Handicapping

Play of the Day Race Date August 12, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 8 Overview A compact AOC for older where everyone can win, but where none of the favorites really inspire either. Pace It should be honest, as both #3 and #4 want to go, and #6 CHOCOLATE BAR (4-1) won’t be too far back either, but it doesn’t look overly fast either. Trends The main track played decidedly to early speed over the weekend, so being close seems imperative. Best Bet CHOCOLATE BAR Number 6 Morning Line (4-1) Best Bet Overview #6 CHOCOLATE BAR (4-1): Intriguing sort tried the main after 13 turf attempts to start is…

Play of the Day Race Date August 08, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 4 Overview A very modest N1X that looks ripe for a newcomer. Pace It looks honest but not overly fast, so tactical speed is an asset. Trends The track has been on the fair side, but as always, early speed never hurts. Best Bet SEMBLE JUSTE Number 2 Morning Line (4-1) Best Bet Overview #2 SEMBLE JUSTE (IRE) (4-1): Recent MSW winner aired on her return to dirt, figures to have plenty of foundation on the cutback, and the CD shippers have been fairing very well at the meet. Picks & Plays Aggressive WP bet and…

Play of the Day Race Date August 07, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 11 Overview An extremely deep AOC going long on the main, with several different ways to go, which makes looking for a price imperative. Pace It looks hot and contested—a real rarity in a dirt route—so hopefully the field stays in tact and everyone that is supposed to go, actually does go. Trends Tactical speed going long on the dirt is usually preferred, though you can still come from out of it if things gets contested up front, which hopefully is the case here. Best Bet RISK TAKING Number 3 Morning Line (6-1) Best Bet Overview…

Play of the Day Race Date August 06, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 9 Overview An absolutely G1-caliber renewal of the G3 Troy, which has attracted arguably the best three turf sprinters in the country, and several others who could upset with their best. Pace For a world-class turf sprint it doesn’t look overly heated early, so tactical speed—which is always a plus over the course—could be that much more important here. Trends The turf is finally a legitimate firm, though it’s best to take note how it plays Wednesday and Thursday to get a real feel. Best Bet BOUND FOR NOWHERE Number 11 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet…

Play of the Day Race Date August 05, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 3 Overview A very competitive 25k claimer with several classy droppers. Pace It doesn’t look overly heated for a turf sprint, so tactical speed should be at a premium. Trends There’s been so few races on firm turf that it’s a bit tough to tell how the course has played, though this should play on the fair side. Best Bet MYSTERY MESSENGER Number 6 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #6 MYSTERY MESSENGER (5-2) (turf only): Slight class dropper looks like a smart claim by Falcone (27%), as he was just 2nd for 32k off an…

Play of the Day Race Date August 01, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 4 Overview A relatively uninspiring 50k starter, which means it could be ripe for a newcomer. Pace It looks on the slow side, especially for a turf sprint, so tactical speed seems a must. Trends You guessed it, there’s more rain expected! So, check the course condition, as it could be on the soggy side. Best Bet LILLY SIMONE Number 4 Morning Line (4-1) Best Bet Overview #4 LILLY SIMONE (4-1) (turf only): Recent MCL winner aired on the drop but now takes a confident rise back up in class, and that last win was powerful,…

Play of the Day Race Date July 31, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 5 Overview A solid NYB N1X with a newcomer that may be poised to take advantage of the locals. Pace It looks honest enough, as several want to be involved early, which could set this up for a stalker from midpack. Trends It’s tough to get a feel for the main track, with so much rain causing an off-surface both Thursday and Friday, so take note of how it plays as it begins to dry out towards the weekend. Best Bet BEHIND THE COUCH Number 4 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet Overview #4 BEHIND THE COUCH…

Play of the Day Race Date July 30, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 8 Overview A very deep and competitive turf N1X, with several who have plenty of upside and should offer value, none more so than #2 GALAWI (IRE) (5-1). Pace It doesn’t look overly heated, but these turf marathons aren’t really dependent on pace anymore, as they typically turn into a sprint off the far turn regardless. Trends Check the weather, as rains were expected Thursday afternoon, which could put plenty of moisture in the course. Best Bet GALAWI Number 2 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview #2 GALAWI (IRE) (5-1) (turf only): Lightly raced 4yo has…