Handicapping

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/27/24      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  3       Race overview  An extremely deep and competitive 25k claimer for 4up going 7Fs on the main track.       Pace  It doesn’t look overly hot early, as there are no true burners, so having tactical speed, at the vey least (see below), is preferred.      Trends  The main track sped up considerably on Wednesday and Thursday, as it was extremely difficult to pass.      Best Play  #1a AMUNDSON (3-1): Streaking runner has won three straight and took his game to another…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/26/24      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  2       Race overview  A very modest NYB 40k MCL for 3upfm at 5 ½ Fs on the Mellon Turf.       Pace  For a turf sprint, it looks pretty average, which should allow #1 GENEROUS LUVA (7-2) to make the front, and hopefully hold on.      Trends  N/A      Best Play  #1 GENEROUS LUVA (7-2) (turf only): Lightly-raced miss adds Lasix and blinkers to an already speedy package, doesn’t meet much, adds Irad, and takes the biggest drop in all of racing.   …

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/25/24      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  8       Race overview  A relatively modest NYB N1X for 3upfm at 6Fs on the main track.       Pace  There’s a ton here, as more than a few want to motor early, which suggests this come fall apart in the lane.      Trends  The main track has been fair, though speed (as always) is preferred, and it did seem a bit more inside, especially over the weekend.      Best Play  #8 DOLOMITE (8-5): Brown returnee hasn’t been out since a solid 3rd in…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/24/24      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  4       Race overview  An extremely weak 30k MCL for NYB 3up going 1-mile on the main track.       Pace  There’s little to none here, as this is filled with deep closers, which should only flatter the chances of #1 BIG EGO (6-5), who should be up close throughout.      Trends  The main track has been fair, though speed (as always) is preferred, and it did seem a bit more inside, especially over the weekend.      Best Play  #1 BIG EGO (6-5):…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/21/24      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  9       Race overview  A predictably deep and competitive Saratoga MSW for 2yofs going 6Fs on the main track.       Pace  There should be plenty here, as there are more than a few precocious types entered.      Trends  The main track seemed to play fair Opening Week, though with heavy rains hitting earlier this week, make sure to give Wednesday’s results a look.      Best Play  #1 KISS ME SLOW (3-1): Brown firster is a homebred for Viola with a strong pedigree…

Happy Coaching Club American Oaks Day!  The three year old filly division might be wrapped up today if Thorpedo Anna recreates her dominate Acorn and Kentucky Oaks performances. If she does win the question becomes does she run in the Alabama or does she take a shot in the Travers.  McPeek pulled off something similar with Swiss Skydiver in the Preakness. It’s heady stuff, but she needs to win here first.   Trivia question: Which trainer has won the most Coaching Club American Oaks?  Race 10 – The Lake George – Grade III  One Mile on the Inner Turf Course For Three Years Old Fillies  Gavea: In her only…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/20/24      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  8       Race overview  A predictably deep and competitive Saratoga AOC for 3up going 7Fs on the main track.       Pace  There’s plenty here, especially from the inside, so having a rating gear seems a very handy asset.      Trends  The main track seemed to play fair Opening Week, though with heavy rains hitting earlier this week, make sure to give Wednesday’s results a look.      Best Play  #7 ARRO SMASH (4-1): CD invader got his seasonal debut in in May, now…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/19/24      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  9       Race overview  A relatively modest entry-level allowance for 3upfm going 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf.       Pace  There’s really none here, so expect a bunched group, and a race that will likely turn into a sprint off the far turn.      Trends  N/A      Best Play  #5 CHILD OF THE MOON (4-1) (turf only): Brown newcomer hasn’t been out since a 7-length maiden win in France some 13 months ago, but she returns with Lasix and Prat, for…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/18/24      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  5       Race overview  A competitive 50k claimer for 3yos at 7Fs on the main track.       Pace  There’s plenty here who want to be involved early ad at this demanding trip, that could prove troublesome in the lane.      Trends  The main track seemed to play fair Opening Week, though with heavy rains hitting earlier this week, make sure to give Wednesday’s results a look.      Best Play  #7 IRIDESCENT (5-2): It’s rare to see Eclipse Award winning trainer Cox make…