Saratoga - day #1 (7/23) selections

Race #1
STORMY MIRAGE – fared well in this condition last two starts, tough race to start the Spa 2008 season. DANCING TIN MAN – favored last two times in the condition, consistent sort but tough to chose on top. ROMP – seldom wins, but figures in the exotics.

Race #2
COGNITO – 2nd best in debut at Churchill, gets the edge to improve here. MOTT entry – PIOUS DAVID is a half brother to MONBA this year’s Bluegrass Stakes winner, entrymate ZENSATIONAL pricy purchase this spring…but only one goes for Zayat Stables. GONE ASTRAY – Phipps runner as always may need a race off of this debut.

Race #3
ICETATE – turf to dirt for Asmussen, late start for this 4 yr. colt, broke maiden on sloppy sealed track. ACCREDIT – four 2nd place finishes puts this one in the mix, fits well here. CONNECTICUT YANKEE – goes for new connections today that win 25% first time in barn.

Race #4
FRA LIPPO – goes first time for turf king in NY, hasn’t raced in almost a year though….your call. COPS FEVER – just missed last time out, speed from the inside. STRATEGIC VISSION – Colonial Downs shipper has no early foot, may close late.

Race #5
TEAPOT DOME – the crafty connections of Hushion / Schwartz send out this first time 2yr. colt, deadly duo in this position. FIDDLERS AFLEET – set the pace in debut, tough from the inside off of that effort. STORM HOPE – Barclay Tagg firster, watch the board WISEACRE – (superfecta include) from sharp trainer.

Race #6
BIG TRAIN – sharp victory downstate turf sprinting, price here twice last season. BEDFORD ARCH – sharp maiden victory downstate, meets winners today. JAZZ NATION – ships in from Presque Isle going from Tapeta to turf, well spotted for NY debut.

Race #7
ADMIRAL BIRD – looked like he got his first victory in two years…but controversially DQ in last, in the money all four starts here. LOGIC WAY – nailed at the wired in last start, goes out for tough connections. SENOR MUSICIAN – razor sharp in last four turf starts, stretches out here.

Race #8
MOHEGAN SKY (Best Bet) – sharp 3rd place finish in the open company Jaipur Stakes (G3) last out, meets statebreds here. AHVEE’S DESTINY – two wins here at this distance turf sprinting in ’07, also back in versus statebreds. METRO METEOR –claimed in last and goes for new connections, two wins with a place & show in five starts at the Spa.

Race #9
OCEAN COLORS – daughter of the late Winning Colors was impressive in debut at Churchill, very game in that victory. COLLEGIATE – fine debut downstate as favorite, may knock heads up front with top pick. CHARTREUX – statebred came very wide from back of the pack for in debut victory, may benefit from speed duel. JARDIN – (superfecta include) off of maiden victory by 3 as the favorite.

Race #10
SPOOKY MULDER – this classy 10 yr. gelding drops to lowest level in sometime, if I had 20k…I’d claim him! STEELIX (Longshot pick) – out of town shipper comes in and drops for crafty Florida trainer, price here for Spa & NY debut. R FAST FAVORITE – won by a pole versus lesser, claimed out of that race. LEVINE entry – hard to believe that GOLDEN MAN makes his Spa debut here off of claim, stablemate RUMSPRINGA comes off of Monmouth win at this level.


“WmH Double Feature” 2-3 double of the day

COGNITO (2ND) with ICETATE (3RD)