Handicapping

Play of the Day Race Date August 25, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 7 Overview A typically loaded N!X allowance route going 1 3/16 miles on turf, that could go any number of different ways, with a field that all look eerily similar on paper. Pace Don’t expect much heat up front, especially in this day and age on the NYRA circuit where everyone takes back, which means this will likely be a bunched sprint off the far turn. Trends The wider turns on the Mellon will help the stalker/closers, especially since they’ll likely be winding up off the far turn. Best Bet THE GREY WIZARD Number 7 Morning…

Play of the Day Race Date August 24, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 8 Overview A compact 25k claimer sprinting on the main, with several that bring winning credentials to the table. Pace There’s not much here, so you better be able to lay close early, especially since the favorite #6 Lastchanceatglory (9-5) looks to be the pacesetter. Trends The main track sped up a bit over the weekend, with speed winning more often than not, though several were the right horses too. Best Bet LIL COMMISSIONER Number 5 Morning Line (4-1) Best Bet Overview #5 LIL COMMISSIONER (4-1): potential pace presser goes to an Antonacci barn that has…

Play of the Day Race Date August 21, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 3 Overview A seemingly evenly matched group of 12.5k claimer sprinting on the main track, though class-dropping #4 LINNY KATE (3-1) looks poised for a big form reversal. Pace It looks average, at best, as there are no confirmed front runners. Trends The main track has continued to play fair throughout the majority meet, and continued to do so last week, though being close is always preferred. Best Bet LINNY KATE Number 4 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview #4 LINNY KATE (3-1): Stiff class dropper also goes turf-to-dirt and two turns to one for Noda,…

Play of the Day Race Date August 20, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 11 Overview A relatively light N3L routing on the inner turf, as very few have consistent proven form with the figures to win this. Pace It looks on the modest side, as only #8 Barnegat Light (12-1) is a confirmed front-runner, though there are a few entered who may keep him honest. Trends Giving up too much ground on the inner, with the tighter turns, is never a good thing, so being tactical—at least—is preferred. Best Bet WICKED FAST Number 4 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet Overview #4 WICKED FAST (7-2) (turf only): Class dropper has…

Play of the Day Race Date August 19, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 3 Overview A compact AOC going long on the main track, with several different winning possibilities. Pace It’s tough to figure in these dirt routes, as it’s often left up to the jockeys, who seem to wrangle back their speed horses, but on paper, the pace looks honest in here. Trends The main track has continued to play fair throughout the majority meet, and continued to do so last week, though being close is always preferred. Best Bet GALERIO Number 1 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview #1 GALERIO (3-1): Cash claim (12%) has some solid…

Play of the Day Race Date August 18, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 7 Overview A modest 35k N3L sprinting on the turf, with few who meet the winning criteria, at least with their recent form. Pace It doesn’t look overly heated, so you better be close early, especially sprinting this snappy 5 ½ furlongs. Trends Turf sprints rarely fall apart in the lane, and the middle posts tend to be best, and with little speed here, coming from too far back won’t be a recipe for success. Best Bet IMMORTALIZATION Number 7 Morning Line (5-2) Best Bet Overview #7 IMMORTALIZATION (5-2) (turf only): Mth invader goes for a…

Play of the Day Race Date August 17, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 8 Overview A relatively modest NYB N1X going a mile on main. Pace It doesn’t look overly heated, so tactical speed is a must, especially since it will be a sprint off the far turn. Trends The main track has continued to play fair throughout the majority meet, and continued to do so last week, though being close is always preferred. Best Bet MIA BEA STAR Number 6 Morning Line (N/A) Best Bet Overview #6 MIA BEA STAR (N/A): Stalker did well to draw outside here, and the drop from a tough 25k starter will help,…

Play of the Day Race Date August 14, 2022 Track Saratoga Race 4 Overview A deep and competitive 50k claimer sprinting on the main with several different ways to go, and a potentially vulnerable favorite in #2 Cost Basis (7-5), who has been off since April and now drops. Pace It doesn’t look overly heated, so tactical speed (at the very least) should be part of the package. Trends The main track has continued to play fair throughout the majority meet, and continued to do so last week, though being close is always preferred. Best Bet EBBEN Number 6 Morning Line (6-1) Best Bet Overview #6 EBBEN (6-1):…