Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #32 TRAVERS Day (8/28) : Record 89-298 ($608.90)

Race #1

Cocalero - after having impressive debut on my birthday (5/8) versus the likes of Dee Tee Stables own; Lloydobler, endured a wide trip next start stretching out to a mile, returns to sprint today & races in Godolphin blue for this start.

Aspire - no factor on a sloppy sealed racing surface opening day as the favorite, makes third start off layoff in this spot.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Maximus Ruler - Litigation Risk


Race #2

Blazing Along - California shipper set the pace tiring late to hold 3rd in debut, at least Bob Baffert thought enough of this one to bring her to Saratoga !

Promise Me a Cat - rallied late at a juicy price (12-1) in career debut, steady works since then.

Exotic & multi-race runners : With the Current - Malibu Cougar

Race #3

Forum - just missed in turf debut last time out as the lukewarm favorite, gets the slight call here.

Film Making - a son of Storm Cat out of the mare; Film Maker making his career debut, my dad would have bet this one for sure!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Peb Hughes - Big Bentley

Race #4

Dos Hombres - taking a shot with this new face here at 8-1 morning line odds, races well in the non-winners claiming ranks, but has problems getting over the statebred straight allowance condition, his 4 wins stick out here!

The Noz - broke maiden in wire to wire fashion in second career start, lightly raced is the key here with this group!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Talk Therapy - New Pais

Race #5

Uncle Mo - one of 10 first time 2 yr.old starters here, the connections here are the pick "on top".

Research Report - Violette firster, this race is your typical high class baby maiden race carded each year on Travers Day.

Exotic & multi-race runners : King Congie - Risk Drag

Race #6

City Train - chased around the track for 2nd last time out here, although needs to draw into the race today.

Chingachgook - 2nd best as beaten favorite again in last two starts, 0 for 5 and counting......

Exotic & multi-race runners : Treasure Trunk - Headingtothecity

Race #7

War Hoot - just missed last time out versus similar on a yielding turf course, gets the timid choice here.

En Fuego - rallied at this distance last start here, barn has had a "cold"meet.

Exotic & multi-race runners : More Than Willing - Premium Gold

Race #8

Maram - weakened late versus grade I competition last time out, this distance suits her better today.

Phola - no factor last time out after recent good efforts this spring, should bounce back today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Mekong Melody - Dynaslew

Race #9

Katy Now - turns back from a route distance and returns sprinting today, equally matched group assembled here.

Touching Beauty - last seen winning the grade III Comely at Aqueduct going a mile, good spot for her return today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Kid Kate - Beyondallboundarys

Race #10

Jessica Is Back - hard hitting mare comes off grade I victory at Calder last time out, consistent as they come (17) 7-6-2 the last 2 years.

Warbling - had a rough start last time out in the Honorable Miss prep race for this event, needs alert getaway with her speed.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Informed Decision - Rightly So

Race #11

Discreetly Mine - ran a "hole in the wind" last start in the Amsterdam Stakes prep for today, sprinting is his game and right now he is at the top of it!

Hurricane Ike - sharp win at Churchill on a muddy sealed track in the one mile Derby Trial this spring, shows bullet works at Del Mar for today's start.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Bulldogger - D'Funnybone

Race #12

Ice Box - will the Ice Box that ran so good in the Kentucky Derby show up? or will he not make his presence felt again???? looking at all the speed signed on to this race, his late closing kick should be felt , gets jockey change also to Julian Leparoux for today.


Fly Down - somewhat troubled trip last time out in the Jim Dandy Stakes as the lukewarm favorite, gets one more chance with me today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Afleet Express - First Dude - Trappe Shot

Race #13

Pretty Cozzy - drops N2L 25k claimer today after even efforts versus statebred allowance company, gets the slight call here.

