Handicapping

Play of the Day Race Date September 04, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 5 Overview A very strong renewal of the G2 Prioress, with several who can win, but seemingly only one with a decided pace advantage. Pace The brilliant sprint speed of #1 OXANA (3-1) will be on display here and she can control things from the start, while likely not having to work as hard early as she did in her two Prx romps either. Trends You better be close on this main track, or at least have tactical speed, as horses just aren’t coming from far behind to win. Best Bet OXANA Number 1 Morning Line…

Play of the Day Race Date September 03, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 8 Overview A potentially key race NYB N1X with two favorites that could be going places, but one who seemingly enjoys a big race flow edge. Pace It looks hot and contested, which should potentially hurt #1 Gold Panda (2-1) while really helping #4 BIG BOBBY (5-2). Trends You better be close on this main track, or at least have tactical speed, as horses just aren’t coming from far behind to win. Best Bet BIG BOBBY Number 4 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #4 BIG BOBBY (5-2): Stalker caught a buzzsaw when a fast 2nd…

Play of the Day Race Date September 02, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 4 Overview A compact AOC for older with a couple of proven stakes performers. Pace It looks like #2 AMERICAN POWER (2-1) is loose as can be, while holding a big tactical edge over his main rival #4 Aloha West (9-5) as well. Trends You better be close on this main track, especially going long, as all meet horses have had trouble making up ground. Best Bet AMERICAN POWER Number 2 Morning Line (2-1) Best Bet Overview #2 AMERICAN POWER (2-1): G3 winner drops down after facing much better, looks like the controlling speed, and yet…

Play of the Day Race Date September 01, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 5 Overview A meek N2L with several who seem to be stuck in neutral and have little upside, while #2 SWEED EFFECT (5-2) goes second-off a long layoff and should improve greatly. Pace It looks there for the taking, which means #2 SWEED EFFECT (5-2) can get loose early on the stretchout. Trends You better be close on this main track, especially going long, as all meet horses have had trouble making up ground. Best Bet SWEED EFFECT Number 2 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #2 SWEED EFFECT (5-2): Lightly raced runner drops slightly, goes…

Play of the Day Race Date August 29, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 8 Overview A bigtime AOC with a potential superstar in #2 Beau Liam (4-5), but he could also regress and will have to work hard early, which may set it up for someone late. Pace It looks hellacious, and that includes the stiff favorite #2 Beau Liam (4-5), who will have to run hard every step of the way, and that might leave him vulnerable late to the one worthwhile stalker/closer in #9 COST BASIS (8-1). Trends You better be close on this main track, but this one has the look of a race that could…

Play of the Day Race Date August 28, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 8 Overview A strong edition of the G1 Forego, but also a race where it looks like several could regress, while one may be ready to move forward in a big way. Pace For a 7F legitimate G1, it doesn’t look overly hot, as #3 Lexitonian will be going and there’s no one else confirmed to be on the lead, which puts #7 TAUPON (5-2) in the perfect spot from the perfect outside attack post. Trends You better be close on this main track, and with all the G1s today you can surmise that’s even that…

Play of the Day Race Date August 27, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 3 Overview A competitive NYB MSW that looks ripe for a fresh new face to have a big say. Pace It seems there for the taking on paper, though identifying who will be in front looks tough, though regardless, expect a bunched field and a sprint to the line late. Trends There’s been a ton of rain of late, so guessing how the turf will play is a dangerous proposition, but with hot weather I should be drying out, so pay close attention to how it handles Thursday. Best Bet YARROW Number 5 Morning Line (3-1)…

Play of the Day Race Date August 26, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 4 Overview A deep 12.5k claimer with more than a few coming off duds, so looking for a price seems the way to go. Pace In looks supersonic, as almost the entire field want to hear their feet rattle early, so anyone with a hint of tactical speed is an instant upgrade. Trends The main track has played very kindly to speed throughout the meet, and you need to be close entering the far turn to have a realistic chance, as races just aren’t falling apart, regardless of the early splits. Best Bet CATHY NAZ Number…

Play of the Day Race Date August 22, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 9 Overview An extremely strong renewal of the Summer Colony, as five of the six entered are stakes winners. Pace It should be honest, with #2 and #4 ensuring an honest clip, and #6 GOLD SPIRIT (5-2) won’t be too far back. Trends The main track has played very kindly to speed going long throughout the meet, and you need to be close entering the far turn to have a realistic chance. Best Bet GOLD SPIRIT Number 6 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #6 GOLD SPIRIT (5-2): Chilean-bred was a group 1 winner in her…