Handicapping

Play of the Day Race Date July 24, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 7 Overview A deep and competitive AOC on the turf, with several win candidates, as well as up and comers. Pace There doesn’t appear to be much here, though with a field of 12, several of who are lightly raced, something could break out. Trends It’s been a little tricky, as several turf races have been run over a less than firm course, though tactical speed is never a bad thing. Best Bet HOMBRE Number 4 Morning Line (9-2) Best Bet Overview #4 HOMBRE (9-2) (turf only): Loved the MSW last time, where he was close…

Play of the Day Race Date July 23, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 7 Overview A robust field of 16K N2L’s and a heavy favorite in #10 Air Show (8-5), who hits hard, but doesn’t have to win either. Pace There appears to be plenty here, especially on the outside, which could hurt #10 Air Show (8-5), while potentially flattering #1 FOREST SPIRIT (10-1). 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 FOREST SPIRIT Number 1 Morning Line (10-1) Best Bet Overview #1 FOREST SPIRIT (10-1): Tactical sort drops from the NYB…

Play of the Day Race Date July 22, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 9 Overview A F/M N1X that seems there for the taking, with a strong favorite in #3 Ice Princess (8-5), who doesn’t have to win, and a non-descript field that surrounds her. Pace On paper it looks hot and contested, especially for a two-turn dirt route, so the ability to pass horses could be key, even though that goes against the overall track profile. 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 PORTILLA Number 5 Morning Line (6-1) Best…

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…