Handicapping Articles

Happy Dunkin’ Diana Day!  Chad Brown has dominated the Diana like no other Grade I – winning nine of the past ten editions with only Charlie Appleby’s Athiqa in 2021 breaking up his run. Chad has four in the Diana today and they all look live.  Trivia Question: While Flavian Prat has piloted the last four winners of the Diana – which jockey has the most wins in this Grade I?  Race 5 – The Dunkin’ Diana Stakes – Grade I  One Mile and One Furlong on the Inner Turf for Fillies & Mares Four Years Old and Up  Dynamic Pricing:Chad (1/4) Started 2026 in the Jenny Wiley where she got up for fourth (93 Beyer). Then in the Beaugay she was a decent second. In both races she did not show a strong turn of foot although she did level off late. She moves up if there is cut in the ground. Has been freshened since the Beaugay. Zayas takes over for Irad who is at the Haskell. Exotics. …

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 7/18/26 Featured track Saratoga Race number 10   Race overview A solid OC 45k/N2X for NYBs at 1-mile on the main track.   Pace It looks honest enough, and potentially swift, as a trio of the first four want to be on or near the early lead. Trends The main track was very fair last weekend, and even seemed to tilt towards those with an ability to come from off-the-pace. Best Play #5 WHITTINGHAM PARK (3-1): Versatile sort was a stretch runner before showing a lot more speed in his last, and he’s got foundation for this off…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 7/17/26 Featured track Saratoga Race number 10   Race overview A relatively meek 20k N2L for fm3up at 6 ½ furlongs.   Pace It looks honest enough, as there are more than a few who want t o be close early, at what can be a very tricky distance for speedsters. Trends The main track was very fair last weekend, and even seemed to tilt towards those with an ability to come from off-the-pace. Best Play #2 DONNA ROMANO (2-1): Cox/Dubb filly goes off the 11/9 layoff for an owner that is always willing to drop a horse…

PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau Date 7/16/26 Featured track Saratoga Race number 8   Race overview A deep and competitive OC/SAL for 3yos at 1-mile.   Pace There’s plenty here, as more than a few on the inside want to be close and involved early on. Trends The main track was very fair last weekend, and even seemed to tilt towards those with an ability to come from off-the-pace. Best Play #7 PALACIOS (5-2): Stretch runner has been his own worst enemy at the start in his last two, as he’s broken slow but still ran on late, and in a race with plenty of speed,…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 7/12/26 Featured track Saratoga Race number 3   Race overview A week 20k N3L for fm3up at 7Fs on the main track.   Pace There’s not much here to keep #4 BELLACOSE (5-2) from clearing early and running this modest group off their feet. Trends The main track seemed on the fair side during the first three days of the meet, much more so than the Belmont Meet in early June. Best Play #4 BELLACOSE (5-2): NYB now moves to Englehart off an August layoff, and this barn is 3-for-9 off this kind of break, always points for…

Happy Bowling Green Day! Given that the United Nations Stakes is run at Monmouth next week the seven horse field for the Bowling Green is very solid.  The Caress Stakes has strong field where five of the six starters look like contenders. Weather looks great and these stakes should stay on a Firm turf course. Trivia Question: Three horses have won the Bowling Green Stakes twice – who was the most recent to accomplish this feat? Race 5  The Caress Stakes – Grade II Five and One Half Furlongs On The Mellon Turf for Fillies and Mares Four Years Old and Upward Zeitlios: Was second in this race…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 7/11/26 Featured track Saratoga Race number 10   Race overview A relatively modest renewal of the G2 Bowling Green for 4up at 1 3/8 miles on the inner turf course.   Pace There’s little to none on paper, in terms of a confirmed front-runner, so expect a crawl early, that will turn into a sprint off the far turn. Trends The turf played a lot fairer Opening Week than it did Belmont Week, with winners coming from everywhere, but a firm and fast course is always going to aid the speedsters. Best Play #6 MINARET STATION (2-1) (turf…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 7/10/26 Featured track Saratoga Race number 7   Race overview A very deep and competitive 80k/N2X for fm3up at 5 ½ Fs on the Mellon Turf Course.   Pace There’s not much here, which will only flatter the chances of #3 Sadie Earp (2-1), who should be able to control things early. Trends The turf played a lot fairer Opening Week than it did Belmont Week, with winners coming from everywhere, but a firm and fast course is always going to aid the speedsters. Best Play #3 SADIE EARP (2-1) (turf only): The speed flew on the lead…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  7/9/26      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  4       Race overview  A competitive 20k N2L for fm3up at 1-mile on the main track.       Pace  There’s not much here, and at this tricky trip, being forward with the quick run to the first turn, is never a bad asset.      Trends  The main track seemed on the fair side during the first three days of the meet, much more so than the Belmont Meet in early June.      Best Play  #3 AMELIA’S ECHO (7-2): Stiff dropper caught a sloppy track as well when…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 7/5/26 Featured track Saratoga Race number 5   Race overview A very modest 55k MCL for 3up at 1 1/16 miles on the Mellon Turf.   Pace It looks honest, as there are a few routers who have been on the lead, and a pair of sprinters stretching out that have been leading. Trends The short answer is “N/A,” the longer answer is a firm and fast turf course was a paved highway at the abbreviated Belmont Meet here in June, and with the weather scorching, things may not change. Best Play #8 CAPRICIOUS OUTCOME (8-5) (turf only):…