Handicapping Articles

      “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  8/17/25      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  7       Race overview  An extremely watered down 12.5k starter-allowance for fm3up at 7fs on the main track.       Pace  It looks honest, though not overlay fast, as there are more stalker/closers than speed types.      Trends  A fast main track Friday was all speed, so monitor Saturday, as things are likely turning back to the norm.      Best Play  #6 SPIRITUAL LADY (2-1): Class dropper just won a 20k starter, meets easier here, drew perfectly, and has a pressing…

      “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  8/16/25      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  12       Race overview  A deep and competitive, albeit relative modest, N1X for NYBS at 5 ½ furlongs on the Mellon Turf Course.       Pace  There’s really none here, except for #1 SPOKEN BLUNTLY (9-2), which gives him a huge tactical edge.      Trends  A fast and firm turf course has played to speed, so check the weather Friday and Saturday, as any moisture could literally dampen the pick’s winning chances.      Best Play  #1 SPOKEN BLUNTLY (9-2) (turf only):…

Happy Alabama Day  We get the re-match between Good Cheer and La Cara as they co-headline the Alabama field. Good Cheer was the leader of this division culminating with a Kentucky Oaks victory. But her seven race win streak was ended in the Acorn by La Cara. They meet again today. But don’t sleep on Nitrogen who is looking for a breakthrough on the dirt.  Trivia Question: What is the oldest stakes race in America for three year old fillies?  Race 9 – The Skidmore Stakes   Five and One Half Furlongs On the Mellon Turf for Two Year Olds  Schwarzenegger: Was cross entered in a MSW on Thursday,…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau Date 8/15/25 Featured track Saratoga Race number 7   Race overview A solid OC50k/SAL50k for 3yo fillies at 6 ½ Fs on the main track.   Pace There’s a ton of it here, as more than a few want to go early, and at this tricky distance, that means things could fall apart in the lane. Trends The main track continued to play more to off-the-pace runners last week, continuing a trend that (you would think) may turn soon. Best Play #7 HEY COOKIE (7-2): Monmouth invader aired at the shore against older from off-the-pace, so her running style fits here,…

      “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  8/14/25      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  1       Race overview  A competitive MSW for fm3up at 1 1/8 miles on the main track.       Pace  These 1 1/8-miles main track routes usually crawl early, so expect a bunched group that will sprint off the far turn.      Trends  The main track continued to play more to off-the-pace runners last week, continuing a trend that (you would think) may turn soon.      Best Play  #3 DANZIT (9-5): Pletcher charge was a solid 2nd to an easy winner…

      “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  8/13/25      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  7       Race overview  A modest 17.5k N2L for fm3up at 6 ½ furlongs on the main track.       Pace  It looks hot and contested, as there is a trio who want to be involved early, which suggests this could fall apart in the lane.      Trends  The main track continued to play more to off-the-pace runners last week, continuing a trend that (you would think) may turn soon.      Best Play  #7 MELLE MEL (6-5): Stiff class dropper has…

      “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  8/10/25      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  1       Race overview  A solid MSW for 3up at 1-mile on the main track.       Pace  It looks honest, though not overly fast, as this is a tricky trip on the main track, and there are no real burners signed on, but a few who want to be close early.      Trends  The main track continued to play a bit more to off-the-pace runners on Wednesday and Thursday, a trend that is worth monitoring as the better races loom on…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  8/8/25      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  9       Race overview  A solid 32k claimer for 3yos at 6Fs on the main track.        Pace  It looks on the tepid side, as there are no pure sprint speeds signed on, so expect a bunch group, while giving those with tactical speed an edge as well.      Trends  The main track, in an odd and surprising twist, played strongly to outside stalker/closers Saturday and Sunday, so it’s worth monitoring after the two-day break.      Best Play  #7 BACKTRACK (7-2):…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  8/7/25      Featured track  Saratoga       Race number  7       Race overview  A tremendous renewal of the 150k Galway for 3yofs at 5 ½ furlongs on the Mellon Turf Course.       Pace  It looks supersonic on paper, as there are several here who want to fly early, which suggests this could fall apart in the lane.      Trends  A firm, fast turf course is always going to slant towards speed, but with so much signed on here, even this seems like it’s going to be won from off-the-pace.     …