Race #1
Money's Sweet - impressive maiden breaker and straight to a level where she can win right back, having Linda Rice as your trainer helps too!
Dear Marylou - even effort in the mud last time out, fits well in this group.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Bella Uno - Roaring Belle
Race #2
Avanta - even effort in debut, slight drop & adds lasix today with bullet work for this start.
Caribbean Lady - just missed weakening late in debut on grass, adds blinkers & tries dirt for Mid-Atlantic trainer.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Double Delicious - Cabriole
Race #3
Funny Feeling - like her name......I think she'll benefit from all the speed that's in this race with a tactical advantage.
Lisa's Booby Trap - was entered in the Coaching Club Oaks two weeks ago, chooses this spot & comes in with bullet work......interesting race scenario.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Nonna Mia - Stormandprayer
Race #4
Quick to Charm - seek fourth straight victory stepping up slightly, 10 for 13 lifetime in-the-money on grass, consistent as they come!
Keeping the Honor - drops back into claimer after failing as the favorite in last two starts, won't be the favorite today.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Big Stick - Dantastic
Race #5
Karen's Joy - turf to dirt & drops in class for this spot second time out, they must have named this horse after me. (lol.....just joking!)
She Wears the Best - weakened at this level last time out at 48-1 in Monmouth, may lead the way from the outside.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Pelican Lake - Florida Girl
Race #6
Pin Turn - even though she is 0 for 8 in her career and counting......she looks like the speed in this race full of question marks, that's the slight advantage she has over this group.
Chardonniere - tries the weeds in third career for Darley Stable, bullet work dirt work for this start.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Inspired - Fandangle
Race #7
Ordination - might have moved too soon last time out going a marathon distance as the favorite, solid getting this distance.
Cheyenne Nation - nice maiden breaking going a long distance in last start on grass, can move forward off that effort.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Premium Gold - Ground Frost
Race #8
Solitaire - won this marathon stake last year with late charge getting nose on the wire, reunites with Julien Leparoux aboard today.
Attempted Humor - rough trip last time out in grade II event going a mile, blinkers off in this easier spot today.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Perfect Shower - Coolcullen Times
Race #9
Makeminechocolate - gutsy effort for 2nd last time out, gets diploma today!
Lateday Edition - even efforts turf sprinting in last two, third start off layoff & adds lasix today.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Ready for Autumn - Lily's Doll
Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - Makeminechoclate (9th)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #12 (8/5) Record (38-107) $244.80
Race #1
Slip Away - speed merchant threatens to take these gate to wire over the hurdles, the "one to catch".
The Price of Love (entry) - last seen over a year ago on the track....but, only one time ever off-the-board going over the jumps.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Dark Equation - Planets Aligned
Race #2
Skylord - a first time starter from this year's Kentucky Derby winning connections; Todd Pletcher & WinStar Farm.
Wicky Jones - from one of our favorite young sires; Smarty Jones, watch the board on this one.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Saucy Stash - Gangsterontherun
Race #3
Law Enforcement - winner of this same race last year at 7-1, makes third start off layoff.
Driven by Success - hard hitter comes off two straight victories as the favorite, 14 for 20 lifetime career in-the-money.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Legal Consent - Mor Chances
Race #4
Manhattan Fox - turns back to a turf sprint after going longer in his four stateside starts, trainer looking for his first meet win.
Delano - broke maiden first time out impressively with late kick at a price, jock switch to Garrett Gomez today.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Academy Run - Moon Ala Mode
Race #5
Elusive Raven - a half-sister to Curlin Stakes winner; Winslow Homer, may be runner like her brother.
Playing Pirates - held well after attending the pace on opening day in the slop, big experience edge over this group.
Exotic & multi race runners : Maple Forest - Inflation Hedge
Race #6
Swell Party - two sharp effort at Colonial Downs going a marathon turf distance, connections may be overlooked here & are extremely dangerous.
Antrim Shield - even effort in debut, contender from the rail in this spot.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Indianapolis - Temple Fair
Race #7
Sensationalist - first time starter in for bottom tag from the Dutrow barn, watch the board.
