Fast and firm at The Spa — it’s the last week of the meet and after Sunday’s card I think I’m beginning to wear down a bit. I didn’t have one winner on top (0 – 11) but my best bet did run second at 16-1 and I did hit a couple of decent exacta boxes.  I guess that means I’m ready to handicap today.

In race 6, Avenging Spirit (#2) is working bullets for first start at the meet and is cutting back to a sprint which should be perfect — I’m keying in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with Sunrise Smarty (#7).

In race 4, In Just We Trust (#3) loves 7 furlongs and can stay close enough to the speed to run them down late.  I’m keying in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with #’s 4 and 1.  Here’s the entire card and good luck!

Race 1: 8 and 1

Race 2: 6 and 3

Race 3: 6, 4 and 7

Race 4: 3 (Best Bet) with 4 and 1

Race 5: 9 and 8

Race 6: 2 (Best Bet) and 7

Race 7: 2, 5 and 3

Race 8: 10 and 1

Race 9: 3 and 1A

Race 10: 3 with 5 and 1

Fast and firm at The Spa for Rachel Alexandra’s appearance on the Sunday card — Saturday was a great day of racing but not a great day for handicapping with only 2 winners on top.  Oh well, today is another day but the card is uninspiring, especially the early races.

In race 7, Sound Chaser (#7) picks up Johnny V. for low profile connections and gets a much faster pace to close into today — could post the upset at a good price.  I’m keying in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with #’s 10 and 2.

In race 6, Zapster (#2) cuts back to a mile off a local win and can sit just off fast fractions and get the first jump on the closers — taken to repeat on a course he likes.  I’m keying in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with #’s 8 and 9.  Here’s the entire card and good luck!

Race 1: 5 and 6

Race 2: 2 and 4

Race 3: 2 and 1

Race 4: 5 and 1

Race 5: 2 and 7

Race 6: 2 (Best Bet) with 8 and 9

Race 7: 7 (Best Bet) with 10 and 2

Race 8: 8, 4 and 7

Race 9: 8 and 5

Race 10: 2 and 4

Race 11: 2, 6 and 10

Fast and firm on the most exciting day of the year at Saratoga!  13 races and  big fields mean great racing, but could also be a handicapper’s nightmare — let’s hope I wake up with some winners in consecutive races since I had 4 winners on top and a flat bet profit on Friday, but got killed because I couldn’t string them together and collect on my multi-race wagers.  Maybe I should just stick to my best bets and play individual races instead…nah, I’m all in today!

In race 7, War Hoot (#8) looks like he will appreciate the extra distance on turf and can stalk a slow pace and get the money for Lezcano who may have a decent day today — I’m keying in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with #’s 9 and 7.

In race 8, The Grade 2 Balston Spa Handicap, Miss Keller (#1) can save ground from here but not be too far off the leaders and make the first run — I’m keying in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with #’s 3 and 9.

I also like Ice Box (#6) in The Travers with #’s 8 and 5; #4 in race 3 and #2 in race 13. Here’s the entire card, good luck and have at “hoot” at The Spa!

Race 1: 9, 6 and 7

Race 2: 6 and 5

Race 3: 4 with 9 and 7

Race 4: 11, 8 and 2

Race 5: 3, 1 and 7

Race 6: 8, 6, 13 and 5

Race 7: 8 (Best Bet) with 9 and 7

Race 8: 1 with 3 and 9

Race 9: 7 and 9

Race 10: 2 and 1

Race 11: 3 and 4

Race 12: 6, 8 and 5

Race 13: 2 with 6 and 1

Fast and firm on a beautiful Friday at The Spa with a very competitive card on tap.  Only had 1 winner on top yesterday and both my best bests lost, but did have a $117 exacta box in race 7.  I will try and do better today and keep the momentum going on Travers Day!

In race 3, Pawley’s Porch (#6) ran too good to lose at 12-1 in his debut for Ralph Nicks — is the main speed and should wire them at a much shorter price today.  I’m keying in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with #3.

In race 9, The Grade 2 Bernard Baruch, Baletti (#1) gets a good post and goes for Angel Penna who should have him ready for a peak effort today at a decent price — I’m keying in doubles and the late pick 3 and playing an exacta box with #’s 8 and 5.

I also would key Driven By Success (#6) in all multi-race wagers at a short price in race 1 — should wire these in his sleep!  Here’s the entire card without scratches so play accordingly and good luck!

Race 1: 6 and 2

Race 2: 4 with 7 and 1

Race 3: 6 (Best Bet) and 3

Race 4: 1 and 2

Race 5: 9, 8 and 6

Race 6: 2, 4 and 8

Race 7: 6, 7 and 2

Race 8: 9, 2 and 5

Race 9: 1 (Best Bet) with 8 and 5

Race 10: 4, 2 and 11