Handicapping Articles

  “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…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/17/24      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  6       Race overview  A strong 50k MCL for 3upfm at 5 ½ Fs on the Mellon Turf.       Pace  It’s a turf sprint, so things figure honest and contested up front.      Trends  N/A      Best Play  #4 PRECISELY (5-2) (turf only): Ward returnee is an MSW dropper who hasn’t been seen since her debut in June of 2023, but she returns with Lasix, a strong tab, and Dettori, who this trainer routinely likes to use in live spots.     …

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/14/24      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  3       Race overview  An NYB N1X for 3up at 5 ½ Fs on the Mellon Turf.       Pace  It’s a turf sprint, so things figure honest and contested up front.      Trends  N/A      Best Play  #7 FINAL DENILE (3-1) (turf only): Lightly raced runner broke 11-of-12 in his turf bow but ran on nicely to be a close 2nd, should be closer early today, and still has a world of upside off that.      Bet Types    Aggressive WP bet and…

Happy Diana Day!  Chad Brown has won the Diana seven of the past eight years and with five entered in today’s edition he looks to continue his dominance in this Grade I, but his quintet faces some tough ones.   Many of the turf stakes at this meet will feature Chad Brown vs. Charlie Appleby showdowns. Today we get the first taste of that matchup in the Kelso Stakes where Chad has Carl Spackler and Appleby has Mysterious Night. So far this year in North American Appleby trainees are winning at a 30% clip and 74% have hit the board. Godolphin have made a bigger commitment to American racing…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/13/24      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  7       Race overview  A (likely) deep and competitive 2yo MSW at 5 ½ furlongs on the main track.       Pace  Expect things to be heated up front, especially with a slew of firsters from ace connections.      Trends  N/A      Best Play  #9 INNOVATOR (4-1): Lukas charge worked strongly for his debut then never had a chance, with a nightmare trip, though he still showed some fight in the lane, and with that behind him now, it’s all systems go today.   …