Reign of Kings - goes for new connections today off December layoff at Calder, trainer has good stats with layoff horses & dropping into maiden claimer races.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Trust of Honor - Knead the Dough
Race #8
Pulpit Point - makes stateside debut after nearly a year layoff for the Godolphin -royal blue, $7.00 ROI first time in the states with this trainer.
Skipadate - drops into easier spot today after no factor in grade II stake last time out, has a 1st and 2nd over the Spa turf course two years ago.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Summer Patriot - No Inflation
Race #9
Bridgetown - makes belated 3 yr.old start today, was quite good last year & has been working well for seasonal debut.
Flamin' Hot - just missed in overnight turf stake at Monmouth last time out, perfect on the weeds turf sprinting (4 for 4).
Exotic & multi-race runners : That'sthequestion - Dazzled Saint
Race #10
Such Time as This - even effort at Delaware Park last time out in turf sprint, has a very crafty trainer.
Settling Seas - consistent turf runner will make presence felt either near or on the lead.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Ambidaxtrous - Hey Babe
Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - Bridgetown (9th)
Slip Away - speed merchant threatens to take these gate to wire over the hurdles, the "one to catch".
The Price of Love (entry) - last seen over a year ago on the track....but, only one time ever off-the-board going over the jumps.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Dark Equation - Planets Aligned
Race #2
Skylord - a first time starter from this year's Kentucky Derby winning connections; Todd Pletcher & WinStar Farm.
Wicky Jones - from one of our favorite young sires; Smarty Jones, watch the board on this one.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Saucy Stash - Gangsterontherun
Race #3
Law Enforcement - winner of this same race last year at 7-1, makes third start off layoff.
Driven by Success - hard hitter comes off two straight victories as the favorite, 14 for 20 lifetime career in-the-money.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Legal Consent - Mor Chances
Race #4
Manhattan Fox - turns back to a turf sprint after going longer in his four stateside starts, trainer looking for his first meet win.
Delano - broke maiden first time out impressively with late kick at a price, jock switch to Garrett Gomez today.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Academy Run - Moon Ala Mode
Race #5
Elusive Raven - a half-sister to Curlin Stakes winner; Winslow Homer, may be runner like her brother.
Playing Pirates - held well after attending the pace on opening day in the slop, big experience edge over this group.
Exotic & multi race runners : Maple Forest - Inflation Hedge
Race #6
Swell Party - two sharp effort at Colonial Downs going a marathon turf distance, connections may be overlooked here & are extremely dangerous.
Antrim Shield - even effort in debut, contender from the rail in this spot.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Indianapolis - Temple Fair
Race #7
Sensationalist - first time starter in for bottom tag from the Dutrow barn, watch the board.
Reign of Kings - goes for new connections today off December layoff at Calder, trainer has good stats with layoff horses & dropping into maiden claimer races.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Trust of Honor - Knead the Dough
Race #8
Pulpit Point - makes stateside debut after nearly a year layoff for the Godolphin -royal blue, $7.00 ROI first time in the states with this trainer.
Skipadate - drops into easier spot today after no factor in grade II stake last time out, has a 1st and 2nd over the Spa turf course two years ago.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Summer Patriot - No Inflation
Race #9
Bridgetown - makes belated 3 yr.old start today, was quite good last year & has been working well for seasonal debut.
Flamin' Hot - just missed in overnight turf stake at Monmouth last time out, perfect on the weeds turf sprinting (4 for 4).
Exotic & multi-race runners : That'sthequestion - Dazzled Saint
Race #10
Such Time as This - even effort at Delaware Park last time out in turf sprint, has a very crafty trainer.
Settling Seas - consistent turf runner will make presence felt either near or on the lead.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Ambidaxtrous - Hey Babe
Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - Bridgetown (9th)
Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #11 (8/4) - Record (33-97) $208.30
Race #1
Uncle Pat - is the choice here if rained off the turf, wire to wire in sloppy maiden breaker last time out.
Barrel of Love - stretches out after closing late in turf sprint maiden breaker downstate, should relish the mile distance.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Tom Kitten - Abilio
Race #2
Fiscal Stimulus - 2nd best with even effort first time weeds, edge here.
