Handicapping

Play of the Day Race Date August 14, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 5 Overview A tough 16k claimer for the veterans, many of which enter in good form and with winning credentials. Pace It looks like #3 WIN WITH PRIDE (3-1) should be able to control the tempo early, as the other speed entered seems more the kind that wants to settle a tad early. Trends The main track was an inside highway Thursday, so check how it played Friday and early Saturday, but regardless, being up close is always the spot to be in here. Best Bet WIN WITH PRIDE Number 3 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet…

Play of the Day Race Date August 13, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 9 Overview A strong renewal of the Tale of the Cat, with everyone owning a winning chance if they deliver their best. Pace It should be hot and contested, especially with all the heat on the outside, which suggests something has to give late. Trends The main track played decidedly to early speed over the weekend, but that was more in the routes, though this play is dependent on pace, and therefore needs the field to stay intact. Best Bet BON RAISON Number 3 Morning Line (8-1) Best Bet Overview #3 BON RAISON (8-1): Cagey veteran…

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,…