Glory Chaser - 2nd best at this level last time out, this race wraps up a VERY long and hopefully profitable day!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Moonwalk Beauty - Z Cats Meow



Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (11-28) - Discreetly Mine (11th)

Mark Hoffman’s 2010 graded Travers Stakes selections

Ice Box (#6) Leparoux / Zito (10-1)



This game is all about second chances…..right? and when there is an opportunity for that 2nd chance plus it could be at a “square” price, I’m jumping back on the bandwagon. The electric closing kick that this horse had in the Kentucky Derby was eye catching, while his Belmont Stakes & Haskell efforts look a little “flat”…..all things today point for a good set up with his late closing style. Gets a jockey switch to the premier upcoming star of the future in Julian Leparoux, today Ice Box gets one more shot with me!



Fly Down (#8) Lezcano / Zito (8-1)

Had a rather even / no factor effort in the Jim Dandy Stakes while incurring some trouble as the lukewarm favorite, another Zito runner that tends to have in & out efforts, the race scenario may also set up well for him, sticking with my Belmont Stakes exacta play one more time!



Afleet Express (#7) Castellano / Jerkens (6-1)

Made up some ground late in the stretch last time out in the Jim Dandy Stakes, I think this son of Afleet Alex can move forward off that effort more than the first two finishers in that race.



First Dude (#4) Dominguez / Romans (8-1)

Has been the leader of the pack when it comes to setting the pace in his last three starts in grade I company, gets blinkers on today to sharpen his focus and possibly get his first victory going two turns, he’ll have plenty of company on the front end today!



Trappe Shot (#2) Garcia / McLaughlin (4-1)

Quite possibly the “now” horse of this group, has run two good route races at Monmouth Park and looks to be on the upswing, at 4-1 or better…..he’s a good win bet, anything less…..I’ll pass!



A Little Warm (#5) Velazquez / Dutrow (7-2)

The “lukewarm” morning line favorite for this race isn’t getting much “love” from me, his Jim Dandy victory over pace setter Miner’s Reserve was a “merry-go-around” effort of sorts going one/ two around the track, today; the same scenario seems highly unlikely!



Super Saver (#11) Borel / Pletcher (6-1)

Unfortunately too, I don’t have much “love” for this year’s Kentucky Derby winner here in this spot also, the “stars & planets” were aligned the first Saturday in May for his victory, but…..the ONLY chance he would have today is if there was a monsoon on Saturday afternoon.



Miner’s Reserve (#1) Cohen / Zito (12-1)

Led the way in the Jim Dandy Stakes weakening late, gets plenty of company today on the front end, may set up for his stablemate nicely.



Admiral Alex (#3) Desormeaux / Blusiewicz (12-1)

Just broke maiden in debut here going the route; a mile & an eighth distance, highly ambitious spot for second lifetime start……ya think?



Friend or Foe (#9) Maragh / Kimmel (15-1)

Even effort first time two turns in the Jim Dandy, would have been better placed in the Albany Stakes for statebred three year olds this past Wednesday.



Afleet Again (#10) C. Velasquez / Reid (30-1)

Rank outsider longshot is a step below the company he faces today.

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #31 (8/27) : Record 88-288 ($599.10)

Race #1

Uncle T Seven - this very versatile NY bred comes into this dirt sprint off of a sharp try on grass last time out, should be closing late.

Driven by Success - 2nd best in statebred overnight stake here last time on a sloppy track, the "class" and possible speed of this race.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Law Enforcement - Groomedforvictory

Race #2

Roderick - splashed home in the slop as the odds-on favorite breaking maiden here, should handle first try versus winners.

One Turn Eddie - comes off short layoff after being claimed in last race, shows bullet work & trainer has 50% success first time off-the-claim.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Julie's Ina Frenzy - Reading Group

Race #3

Pawleys Porch - just missed in maiden claimer debut here earlier in the meet, steps up slightly.......but, can handle theses off that effort.

Grand Strategy - drops into maiden claimer after two dull efforts recently, these same connections have a runner entered in tomorrow's Travers Stakes.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Systemic Risk - Honour the Deputy

Race #4

Modern Cowboy - game effort last time out at Monmouth, late bloomer chooses this easier spot than tomorrow's "big" 3yr.old race.