Coach Billy G. - Kentucky shipper showed speed on the Turfway polytrack last Fall, trainer has good numbers with this move (synthetic to grass)
Exotic & multi-race runners - Ender's Universe - Holiday Ballad
Race #3
Kid Kate - weaken late versus tougher going longer in last start at Belmont , winner of off-the-turf event here last year.
Hit It Rich - throw out last on the grass with rough trip, solid dirt efforts otherwise.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Proclaim - North Rodeo
Race #4
Bug Juice - chased the winner in debut holding well late, graduates today.
Seek to Destroy - Finger Lakes shipper comes in with bullet works from there, crafty trainer.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Mr. Ames - Bound by Humor
Race #5
Go Go Pink - obviously the one here with the best; turf form, trainer / jockey combo and has speed, definitely the "one to beat"!
Speed Dating - drops from statebreds to this spot, may flash speed also.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Silvercup Baby - Daily Star
Race #6
Runweiser - wire to wire in maiden breaker second start out, doesn't meet any world beaters today in this race.
Redwood Fever - compromised by far outside post in race over the track, trainer switch today & blinkers off.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Renewed Hope - Seis de Mayo
Race #7
Convocation - been knocking heads with much better runners last three starts, well spotted here.
Masala - shows a 2nd and 3rd at this level in last two starts, figures again here.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Midnight Mischief - Odds On
Race #8
Keertana - closed last time out in stake at Churchill Downs, puts in honest effort every time out.
Daveron - weakened late going longer downstate, may have had the "euro-bounce" effort in that race.
Exotic & mulit-race runners : My Baby Baby - Miss Catalyst
Race #9
System Ready - goes to the weeds and stretches out for tough connections.
Nolangrant'skitten - another Kitten's Joy firster from you know who!
Exotic & multi-race runners : War Winds - Forum
Hoffy's "HORSE TO BEAT" play of the day (4-9) - Go Go Pink (5th)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #10 (8/2) - Record (28-88) $173.10
Race #1
Loyal Shadow - has been razor sharp since breaking her maiden three starts back, will closing late for our "main man" Gary Sciacca!
Lisa Jean - rallied in last two going a bit longer downstate, good wide open betting race!
Exotic & multi-race runners : Mystic City - Pretty Cozy
Race #2
Feels Good - a firster from Linda Rice, most likely the favorite because of her connections.....tough race!
Spa City Lover - another firster starting for a tag, decents works up here.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Queen's Harbor - Jet Fever
Race #3
Mighty Tuff - caught at the wire this level last time out, trainer shows $5.51 ROI in turf sprints.
Adam Rides Again - weakened late going a route turf race last time out, tries turf sprint for the first time.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Conflicted - Zealous Boy
Race #4
Sunday Splitsville (entry) - weakened late after jock dropped whip, drops to claimer. other half of the entry well bred first time starter with bullet works.
It's My Party - first time starter from Kenny McPeak & Win Star Farm, debuts for a tag.....watch the board.
Exotic & multi-race runners : William's Prayer - Barbara (entry)
Race #5
The Roundhouse - a old favorite of mine drops to a career low, should handle these on back class.
Rocketing Returns - drops into claimer off two sharp allowance efforts, trainer looking for a score here.
Exotic & multi-race runners : El Real Madrid - Lofty Banner
Race #6
Redefined - takes needed slight drop off of two tiring efforts as the favorite, fits well here.
Pictural - was the non "rabbit" in the Suburban Handicap last time out, big drop here with turnback to the weeds.......interesting.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Gold Vendetta - Prince Woodman
Race #7
Australis Princess - even effort last time out at this level, slight choice in another wide open event.
Lost At Dawn - goes for new connections today, second best at this level last time out.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Starsilhouette - Mythical Yarn
Race #8
Discreetly Mine - found his best game in last two starts......sprinting, faced some good company this year!
Rule by Night - didn't want any part of two turns in Monmouth stake last time out, beat our Lloydobler in maiden breaker impressively over the winter at this distance.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Essence Hit Man - Latigo Shore
Race #9
Kan N Klear - drops to good spot off of March layoff, I admit chasing this trainer when he puts ANYTHING on the turf.
Hey Babe - steps up and stretches out to a mile today, better form than most here.
