, P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #4 Lions Story 4-1 WON ($7.80)
Next Best: #6 Premier Cru 7-2 4th

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

Very difficult and well-matched set with what looks like an honest enough pace scenario..

Best Value: #6 Catsalot 6-1 8th
Next Best: #8 Ruffled Feathers 3-1 WON ($7.80)
Exotics Use: #7 Bran Jammas 5-1 4th
Super Add: #3 Enumclaw Girl 6-1 3rd

7th: MSW, F&M-3+, 6f (.50 P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #3 Mama Bouche 3-1 3rd
Best Value: #2 Roman Chic 5-1 4th
Next Best: #5 Go On Babe 4-1 WON-DH ($6.00)
Super Add: #1a (POE) Rote 6-1 5th

8th: 64th Oceanside, 3yo, 1m-T (P3, DD, Super)

Traditional DMR opener runs as a single heat again this year, and nicely balanced bunch make it a good betting affair. Twirling Candy, who bypassed Saturday’s Swaps at HOL for this, could be the proverbial ‘any kind’ sporting two disparate sprint wins in November ’09 and May. Turf shouldn’t be an issue for the Craig homebred, who is by versatile Candy Ride out of a Chester House mare. Those seeking a price alternative may want to dabble with intriguing Killer Bear. Though his best work has come versus Cal-breds, he’s 20-1 and possible to float higher, and seems to have exactly what’s needed in a field well stocked with pace setters and pressers. Knapp trainee’s two recent efforts at 7 and 7.5f tip him as dangerous, given that horses effective at seven-eighths are generally tactical and able to adjust to race dynanmics. Topped state-bred elders, and is worth at least a flyer at anticipated jumbo tote..

Most Likely: #3 Twirling Candy 5-2 WON ($3.60)
Best Value: #10 Killer Bear 20-1 9th
Next Best: #6 Macias 3-1 2nd
Super Add: #7 Domonation 5-1 7th

9th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 6.5f (DD, Super)

Good spot to take advantage of .50 P4 denomination and spread..

Best Value: #6 Brendasgoldennuget 20-1 7th
Next Best: #3 Total Sum 4-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #10 The Whammer 9-2 WON ($7.20)
Super Add: #2 Warring Heart 5-1 3rd

10th: MDN CLM, 2yo, 5.5f (Super, Super High 5)

Best Value: #10 Jakesam 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #1 (POE) Grand Maneuver 5-1 6th
Exotics Use: #8 Bigmikeistheman 2-1 5th
Super Add: #11 Certainly Certain 6-1 2nd
High 5 Play: #4 SCR

<$50 P4 Play:

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

5x2x5x2 = 100 x .50 = $50