Fast and good at Saratoga today, but Mother Nature is still playing tricks in upstate NY so keep an eye on the track conditions.  Right now all races are still on the turf and my picks for those races will be for softer conditions.

In race 9, The Go For Wand, trainer Ian Wilkes, who already has a winner at the meet, sends out Miss Isella (#4), a filly who is in great form and should get her fast pace to set up her late run.  I’m keying her in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing a #4 and #3 exacta box.  Here’s the entire card and good luck.

Race 1: 9 with 10 and 3

Race 2: 4 and 8

Race 3: 4 with 1 and 3

Race 4: 4 with 7 and 8

Race 5: 6 with 4 and 7

Race 6: 6 and 4

Race 7: 2 with 4 and 7

Race 8: 1 and 4

Race 9: 4 (Best Bet) and 3

Race 10: 4 and 7

It’s Haskell Day at Monmouth, although the weather is iffy, it looks like an incredible day of racing! Fast and good right now and here’s hoping the track stays dry.

In race 12, The Oceanport, a Grade 3 on the turf, Get Serious(#1) will try and wire the field from his inside post.  I’ll key him in exactas with Kiss The Kid (#5) and Pleasant Strike (#3) and use all in doubles and pick 3’s.

In race 9, The Teddy Drone, He’s So Chic (#1A) loves this track and distance and should get a perfect trip.  I’ll play in exactas with Man of Danger(#9) and Fleet Valid(#5) as well as key in doubles and pick 3’s.  Here’s the card and good luck Rachel!

Race 1: 6 and 5

Race 2: 6 and 5

Race 3: 6 with 3 and 1

Race 4: 3 with 9 and 1

Race 5: 2 with 6 and 8

Race 6: 6 and 4

Race 7: 2 and 6

Race 8: 6 and 4

Race 9: 1A (Best Bet) with 9 and 5

Race 10: 9 (Best Bet) with 5 and 2

Race 11: 9 and 5

Race 12: 1 (Best Bet) with 5 and 3

Race 13: 6

So the handicapper in me is starting to battle the Saratoga dragon, but bettor in me is getting scorched! I listed 6 winners, 3 on top and actually had a flat bet profit for the first time in the meet. In races 2-4 I had the cold pick 3 ($129), a cold exacta ($21), two cold doubles ($19.60 and $68.00) and an exacta key ($47.80).  But I didn’t collect on the doubles and pick 3 because I was afraid there would be no value given there were two odds-on favorites in races 2 and 3 and if they both won the payoff wouldn’t be worth the investment.  So, when the 3-5 favorite (#10) went down in race 3, the payoffs were really good!  My buddy Scott and I had a plan to bet rolling doubles and pick 3’s in all the races and we failed to stick to the plan.  Shame on us!  Don’t worry about the toteboard and just bet!  If you want, double your bets with the big favorites to hedge yourself.

My best bet (Picou) in race 6 also just got beat at 9-1, but still had the exacta.  A good day was almost a great day!  Oh well, on to Sunday’s card!