Exotic & mutli-race runners : Performing - Zapparition
Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - The Roundhouse (5th)
Loyal Shadow - has been razor sharp since breaking her maiden three starts back, will closing late for our "main man" Gary Sciacca!
Lisa Jean - rallied in last two going a bit longer downstate, good wide open betting race!
Exotic & multi-race runners : Mystic City - Pretty Cozy
Race #2
Feels Good - a firster from Linda Rice, most likely the favorite because of her connections.....tough race!
Spa City Lover - another firster starting for a tag, decents works up here.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Queen's Harbor - Jet Fever
Race #3
Mighty Tuff - caught at the wire this level last time out, trainer shows $5.51 ROI in turf sprints.
Adam Rides Again - weakened late going a route turf race last time out, tries turf sprint for the first time.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Conflicted - Zealous Boy
Race #4
Sunday Splitsville (entry) - weakened late after jock dropped whip, drops to claimer. other half of the entry well bred first time starter with bullet works.
It's My Party - first time starter from Kenny McPeak & Win Star Farm, debuts for a tag.....watch the board.
Exotic & multi-race runners : William's Prayer - Barbara (entry)
Race #5
The Roundhouse - a old favorite of mine drops to a career low, should handle these on back class.
Rocketing Returns - drops into claimer off two sharp allowance efforts, trainer looking for a score here.
Exotic & multi-race runners : El Real Madrid - Lofty Banner
Race #6
Redefined - takes needed slight drop off of two tiring efforts as the favorite, fits well here.
Pictural - was the non "rabbit" in the Suburban Handicap last time out, big drop here with turnback to the weeds.......interesting.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Gold Vendetta - Prince Woodman
Race #7
Australis Princess - even effort last time out at this level, slight choice in another wide open event.
Lost At Dawn - goes for new connections today, second best at this level last time out.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Starsilhouette - Mythical Yarn
Race #8
Discreetly Mine - found his best game in last two starts......sprinting, faced some good company this year!
Rule by Night - didn't want any part of two turns in Monmouth stake last time out, beat our Lloydobler in maiden breaker impressively over the winter at this distance.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Essence Hit Man - Latigo Shore
Race #9
Kan N Klear - drops to good spot off of March layoff, I admit chasing this trainer when he puts ANYTHING on the turf.
Hey Babe - steps up and stretches out to a mile today, better form than most here.
Exotic & mutli-race runners : Performing - Zapparition
Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - The Roundhouse (5th)
Mark Hoffman’s Saratoga selections – day #9 (8/1) Record (26-78) $161.60
Race #1
Acquried Cat – this hard hitting statebred turf sprinter boasts fine record in these type races, has won 5 out of 7 at this level.
Elegant Bess – beaten by top in last two starts finishing 3rd, her late kick will be felt.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Lost Without You – Zip by You
Race #2
Miss Dora – second best off the trainer switch, has an edge with that effort.
Abide – first time starter from the Asmussen barn, watch the board
Exotic & multi-race runners - Witchy One – Fancy Point
Race #3
Notell – rallied in debut late at 19-1, should improve off that effort.
Considerate – tired late after clear stretch lead in last two starts with blinkers on, beginning to look like a professional maiden.
Exotic & multi-race runners - I Dreamt I Was – New York Kitten
Race #4
Stormin Bolt – tired as the favorite going a mile last time out, returns sprinting today.
Fenway Faithful – throw out last start on the weeds, looking to recapture 2 yr.old form.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Erie’s Run – Six Flings
Race #5
Atlantic Beauty – drops from maiden special weights to claimer in second career start, flashed speed in her debut.
Alwaysinmydreams – another runner showed more speed with addition of blinkers added, should be in the mix.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Magical Feeling – Aprilmayjune
Race #6
It’s Tea Time – even effort as lukewarm favorite grade III turf event last time out, gets a slight edge here.
Loxy Lady – been kicking around in this condition forever, has a 1st and two 2nd place finishes here at the Spa.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Silk Route – Queen Hazel
Race #7
Pinckney Hill – had a rough trip in the grade I – Manhatten Handicap last time out, drops back in distance today.
