BANKROLL

BANKROLL: $1,076.25

I’m going to be honest, folks: My heart’s not in this one. I’ve got picks below for anyone who wants them, but my traditional analysis isn’t happening, and I’m pretty relieved to have plans during most of tomorrow’s card (if you’re curious, I’m touring a possible wedding venue with my long-suffering fiancee, and then we’re seeing “Oppenheimer”).

I handicapped the card Saturday morning, before the events of Travers Day unfolded before a massive audience. One horse, Nobel, suffered a fatal injury on a gallop-out. Another, New York Thunder, catastrophically broke down while appearing to have the Grade 1 Allen Jerkens won by as much as he wanted.

Those in racing, from fans and bettors to owners and trainers, shouldn’t have to wonder whether or not horses come back safe and sound after races. However, that’s been a common occurrence during what’s easily the weirdest Saratoga meet of my lifetime. I’m no expert on equine health, but the constant barrage of rain all summer long sure seems to have affected both the main track and the turf courses to an alarming degree.

I don’t know what the solution is. Maybe there isn’t one. If that’s the case and it doesn’t scare you, check your pulse.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS: Dynadrive didn’t kick on, and Shop Lifting suffered a heartbreaking loss. I dropped $45, but it surely doesn’t seem all that important in the grand scheme of things.

SUNDAY’S PLAY: If I’ve ever been less enthusiastic about a Saratoga card, I don’t know when. For the sake of this section, I’ll go to the sixth, where I think #7 ROCKET AND ROLL is a vulnerable favorite. I’ll play a $3 exacta box using #5 FLYING IN STYLE, #6 COACH PITINO, and #8 PURE FIRE, and I’ll use those three to finish $4 doubles that start in the fifth (the Yaddo) with #8 WHATLOVELOOKSLIKE.

TOTAL WAGERED: $30.

ANALYSIS/SELECTIONS

Saturday: 5-for-13
Meet: 70-for-229

Best Bet: Whatlovelookslike, Race 5
Longshot: American Grant, Race 8

R1

Soloshot (MTO)
Marco T.
Needed

R2

Timely Conquest
Ichiban
Cairo Sugar

R3

Un Ojo (MTO)
Spirit of St Louis
Dakota Gold

R4

The Wine Steward
Trust Fund
Whatchatalkinabout

R5

Whatlovelookslike
Runaway Rumour
Spungie

R6

Pure Fire
Flying in Style
Coach Pitino

R7

Concerti
Stellamaris
My Shea D Lady

R8

Gem Mint Ten
One Headlight
American Grant

R9

Sandy’s Garden (MTO)
Weekend Rags
Linarite

R10

Maker’s Candy
Allure of Money
Drake’s Passage

R11

Boston Strong Mama
Autumn
Splashy