Day 3 at the Spa was a washout in the purest sense of the word.  The rain caused havoc with all the turf races and there was definitely a speed bias on the sloppy main track.  Only listed two winners, 1 on top and had the 3rd race exacta ($16.80). Mike Maker’s horses ran well and my best bests both finished second.  So, if you keyed the picks, you hit some decent exactas.

We also had a great tease in the pick 3 (races 2-4).  Listed the winner of race 2 at 10-1, had the winner of race 3 and was alive with the 9 and 11 in race 4 — both pick 3′s were over $800!  Guess what — the 11 horse took the lead at the top of the stretch and just got beat.  Another loser, but it was fun while it lasted.  I’m ready to try again tomorrow — hoping the weather cooperates!

Mother Nature is clearly winning early in the meet. Sloppy and yielding today with only race 8 on the turf.  Trainer Michael Maker has already won an off the turf race yesterday and he has another horse that may repeat the feat on today’s card.  In race 9, Icetate (#10) can rate from just off the pace and has won 2 out of 3 on an off track.  Key him in doubles and pick 3′s and play exactas with Golden Age (#14).  In race 5, Maker has No Detour (#4) who fires every time and should be able to handle the track.  Play him in exactas with Cherokee Bull (#3) and Telemachus (#9) and use in pick 3′s and doubles.

Remember that I’ve been hot in listing winners so please use all my picks in your wagers to hedge!  Here’s the card and good luck!

Race 1: 4 and 13

Race 2: 3 with 1 and 6

Race 3: 4X and 2B

Race 4: 9 and 11

Race 5: 4 (Best Bet) with 3 and 9

Race 6: 11 with 3 and 1A

Race 7: 1 and 6

Race 8: 3 with 4 and 9

Race 9: 10 (Best Bet) and 14

What a crazy day at Saratoga!  The dragon was asleep and the only thing on fire was me.  I listed six winners, but only two on top.  But that seems to be the norm for me lately.  My top choices don’t win often enough, but if you have faith, you may be able to hit some doubles, exactas, triples and pick 3′s at very decent prices.  From race 4 to 7, I had 3 doubles ($29.80, $239 and $515), 2 pick 3′s ($808 and $1612) an exacta box and a triple box in race 6 ($272.50 and $1590).  I hope you collected and just didn’t key my top picks because I had a $46.20 winner as my second choice in race 6 that keyed all these great payoffs.

So keep the faith and come back to see my selections for twilight friday.  And go to dinner at George’s in Lake George and sit at Denise’s station — she is terrific!

Despite the deluge last night, we are good for both the main track and turf today at The Spa.  Race 4 has been switched to the main track!  In race 8, The Quick Call, 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf, Perfect Officer (#2) should sit a perfect stalking trip behind the leaders and get up in time if he gets the trip.  I’m keying in exactas with Redefined (#1A) and Our Friend Harvey (#4), I’m boxing those three numbers and playing my top two choices in doubles and pick 3′s.

In race 6, Corey’s Coming (#6) is lightly raced and drops back in distance — Bill Mott has several live horses today and this is one of them!

Be careful to watch the track condition today — a drying out main track may favor the closers.  I will list the entire card except race 1 — I can barely handicap the flats so I don’t do jumpers.  Good luck!

Race 2: 2 with 8 and 9

Race 3: 4 and 1

Race 4: 10 and 7

Race 5: 3, 7 and 8

Race 6: 6 (Best Bet) with 2 and 3

Race 7: 2 with 6 and 1

Race 8: 2(Best Bet) with 1A and 4

Race 9: 4 and 7

Race 10: 8 and 3