Get Stormy – had five race win streak snapped in last start north of the border, speed from the inside will lead the way.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Public Speaker – Radical Sabbatical
Race #8
Winaholic – even 3rd at Belmont in good allowance race last start, this runner has been a work in progress.
Citrus Kid – last seen during the winter at the Fairgrounds in grade III prep race, a lot was hoped for this colt & things haven’t panned out.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Winslow Homer – Miner’s Reserve
Race #9
Tasty Temptation – interesting Woodbine shipper tries “real” dirt for the first time today, may be overlooked here.
Unrivaled Belle – 2nd best as the beaten favorite last time out, “horse to beat” off current form in this group.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Malibu Prayer – Starship Angel
Race #10
My Two Cents – caught at the wire after clear lead in last start, lightly raced edge over this group.
Jacky Juice – drops into this claimer off of troubled debut, the best of the rest here.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Sammy’s Goodasgold – Karakorum Jete
Hoffy’s “Horse to Beat” play of the day – ATLANTIC BEAUTY (5TH)
Acquried Cat – this hard hitting statebred turf sprinter boasts fine record in these type races, has won 5 out of 7 at this level.
Elegant Bess – beaten by top in last two starts finishing 3rd, her late kick will be felt.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Lost Without You – Zip by You
Race #2
Miss Dora – second best off the trainer switch, has an edge with that effort.
Abide – first time starter from the Asmussen barn, watch the board
Exotic & multi-race runners - Witchy One – Fancy Point
Race #3
Notell – rallied in debut late at 19-1, should improve off that effort.
Considerate – tired late after clear stretch lead in last two starts with blinkers on, beginning to look like a professional maiden.
Exotic & multi-race runners - I Dreamt I Was – New York Kitten
Race #4
Stormin Bolt – tired as the favorite going a mile last time out, returns sprinting today.
Fenway Faithful – throw out last start on the weeds, looking to recapture 2 yr.old form.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Erie’s Run – Six Flings
Race #5
Atlantic Beauty – drops from maiden special weights to claimer in second career start, flashed speed in her debut.
Alwaysinmydreams – another runner showed more speed with addition of blinkers added, should be in the mix.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Magical Feeling – Aprilmayjune
Race #6
It’s Tea Time – even effort as lukewarm favorite grade III turf event last time out, gets a slight edge here.
Loxy Lady – been kicking around in this condition forever, has a 1st and two 2nd place finishes here at the Spa.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Silk Route – Queen Hazel
Race #7
Pinckney Hill – had a rough trip in the grade I – Manhatten Handicap last time out, drops back in distance today.
Get Stormy – had five race win streak snapped in last start north of the border, speed from the inside will lead the way.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Public Speaker – Radical Sabbatical
Race #8
Winaholic – even 3rd at Belmont in good allowance race last start, this runner has been a work in progress.
Citrus Kid – last seen during the winter at the Fairgrounds in grade III prep race, a lot was hoped for this colt & things haven’t panned out.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Winslow Homer – Miner’s Reserve
Race #9
Tasty Temptation – interesting Woodbine shipper tries “real” dirt for the first time today, may be overlooked here.
Unrivaled Belle – 2nd best as the beaten favorite last time out, “horse to beat” off current form in this group.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Malibu Prayer – Starship Angel
Race #10
My Two Cents – caught at the wire after clear lead in last start, lightly raced edge over this group.
Jacky Juice – drops into this claimer off of troubled debut, the best of the rest here.
Exotic & multi-race runners - Sammy’s Goodasgold – Karakorum Jete
Hoffy’s “Horse to Beat” play of the day – ATLANTIC BEAUTY (5TH)
Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day 8 (7/31)
Race #1
Chestoria - hard hitting six year old mare 2nd best in Philadelphia Park stake last time out, shows bullet work over the Spa grass course & back versus statebreds.
Alkilina - set the pace versus top pick in statebred event two back, looks like main foe here.
Exotic & multi-race runners : You Go West Girl - Don't Forget Gil
Race #2
Megaholtz - broke maiden by a neck last time out but was disqualified for veering in & bumping foe, looks like the pace setter again and needs to stay straight.
