Handicapping

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,…

Play of the Day Race Date July 31, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 5 Overview A solid NYB N1X with a newcomer that may be poised to take advantage of the locals. Pace It looks honest enough, as several want to be involved early, which could set this up for a stalker from midpack. Trends It’s tough to get a feel for the main track, with so much rain causing an off-surface both Thursday and Friday, so take note of how it plays as it begins to dry out towards the weekend. Best Bet BEHIND THE COUCH Number 4 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet Overview #4 BEHIND THE COUCH…

Play of the Day Race Date July 30, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 8 Overview A very deep and competitive turf N1X, with several who have plenty of upside and should offer value, none more so than #2 GALAWI (IRE) (5-1). Pace It doesn’t look overly heated, but these turf marathons aren’t really dependent on pace anymore, as they typically turn into a sprint off the far turn regardless. Trends Check the weather, as rains were expected Thursday afternoon, which could put plenty of moisture in the course. Best Bet GALAWI Number 2 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview #2 GALAWI (IRE) (5-1) (turf only): Lightly raced 4yo has…

Play of the Day Race Date July 29, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 4 Overview A big field of bottom-level claimers that is solid, but also appears to have a standout in #8 THE QUEEN JULES (2-1). Pace You should get some heat between #5 and #6, who both want to be involved early, and that should put #8 THE QUEEN JULES (2-1) in the perfect spot just off of both. Trends There hasn’t been any glaring path or running style bias early in the meet, though it’s also been a work-in-progress, since running over a fast main track (consistently) has been a struggle with all the rain. Best…

Play of the Day Race Date July 25, 2021 Track Saratoga Race 8 Overview A deep and competitive AOC on the turf, though only one has an abundance of upside and a big potential forward move. Pace It appears on the slow side, so expect a bunched spring late. 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 FORTY UNDER Number 7 Morning Line (10-1) Best Bet Overview #7 FORTY UNDER (10-1) (turf only): Loved that comeback off the long layoff, he should only improve, and if so,…

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…