Finally, on the last day of the Saratoga Summer Meet, I could actually call myself the best handicapper in Amerca.  Listed 8 winners, 6 on top and had a flat bet profit of over $25 for the day.  I listed 5 doubles (2 cold), listed 2 pick 3’s and listed 3 exacta boxes, including one for  $76 in race 1, which also listed the $219 triple.  One of my best bets even won at 3-1!  But no pick 4’s and no pick 6, but I’m not complaining.

My final overall stats will be published on this site later this week.  However,  I only went 65/356, or about 18% on the win bets with a flat bet loss of $198.  I did list 188 winners in those 356 races (53%), which is pretty good considering I only listed 2 horses in 30% of the races.  But compared to the professionals in the local papers, I lagged behind on the win bets, and they have to put their picks in before scratches, which I was able incorporate into my picks on most days.  Give them credit, some of them had a really good meet on the win end.  But remember, none of the professionals had a profit on their win bets, which is why you have to find other ways to win.  Let’s see how my 3 bets ($1 doubles, $1 pick 3’s and $5 exacta boxes with 3 horses) fared during the meet and you can judge the results for yourself.  I’m definitely not the best handicapper in America, but I put up a great fight against the dragon and had a great time doing it.  More thoughts in the days to come!

Finally — the end is here.  I achieved my goal to handicap every card at the Saratoga meet and post my picks for my avid readers.  It has been a physical and emotional journey, with so many ups and downs I could barely catch my breath.  But it was worth every minute and I have one more day to show my handicapping prowess.  I’m sure other people would call it something else — nothing I would like to print here. We will see in the final statistics!

Fast and firm, with another difficult card to get a feel for a make picks with any conviction.  In race 3, Credit Limit (#1) can stick close to the pace and should win with a good trip.  I’m keying him in all my doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with Uno Peso (#5).

In race 10, The Hopeful, Dublin (#12) loved the local track and is working well for Wayne Lukas.  I’m playing him in an exacta box with Grand Slam Andre (#4) and Backtalk (#13) and using in doubles and pick 3’s.  Here’s the entire card and good luck!

Race 1: 4, 5 and 1A

Race 2: 2, 6 and 1

Race 3: 1 (Best Bet) and 5

Race 4: 7 and 6

Race 5: 3, 5 and 8

Race 6: 9, 1 and 6

Race 7: 7, 1 and 3

Race 8: 8, 7 and 5

Race 9: 3, 5 and 7

Race 10: 12 (Best Bet), 4 and 13

Race 11: 3 with 5 and 9

Monday is the last day of this exciting and challenging 6 week journey.  So this would be the time to find a way to pick some winners on top instead of having so many of my second and third choices hitting the winner’s circle. It’s clear the my best plays this meet have not relied solely on picking winners on top and I will have a positive return on other bets this meet.  However, it would be nice to finish with a flourish and have 3 or 4 winners as my top choice, because my winning percentage is only 17% and in the past I have been handicapping at a much higher percentage.

Today it was the same pattern. 7 winners listed, but only 1 on top.  I did hit 3 exacta boxes and had the late pick 4, but it was pretty much an even day.  Monday is my last chance to find that winning formula.  I hope you will join me one last time!

I can see the finish line.  Two more days to this incredible journey and I have a profitable meet in sight, despite the last few days where the cards have been super challenging and my luck hasn’t been great.  Another tough card today, but here goes.  By the way, the exacta box bets are due for a comeback!

In race 11, Better Than Swiss (#4) has no excuse in this turf sprint.  I will play exacta boxes with RunfromtheStorm (#6) and Roaring Ghost (#10 and key in the late double and pick 3.

In race 10, The Spinaway, Beautician (#6) may benefit from the stretchout to 7 furlongs and run down Hot Dixie Chick (#1).  I’m playing a big exacta box and keying in doubles in pick 3’s.  Here’s the entire card, without the benefit of scratches and good luck!

Race 1: 2, 9 and 7

Race 2: 2B, 7 and 6

Race 3: 2 and 1

Race 4: 5, 7 and 6

Race 5: 1 and 8

Race 6: 8, 7 and 2B

Race 7: 1, 6 and 4

Race 8: 5 with 4 and 10

Race 9: 5 and 6

Race 10: 6 (Best Bet) and 1

Race 11: 4 (Best Bet) with 6 and 10