Medal Round - 2nd best in last two starts, should make presence felt late.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Bakhoor - Savannah Bay
Race #3
Wonderboy Roy - Woodbine shipper drops from maiden special weights to claimer for Spa debut, also tries turf coming from the polytrack north of the border.
Strolldownbroadway - even effort versus statebreds in maiden turf claimer downstate, third start off long layoff.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Miss Hanky Panky - Quiescent Hit
Race #4
Jim's Applemartini - just missed versus slightly cheaper coming off layoff, timid pick of bad bunch.
Holly's Brother - drops into maiden claimer after wide / green start for debut, blinkers on & best of the rest here.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Ducale - Classroom Legend
Race #5
Rescue Squad - really no factor in short field last time out at this level, stretches out a bit today.
Quechee - turf marathon runner rallied in both starts for victory going a distance, may be overlooked here.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Insider Tip - En Fuego
Race #6
Volcker - set the pace going five panels at Delaware last time out, speed from the outside?
Arthur's Tale - a first time starter from freshman sire & Travers winner; Bernardini, watch the board.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Data Link - Astrology
Race #7
Gallant Fields - won by the length of the track going a mile at Belmont Park in maiden breaker, bullet work for today and the question; is he really that good?
Morning Line - equally impressive effort by uncoupled stablemate at Monmouth Park in last start, does Nick Zito have two "world beaters" here?
Exotic & multi-race runners : Raven Hawk - Spicer
Race #8
Atitlan - a first time starter from the "red hot" Chad Brown barn, need not be too much here.
The Noz - rallied in debut turf sprinting downstate, stretches out today.
Exotic & mutli-race runners : Chingachgook - Roaring Conquest
Race #9
Shared Account - won a grade III event at this distance at Colonial Downs last time out, has a win over this course & is 5 for 5 in -the-money at this distance, taken to upset here.
Proviso - seeks third in a row, stretches out slightly today & may be the horse to beat.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Forever Together - Phola
Race #10
Fly Down - may have moved too late in the Belmont Stakes after rough trip early on, bullet work for today's Travers race prep.
Steinbeck - interesting European shipper tries the dirt for the first time, gets lasix also for well known international connections.
Exotic & multi-race runners : A Little Warm - Miner's Reserve
Race #11
Chromospere - fast closed getting up at the wire last time out in similar conditions, wide open finale.
Morethan Fourhours - 2nd best at this level last time out, consist turf runner must be used in all exotics.
Exotic & multi-race runners : British Banker - Sharif Al Medina
Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - Volcker (6th)
Chestoria - hard hitting six year old mare 2nd best in Philadelphia Park stake last time out, shows bullet work over the Spa grass course & back versus statebreds.
Alkilina - set the pace versus top pick in statebred event two back, looks like main foe here.
Exotic & multi-race runners : You Go West Girl - Don't Forget Gil
Race #2
Megaholtz - broke maiden by a neck last time out but was disqualified for veering in & bumping foe, looks like the pace setter again and needs to stay straight.
Medal Round - 2nd best in last two starts, should make presence felt late.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Bakhoor - Savannah Bay
Race #3
Wonderboy Roy - Woodbine shipper drops from maiden special weights to claimer for Spa debut, also tries turf coming from the polytrack north of the border.
Strolldownbroadway - even effort versus statebreds in maiden turf claimer downstate, third start off long layoff.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Miss Hanky Panky - Quiescent Hit
Race #4
Jim's Applemartini - just missed versus slightly cheaper coming off layoff, timid pick of bad bunch.
Holly's Brother - drops into maiden claimer after wide / green start for debut, blinkers on & best of the rest here.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Ducale - Classroom Legend
Race #5
Rescue Squad - really no factor in short field last time out at this level, stretches out a bit today.
Quechee - turf marathon runner rallied in both starts for victory going a distance, may be overlooked here.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Insider Tip - En Fuego
Race #6
Volcker - set the pace going five panels at Delaware last time out, speed from the outside?
Arthur's Tale - a first time starter from freshman sire & Travers winner; Bernardini, watch the board.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Data Link - Astrology
Race #7
Gallant Fields - won by the length of the track going a mile at Belmont Park in maiden breaker, bullet work for today and the question; is he really that good?
