So this Saratoga dragon is really tough.  Started out listing 3 straight winners with two exacta boxes in races 1 and 3, where both my top choices finished second, and listed the pick 3.  But the card was getting tough and the dragon shut me down for 5 consecutive races.  i wasn’t even close!  But just when all seemed lost, I had a 7-1 shot in race 9 on top, my only top pick to win, and listed the winner in race 10 for a nice $60.50 double.  Maybe there’s hope for Saturday yet — if I figure out how not to get stuck in the middle!

Fast and firm at Saratoga today. Relying on a warrior to help the handicapper today. In race 6, Tahoe Warrior (#1) can stay close to the pace and run down the leaders. Key him in doubles and exactas with Prince Woodman (#5).

In race 1, Bella Attrice (#1) is the closer in a race loaded with speed. Key her in doubles, pick threes and exactas with Crazy Catlady and Bob’s Pin-up Girl. Here’s the whole card and good luck!

Race 1: 1 with 10 and 9

Race 2: 6, 3 and 5

Race 3: 4 with 2 and 1A

Race 4: 6 and 2

Race 5: 1, 8 and 5

Race 6: 1 (best bet) and 5

Race 7: 3 with 2 and 5

Race 8: 5 with 3 and 11

Race 9: 5 with 3 and 9

Race 10: 9 with 3 and 4

Just when I thought I was turning the tide against the Saratoga dragon, I realized I was just blowing some smoke.  The speed angle I tried didn’t work out.  In race 3, Spin Master had the lead, but couldn’t even hold second and in race 6, Ballast conceded the lead to Big Jerome and the two of them almost wired the field, but couldn’t last.  Good idea, bad execution!  Oh well, you’re never really dead in Saratoga — there’s always tomorrow.

By the way, listed 6 winners, only one on top, and had two triple boxes cold in races 2 and 3.  The battle continues!