Day 1 of my quest to be the best handicapper in America and I can feel that heat all the way from Lake George.  Traveling on The Northway, I87 past Saratoga to my buddy Scott Rothbort’s house last night I could see the scorched remains of defeated handicappers from year’s past all along the side of the road.  But, if handicapping today’s card seems hard enough, how can we deal with the wrath of Mother Nature, which might turn the fire breathing dragon of Saratoga into a cold, muddy mess.  In any event, here is my analysis of today’s card, and I’m handicapping with the premise that all races will stay on the turf and that the rain and thunderstorms will hold off until late in the card.

In race 1, a 1 1/16 turf allowance where you can make a case for 5 horses, I love Stepaside (#8) to run down the leaders in the stretch.  Trained by Tom Voss, he loves Saratoga and is 8 of 12 in the exacta.  I will key up and down in exactas and in doubles and pick 3’s.

In race 6, Bold Abott (#5) has a real shot in another turf contest.  He has been the victim of several outside posts and still ran well, is trained by Graham Motion who always does well at Saratoga.  I’m keying in exactas and multi-race wagers.

Here’s the entire card and good luck!

Race 1: 8 (Best Bet) with 5 and 7

Race 2: 9 and 6

Race 3: 5 with 7 and 9

Race 4: 9 with 7 and 3

Race 5: 5 with 3 and 9

Race 6: 5 (Best Bet) with 4 and 9

Race 7: 8, 9 and 2

Race 8: 3 (Best Bet) with 2 and 5

Race 9: 3 (Best Bet) with 5 and 13

Race 10: 6 and 2