Handicapping

Play of the Day Race Date July 21, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 9 Overview A very strong AOC, with a potentially vulnerable favorite in #2 Forza Di Oro (9-5), who faces older off a November layoff. Pace It figures to be a bit on the tepid side, so an inside draw and the ability to lay close early will be key. Trends Tactical speed, as per usual, has been extremely important, with very few winners coming from off the pace early in the meet. Best Bet HIGHEST HONORS Number 3 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #3 HIGHEST HONORS 5-2): Talented but troubled sort really moved forward in…

Play of the Day Race Date July 18, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 3 Overview A very modest NYB N1X turf sprint that looks ripe for a fresh new face. Pace It should be hot and contested, as several in here have shown speed and a penchant for running on or just off the early pace, though you also need to be close at this trip. Trends Make sure to check the course condition as rains were expected throughout the day and night on Saturday. Best Bet GET THE CANDY Number 5 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview #5 GET THE CANDY (3-1) (turf only): Loved the comeback MSW…

Play of the Day Race Date July 17, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 8 Overview An absolutely loaded N1X that looks like it could have several future graded stakes winners in it, and seems assuredly a key race in the making. Pace It should be hot and contested, as several in here have shown speed and a penchant for running on or just off the early pace. Trends N/A Best Bet BEAU LIAM Number 1 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview #1 BEAU LIAM (3-1): Ultra-impressive debut winner at Cd ran a HUGE TG figure and seemingly has a world of potential, and while facing winners is never easy,…

Play of the Day Race Date July 16, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 6 Overview A potentially key race NYB 2yo MSW that has some strong firsters, but an experienced runner who drew well and gets a HUGE jock upgrade. Pace It should be honest, especially so many firsters signed on. Trends N/A Best Bet NOVEMBER REIN Number 7 Morning Line (4-1) Best Bet Overview #7 NOVEMBER REIN (4-1): If you didn’t know any better, you’d have thought Castellano didn’t want to win, as he gave an extremely passive ride with little encouragement, yet was only beaten a head; now, with Jose aboard and a perfect outside attack post…

Play of the Day Race Date July 15, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 10 Overview A suspect NYB MSW on the turf, with a strong but tough to trust favorite (#8) and a potential runner in #12 RUSE (5-1) who could improve in a big way. Pace It should be honest, with several who want to be close early, and potentially taxing too, as there figures to be some give in the course. Trends Make sure to check the course condition, as there has been plenty of rain in the area for the better part of a week now. Best Bet RUSE Number 12 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet…

Play of the Day Race Date July 11, 2021 Track Belmont Park Race 6 Overview An extremely strong AOC that could easily be a listed stakes race. Pace It looks there for the taking, which should give #1 JALEN JOURNEY (5-2) a chance at pulling off the upset. Trends Make sure to check the track condition (and how it played Friday and Saturday), as heavy rains hit the area throughout the week but things began to dry out on Saturday. Best Bet JALEN JOURNEY Number 1 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #1 JALEN JOURNEY (5-2): Speedster was the POD last time and got it done and he…

Play of the Day Race Date July 10, 2021 Track Belmont Park Race 4 Overview An apparent above average NYB MSW that could be a key race in the making down the line at Saratoga. Pace It appears honest but hardly overly hot, so tactical speed figures to be at an advantage. Trends Make sure to check the track condition (and how it played Friday), as heavy rains hit the area throughout the week, which figures to leave the main track with plenty of moisture. Best Bet WATER’S EDGE Number 2 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #2 WATER’S EDGE (5-2): Donk runner was beaten a nose on…

Play of the Day Race Date July 09, 2021 Track Belmont Park Race 8 Overview A deep and competitive AOC on the turf, with several winning possibilities, and a modest favorite (#11) who is drawn poorly. Pace It appears honest but hardly overly hot, so tactical speed figures to be at an advantage. Trends Make sure to check the course condition, as it could be on the soggy side, which tends to tilt more towards stalkers/closers. Best Bet BRAMBLE QUEEN Number 9 Morning Line (10-1) Best Bet Overview #9 BRAMBLE QUEEN (10-1) (turf only): Underrated and tactical miss fits with these on paper and has some big races…

Play of the Day Race Date July 05, 2021 Track Belmont Park Race 5 Overview A deep and competitive 25k claimer for older runners, with several in with winning chances, though only one who takes a significant drop in class. Pace It appears there is plenty here, as several want to motor early, which should help the chances of #3 STUNNING MUNNINGS (9-2). Trends It’s tough to get a gauge on the main track, with all the rain that has hit the area the past few days, so take note of the early races to see if you can find out how it may be playing. Best Bet…

Play of the Day Race Date July 04, 2021 Track Belmont Park Race 6 Overview A competitive 50k MCL on the turf, though one that also looks ripe for an upset, as there are several uninspiring favorites. Pace It appears there is plenty here, and with a turf course that should have plenty of give in it, this could fall apart in the lane. Trends With rain expected all weekend the turf will be on the soft side, which suggests it could be deep and demanding, and when that is the case, I tend to side with those who have shown they can pass horses and run from…