Morning Line - equally impressive effort by uncoupled stablemate at Monmouth Park in last start, does Nick Zito have two "world beaters" here?
Exotic & multi-race runners : Raven Hawk - Spicer
Race #8
Atitlan - a first time starter from the "red hot" Chad Brown barn, need not be too much here.
The Noz - rallied in debut turf sprinting downstate, stretches out today.
Exotic & mutli-race runners : Chingachgook - Roaring Conquest
Race #9
Shared Account - won a grade III event at this distance at Colonial Downs last time out, has a win over this course & is 5 for 5 in -the-money at this distance, taken to upset here.
Proviso - seeks third in a row, stretches out slightly today & may be the horse to beat.
Exotic & multi-race runners : Forever Together - Phola
Race #10
Fly Down - may have moved too late in the Belmont Stakes after rough trip early on, bullet work for today's Travers race prep.
Steinbeck - interesting European shipper tries the dirt for the first time, gets lasix also for well known international connections.
Exotic & multi-race runners : A Little Warm - Miner's Reserve
Race #11
Chromospere - fast closed getting up at the wire last time out in similar conditions, wide open finale.
Morethan Fourhours - 2nd best at this level last time out, consist turf runner must be used in all exotics.
Exotic & multi-race runners : British Banker - Sharif Al Medina
Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - Volcker (6th)
Exciting first week at the Spa for young upcoming trainer & grizzly veteran handicapper
The 2010 Saratoga race meet has gotten off to a hot start. Not only with the temperature mark this summer and steamy weather, but with a young trainer with local roots and a veteran handicapper with a renaissance year the first week.
Who would think that this early into the Saratoga meet, that a young and upcoming trainer with ties locally would be out pacing veteran trainers like; Todd Pletcher, Bill Mott and Nick Zito. Well, the answer is yes and this native of Mechanicville , New York had a great teacher to learn the ropes in the thoroughbred training game.
Chad Brown; a twenty three year old trainer who has had several horses race at Saratoga the past three years, has really stepped it up a notch the first week of the young Saratoga season. Learning under the tutelage of the late great Hall of Fame trainer; Bobby Frankel, Chad was his assistant and saddled the filly; Ginger Punch for Frankel in the 2007 Breeder’s Cup Distaff to victory. After going out of his own the following year, he would saddle his own Breeder’s Cup winner when; Maram would be victorious in the 2008 Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf race. This marked big things for this young man from the Capital District and what better place to showcase himself than on thoroughbred racing’s biggest stage; Saratoga.
With the first full week of Saratoga in the books on Thursday evening, Chad Brown has saddled 9 horses with 5 victories and a second & third place finish. That’s better after the first week than legendary trainer; Todd Pletcher and with seven less starters. All things are pointing to a break through Saratoga meet this year, as he has added new people to his staff including a former Chuck Simon assistant and exercise rider; Cherie De Vaux. I’ve spoken to Cherie since she joined the Chad Brown team and she is very excited about the success that this young trainer has had in such a short time and his start to the Saratoga meet is just the signal of good things to come for this knowledgeable and young trainer.
All the nay sayers who have put down this race meet before it started, may have to “eat crow” if the quality of racing and large fields continues through Labor Day. NYRA racing secretary; PJ Campo has done an excellent job with full fields and the influx of Kentucky based trainers. I had my doubts with the weeks leading up to the start of the meet, but I can truly say that the first full week of racing upstate has been very good. Speaking for myself, it has been truly one for the record books.
With the first week of the Saratoga racing in the books, I’ve have set a personal handicapping mark for the beginning of the meet with 22 winners out of 58 races run for 38% success rate and a $2.00 wagering return of $142.60 (+26.60). I’ve been connecting on all cylinders also with my “Horse to Beat” play of the day which is also featured each weekday morning on 1490am WCSS at 8:05am with Rebecca & Mike on their morning show. Five selections have been made (with one scratched horse) and the results so far have been three winners and a second place finish. It was been a renaissance for myself after 22 years of handicapping the Saratoga meet and 13 of them with the Amsterdam Recorder. Whether it’s a young upcoming star trainer like Chad Brown or the grizzly veteran handicapper such as myself…..Saratoga 2010 has been “two thumbs up” so far!
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