Fast and firm at Saratoga — I might not be saying that over the weekend when a deluge is expected on Travers day.  Oh well, after yesterday, I’ll take it one day at a time, one race at a time.

In race 5, another turf sprint, Indian Ashton (#9) is the main speed and can take the field wire to wire.  I’m playing in my exacta box with Inside Info (#8) and Prince Woodman (#5) and keying in all my doubles and pick 3’s.  This is a selection I won’t take back!

In race 9, Risque (4) should be in perfect position on the turn to run down the leaders in this mile turf contest.  I’ll play him in exacta boxes with Indymine (#9) and William T (#7) and key in doubles and pick 3’s.

I will not be making a pick in the jump race (race 3) and I want to remind everyone not to be afraid to spread your tickets since my win percentage is only 20%.  The exacta boxes with 3 horses, doubles and pick 3’s remain profitable going into week 5.  My best bets have been getting better over the last week so maybe things are turning.  Keep watching! Here’s the rest of the card and good luck!

Race 1: 6 and 4

Race 2: 1 and 8

Race 4: 6, 1 and 7

Race 5: 9 (Best Bet) with 8 and 5

Race 6: 6 with 2 and 9

Race 7: 3, 6 and 4

Race 8: 5, 8 and 2

Race 9: 4 (Best Bet) with 9 and 7

Let me just say that 4 weeks into the Saratoga meet and I feel like I’m being buried in the sand.  I can’t consistently pick winners on top and my friend Brian is out-handicapping me.  Today I listed 6 winners, but only two on top.  And I only hit two exacta boxes out of seven, so my most profitable bet the past 4 weeks seems like a distance memory.  The tide may be turning and not in my favor.

But let’s look at the positive side.  My two best bests ran well — Nedjma even won and paid $9.80. I also listed three doubles and two exacta boxes, plus a $168 pick 3 (races 4-6).  So, it wasn’t a complete washout, but not the way I wanted to start out Travers week.  Trying to make nice sandcastles on Thursday!

Fast and firm at the Spa, but it could be a nice day at the beach!  In race 1, Tar Beach (#4) has blinkers added by trainer Ken McPeek and likes the 7 furlong distance.  I’m using him with Senor Fuego (#6) and Web Gem (#5) in an exacta box and in doubles and pick 3’s.

In race 6, Nedjma (#6) stretches out in distance on the turf, matches up classwise with these and is taken to pull off the upset.  I’m boxing in exactas with Choosing (#5) and Grace Happens (#7), plus using in doubles and pick 3’s.  Here’s the entire card and good luck!

Race 1: 4 (Best Bet) with 6 and 5

Race 2: 5 and 8

Race 3: 3 with 4 and 5

Race 4: 5 and 4

Race 5: 7 with 10 and 1

Race 6: 6 (Best Bet) with 5 and 7

Race 7: 1, 3 and 7

Race 8: 7 with 1 and 3

Race 9: 4 and 3

Race 10: 10 with 4 and 9

A day off at Saratoga today and I really need it.  Yesterday was a horrible day to end week 4 — listed 4 winners, but only one on top (a 3-5 shot). The dragon snorted fire on Monday and I forgot to duck!

I really admire those handicapping pros who study every single day, going over endless stats before making their selections.  It is both mentally and physically challenging — I’ve only been doing this for 4 weeks and I’m totally exhausted.  But, if they are good enough, they can make money for their readers and that’s what I’m trying to do. On that note, stats for week 4 will be posted shortly and if you kept to the betting plan, I think you may have made some money!  I’m trying to rest up for Wednesday’s card and building stamina to be fresh for the Travers.  Keep taking this exciting journey with me and I will see you all on Wednesday!