It’s Travers week! Let’s see if we can’t start the week off right and find a steeplechase winner.
My guys in Saratoga Springs aren’t too enthused about today’s card. While it’s true that what’s in store later in the week far eclipses today’s races, that doesn’t mean we can’t find some value.
Racing starts at 1:05 EST.
**UPDATE WED 9:45 AM EST** Races are coming off the turf today. That means there is a chance to cash some tickets. Pay close attention to the probables and will pays on the tote today when you handicap!
Race 1 Not picking a Keri Brion entry this week. How about the 5 Lydford? Ran here on August 3rd and had some early trouble. Lifetime record of 16-4-2-2. The trainer/jockey combo of Leslie Young and Freddie Procter are 9-for-15, so the 4 Perfect Tapatino will be in my thoughts as well.Picks: 4-5-6-7 **RACE 1 CANCELED**
Race 2 I will not pass up the opportunity to bet the 7 August Bloom, a first time starter for trainer Joe Sharp. This gray gets Luis Saez in the irons for her first career start.
Picks: 7-3-1-6
Race 3 Looks to be one or two who may try to hang with the 4 Built to Last early on. That bodes well for Irad Ortiz, Jr. on the 12 Tommy Gun, who drops a little further in class after just missing out last month.
Picks: 12-4-13-10
Race 4 Have you heard the story of the little boy and the Zen Master?
Picks: 5-3-1/1A-4
Race 5 Jockey Junior Alvarado on the 5 Roderick are a threat to take this field gate-to-wire.
Picks: 5-1/1A-2-4
Race 6 The 9 His Time looks like the lone early speed left in this race. Only 5.5 furlongs to catch up.
Picks: 3-9-1-11
Race 7 The first timer 1 Freeze Pop should have no problem with dirt though this race was meant for the grass. The 7 Secret Cargo has dirt pedigree as well.
Picks: 1-7-8-5
Race 8 It’s Travers week, so I feel like I have to mention the 4 Mount Travers here. Trainer/jockey combo is 4-for-18.
Picks: 6-4-2-5
Race 9 Looks like I can get my Wednesday Keri Brion fix in after all. This marathon on the dirt should fit her entry, the 5 Sa’ad. A winner last time out at Belmont, Irad Ortiz, Jr. gets the mount today.
Picks: 5-3-4-2
Race 10 Perfect bookend to the card today. Joe Sharp/Luis Saez on the 9 Solib. Chance to wire this field.
Picks: 9-13-14-2