Trickmeister - races first time for IEAH Stables & Rick Dutrow, speedy three year old is undefeated and will be the "odds-on / horse to beat" in this short field.

Exotic & multi-race runner : Our Dark Knight

Race #5

Excited - scratched from Wednesday's spot for this start, regally bred first time starter goes for crafty connections looking to the future.

Tiz My Time - returns to the maiden ranks after trying stakes company overseas in last start, can't take this one at a really short price though!

Exotic & multi-race runners : System Ready - Parting Words

Race #6

Tall Poppi - just missed last time out at this level with late close, gets the call here.

Billy Bear - statebred goes from turf to dirt and tries open company condition today, fits well here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Not for Money - Mr. Madison

Race #7

Upgrade - just broken maiden at Monmouth in last start, rock solid on the weeds with only one off-the-board finish.

Quick Delivery - came from the clouds in last start to just get up for victory in N2L claimer over the course, his late kick should be felt again today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Targhee Pass - Freshman Dorm

Race #8

Counterspy - even effort last time out at this distance & level here, key jockey switch today to great grass rider.

Hear the Footsteps - this statebred just broke maiden for Linda Rice in last start here at this distance, must draw into the body of the race though.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Scorper - Overlap

Race #9

Sudden War - scratched from a easier spot on Wednesday for this grade II event, turns back in distance a bit, can sit the perfect stalking trip plus.....will be a price!

Get Stormy - got on a roll here last summer did this son of Stormy Atlantic & only been off the board once since then, will set the fractions as the pace setter and is the "one to catch".

Exotic & multi-race runners : Whatsthescript - Rogue Victory

Race #10

Fandangle - set the pace first time out on the weeds in last start here, gets tricky outside post....IF she draws into the race from the AE list.

Holy Place - pressed the pace running 2nd going a route distance on the weeds here in last start, turns back to a sprint today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Brampton - Lady Chesterfield


Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (11-27) - Pawleys Porch (3rd)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day#30 (8/26) : Record 84-279 ($577.30)

Race #1

Arcadius - the "uncoupled" part of three Jonathan Sheppard entries, sharp effort in the AP Smithwick prep race for this grade I hurdles event.

Sermon of Love / Divine Fortune (entry) - the other two Sheppard runners, both are winners over the steeplechase course this summer here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Virginia Minstrel - Slip Away

Race #2

El Real Madrid - Rick Dutrow's 2010 version of Golden Man, ran 2nd on the grass a week ago.....then wheeled right back in Monday's finale to win on the dirt, tries a "hat trick" of sorts today!

Stargleam - won over the track at this distance & claimed versus slightly cheaper last start, Finger Lakes based trainer having good Spa meet.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Chris Got Even - Critical Acclaim

Race #3

Hysterical Cat - wired to wired in maiden breaker here first time out as favorite, goes another panel today.

Never Right Joey - similar effort as top choice.....but, on a muddy sealed surface, very tough separating these two Pletcher runners.

Exotic & multi-race runner : Private Cat

Race #4

Soinlovewithuam I - a Linda Rice firster from the rail with a cute name, gets the call in tough race!

Blond Halo - closed late turf sprinting in debut here at 39-1, switches from dad trainer to son for second start.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Hessonite - J's Way

Race #5

My Two Cents - just missed last start & doesn't get a softer spot than this, one more chance today!

Mardi Belle - really no factor in each start basically at this level, gets blinkers on today for possible improvement.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Lady Alma - Hear Her Roar

Race #6

Playa Bonita - won a non-winners of two lifetime race in last start at Belmont , drops to this beaten claimers spot from tough outside post.

Exiled Princess - stretches out after tough trip in last Friday's opener, back to Chop-Chop today.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Kaleigh Rose - Judicial Leader

Race #7

Electra's Ego - weakened last time out in off-turf-event, back to the weeds today.

Royal Rhetoric - turns back to a sprint after showing speed going a route distance over the inner-turf course here, winner of that maiden race returned to run well in next start.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Mississippi Too - Fee On Legs

Race #8

Holy Moment - beaten favorite in last race & claimed, steps back up today for new connections that like to win!

EZ Passer - wired to wired last start versus claiming company, may get company on the front end today with my third selection.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Princess Maura - Zapparition

Race #9

Antrim Shield - even effort in debut going a marathon distance, connections good in these spots.

Yankee Scholar - no factor in even off-the-turf effort last time out here, back to weeds today for historic farm connections.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Macedonian - Call You in Ten


Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day : "Double Special" -
My Two Cents & Playa Bonita (5th & 6th)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #29 (8/25) : Record 80-270 ($560.50)

Race #1

Remark - failed after leading in the stretch last two starts at Belmont going a mile, gets one more chance today!.

Super Expresso - goes from turf to dirt and gets a trainer change today to Todd Pletcher for world renowned chef ; Bobby Flay.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Arena Elvira - Click Your Heels

Race #2

Cheeky Mama - ran OK at this level first time out versus males, back against her own kind today & will be tough!

In Her Hey Day - even 2nd in her debut, should move forward off that effort.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Status Pending - Private Escort

Race #3

Yawkey Way - solid victory here in her debut on the opening Sunday of the meet, saw this effort first hand against our stable runner.

Queen's Harbor - winner for 50k tag in debut here, best of the rest.

Exotic & multi-race runner : Rosa Salvaje

Race #4

Peb Hughes - showed speed in weeds debut and weakened late, has that experience edge over this group.

Pervis - a Chad Brown firster......... watch the board.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Iwannaiwannaiwanna - Love That Dude

Race #5

Doast - gets the call here strictly because of the connections & field he is facing, no problem for him if race comes off the grass either!

Tidal Slam - new stablemate of top pick, throw out last effort in off-the-turf event, wire to wire maiden breaker on the weeds downstate sprinting two starts back.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Lunar Puzzle - Parkinson Field

Race #6

Drumette - a first time starter from George Weaver on the grass, watch the board.

High Velocity - another first time runner that is bred for grass on both sides.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Drink of the Day - Rochitta

Race #7

No Inflation - even efforts in last two grass starts at Churchill Downs going this level, class edge over this group.

Moon Town - looked like a world beater in his last three starts in Kentucky last Fall, comes off that layoff & has tough post to negotiate from today, may need a race too!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Pleasant Strike - Skipadate

Race #8

Stormy's Majesty - in VERY tough last time out racing in the Jim Dandy Stakes, back versus statebreds today and has bullet work for this.

Ibboyee - winner of the New York Derby at Finger Lakes in last start, class of the field here.

Exotic & multi-race runner : Johannesburg Smile

Race #9

Mayday Maria - gets the call here if draws into the body of the race, just missed in debut.

Excited - the "other" Pletcher runner that is very well bred, entered in Friday's 5th race......so may scratch here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Wear Red - Too Clever by Half



Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day - 9-25 ($57.80) : YAWKEY WAY (3rd)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #28 (8/23) : Record 74-261 ($520.80)

Race #1

Bernie's Pal - wire to wire in maiden breaker off-the-turf event, gets the call here.

Spirit of Rose - the "other" Linda Rice runner, tired in last as favorite, her dirt form seems better.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Mystic City - Catchapenny K.

Race #2

Arrr Pirates Booty / Black Pen (entry) - first Repole Stable runner ran well on the weeds when dropped in class last start, entrymate drops again as MTO horse.

Sea of Liquidity - finds an easy spot if draws into the race, 429 Tomlinson wet track number.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Ready's Vision - Papaw Bodie

Race #3

Karen's Joy - even effort at this level last time out, one more chance today!

Shaker Lakes - out-of-town invader drops into good spot with blinkers "off" today, another with a big Tomlinson wet track number.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Forever Tango - Royalstraightflush


Race #4

Cody Samora - gets the call here if switched to the "wet" main track, shown a lot of talent in his only two starts.

Starjetta - came off the pace to win last start on the weeds, two back showed speed in a off-the-turf event, handles any type surface.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Wicked Diva - Big Brownie

Race #5

Fenway Faithful - has really disappointed (much like his namesake) this year, moves up though on a "off" track surface.

Stormin Bolt - looks like he'll blaze the way on the front end here, has never done anything wrong in his five career starts.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Vose the Host - That's Rich

Race #6

Sugar Trade - tries the weeds for the first time, broke her maiden impressively in her career debut on a sloppy track, I really like her chances today!

Speed Dating - even third at this level last start in off-the-turf event, one for one on a wet track.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Sorority Sister - Rock Hall Honey

Race #7

La Concerto - won a statebred stake at Finger Lakes in last start, handles the "off" going & may show speed from the inside.

Meese Rocks - got caught late going a panel longer in restricted statebred stake here last time out, will be tough again in this spot.

Exotic & multi-race runners : City Board - R Betty Graybull

Race #8

Rose Catherine - has this group "over a barrel" if the race stays on the grass, her total grass wins is as many as this whole group combined!

Decelerator - has a major class edge over this group, interesting to see if this runner gets bet in this spot.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Hilda's Passion - Malibu Moon Dance

Race #9

El Real Madrid - wheels back on short rest after just missing on the weeds five days ago, Dutrow very sweet with this move!

Tommasi - tries open company today and drops in class, runs well at Saratoga going this route distance.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Lofty Banner - Stopbluffing


Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (8-24) - Sugar Trade (6th)

Mark Hoffman's Saratoga selections - day #27 (8/22) : Record 72-251 ($510.80)

Race #1

Vicarious - goes from turf to dirt for the "Chief", 7 for 9 on a "off track" surface.

Kaffiend - could be the "main" speed turning back in distance today, handles "off" going as well!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Rumors of Glory & A Smart Judge

Race #2

Scale - throw out last two races on the weeds, drops in class for Linda Rice & looks well spotted here.

Bricklayer - another dropping to find the right spot, well thought of as a 2yr.old last season.....but never pan out.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Jim's Applemartini - Smooth Transition

Race #3

Hillswick - 2nd best in the slop on opening day finale, steps up in class for trainer looking to get his first victory here at the Spa this meet.

Kid Tornado - drops from straight allowance company to the N2L 35k, broke maiden in first try at Philly Park on a sloppy track by over 12 lengths.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Indian Bob - W.W.'s Lady's Man

Race #4

Check the Label - comes into this race off of three straight graded stakes victories, found a soft spot here.

No Explaining - rallied in the Lake George Stakes prep for this event, handles turf with a little "give" in it.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Hatheer - It's Tea Time

Race #5

Fiddler's Chaparito - broke his maiden last time out in a "off-the-turf" event on a "good" track, right back here on EITHER surface!

Fight for VLT's - the challenger for top selection if race comes off the turf.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Hear the Footsteps - Midnight Mass

Race #6

Accredit - shipper drops in class while facing much better early this year and last, shows 5 wins in 6 starts on a wet surface.

Rocketing Returns - turns back from a route distance to a sprint today, faces slightly better today & handles the "off" going.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Belo Sorte - Cave's Valley

Race #7

Lion Knight - in for a tag debuting for George Weaver, gets a 415 Tomlinson wet track number.

I Waited Patiently - Linda Rice firster may come out running.

Exotic & multi-race runners : For Wes - Disco Capote

Race #8

Close to the Vest - last seen with a even effort in the mud last Fall, finds good spot for return today.

Aquino - gets the top selection here if race is switched to the main track, look for jockey switch though if running.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Big Push - Pygmalion

Race #9

My Honey Laurie - trainer would be very happy if this race comes off-the-turf, 2nd best in the mud on off-the-turf event three starts back.

Fastish - two even efforts on dirt, stretches out & tries grass today....... maybe!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Considerate - Poppy Day

Race #10

Fancy Point - rough trip in debut, gets key jockey switch today and shows bullet work for possible grass try today.

Empress of Gold - rates a look if gets into race, big wet track breeding!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Street Chimes & Tapit Dancer



Hoffy's "Horse to Beat" play of the day (23) 8-9-1 : Accredit (6th)