BANKROLL

BANKROLL: $871.45

Putting together a list of people I was delighted to run into over the past week or so would make my editor very displeased, because it’d take up most of this page. I’ll simply say that it’s been amazing to reconnect with a bunch of people (and connect with some new folks, too).

I get asked sometimes if I miss working in horse racing on a full-time basis. I don’t. My income is tied to the gambling industry in general now, not just racing, and I work for an amazing company that values content production and invests in people who are passionate about what they do. The work I do in racing is an added bonus, and I do it because I want to, not because I have to.

However, I very much miss the people I’ve come to know and value not just as colleagues, but friends. If you’re reading this, and we’ve talked for any length of time over the last few days at Saratoga: Thanks.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS: Neither of my closers in the Smart N Fancy fired. I dropped $29.

SUNDAY’S PLAY: I’ll focus on the fifth race. #3 DEVAMANI looks imposing there, so I’ll have a $15 win ticket on that one. I’ll also single him in $5 doubles ending with #5 RARIFY, #7 SPELTERINI, and #8 ROSIE’S ALIBI in the sixth.

TOTAL WAGERED: $30.

ANALYSIS/SELECTIONS

Best Bet: Love Reigns, Race 9
Longshot: Miscreant, Race 10

R1

Cookie Crumbs
Corningstone
Hola Gata

#5 COOKIE CRUMBS: Has a few big works since shipping up from Monmouth Park for Todd Pletcher, who probably wouldn’t have moved her here without a good reason. Both prior runners out of this dam are winners, her second dam was a Grade 1 winner, and Luis Saez has been enticed to ride; #8 CORNINGSTONE: Rallied to finish third in the “no contest” race last month, and of the ones that exit that race, this is the one I want to bet back. The pace of that race was very slow, and I think this one may be a bit more lively; #7 HOLA GATA: Was one of the horses that slowed to a stop in the “no contest” race, and they’ll try again here. Her works since that race have been slow, which isn’t ideal, but dismiss this barn, in these races, at your own peril.

R2

Quickflash (MTO)
Yarrow
Phantom Smoke

#6 YARROW: Rallied to win his second straight start over an OK group, one that included a runner-up which came right back to win at next asking. There’s some speed signed on in this one, and he and Joel Rosario look like the tandem they’ll have to hold off late; #7 PHANTOM SMOKE: Was third behind two “horses for courses” at this level and route last month. On speed figures, he’s definitely got a shot, but I’m worried there’s a bit of “hang” to him, and there are some talented runners in this one, too; #2 DEEP COVER: Didn’t make the lead last time and faded to run sixth, which was probably the impetus for a rider change to Eric Cancel. My guess is he’ll be prominent from the jump, and a repeat of his two-back performance would put him right there.

R3

Forty Smooth
Englehart entry
Nurse Rachett

#3 FORTY SMOOTH: Is protected from being claimed given the long layoff, and I love it when trainers utilize that rule. It hints at confidence and not wanting to lose the horse, and if she takes her Woodbine and Gulfstream form with her, she’ll have a big chance; ENGLEHART ENTRY: I prefer #1 VIRADIA, who goes back to this barn after running second going a bit longer downstate. She’s won twice already this season and seems to be in good form; #5 NURSE RACHETT: Hasn’t won in a while but goes to a barn that wins with new acquisitions at an astonishing 40% clip. How she’ll perform in her first start on this circuit in a while is anyone’s guess, but she’ll be a price and a step forward would give her a chance.

R4

Icon
Vincent
Arthurian

#7 ICON: Has run third in two starts against similar since coming off the bench, and he cuts back in distance for this event. The field he faced going a mile last time out was probably better than this one, and he doesn’t have to move forward in order to be a major player; #2 VINCENT: Broke his maiden two back before finding allowance foes just a bit too tough. This is probably the right level, and he could work out an ideal stalking trip; #4 ARTHURIAN: Flashed speed earlier in the meet in his first start against winners. That race was won by a much-the-best class-dropper, and he was beaten just 2 1/2 lengths by the runner-up. This seems like a weaker group, and he should be prominent early once again.

R5

Royal Tryst (MTO)
Devamani
Grand Journey

#3 DEVAMANI: Has spent the bulk of his career running against much, much better horses. He’s a multiple graded stakes winner that shows up for a $32,000 tag, and I have a tough time believing we’ll get something close to the 5/2 morning line price (though I’ll gladly take it if it’s available come post time); #6 GRAND JOURNEY: Has run well in all three New York starts this season, including a race for a slightly higher tag where he was second and earned a solid 87 Beyer Speed Figure. This barn has been very cold at this stand, but this gelding’s a consistent runner that merits a long look; #8 TIBERIUS MERCURIUS: Was likely worn down by a very quick third quarter last time out, when he finished fourth in the same race my second selection exits. He’ll likely be prominent from an early stage again here beneath Luis Saez.

R6

Spelterini
Rarify
Rosie’s Alibi

#7 SPELTERINI: Came from well back to be second in what sure seems like a live race. That day’s third-place finisher came back to win impressively at second asking, and the pedigree says this one will appreciate the extra furlong she gets in this spot; #5 RARIFY: Showed speed when second in her unveiling earlier this summer, when she was reeled in by the talented Kaling. She should make the lead here once again, and it wouldn’t be surprising if she proves tough to run down; #8 ROSIE’S ALIBI: Figures to take plenty of money given the ownership group and the fact she’s been outworking the talented Moma, who won last weekend. She hammered for $625,000 last summer across the street, and she’s got a shot in this intriguing 2-year-old maiden event.

R7

Claytnthelionheart (MTO)
Balthus
Offlee Naughty

#3 BALTHUS: Comes in off of two wins in a row at long distances downstate and looms large in this 12-furlong marathon. Some horses just relish these trips. He sure seems to be one of them, and if he’s right, this race is probably for second; #9 OFFLEE NAUGHTY: Hasn’t won this year, but has been keeping some pretty tough company. It wasn’t too long ago he was 5-1 in a Grade 3 at Santa Anita, and I expect him to be running on late at a price; #1 MUD PIE: Makes his first start as a gelding here, and perhaps the ultimate equipment change will help him. He seems to be pace-dependent, but we know he can run well at this distance, and that’s a huge asset.

R8

Repealing
Chloe Rose
Awesome Indra

#2 REPEALING: May have bounced a bit off of a very sharp two-back score when third as the 9/5 favorite in her first start against winners. I’m expecting a return to form here, and such a race would make her a formidable favorite; #4 CHLOE ROSE: Won a starter allowance event here in the first few days of the meet and has clearly shown an affinity for the Spa. She’s 2-for-3 with a second over this surface, and I think she could benefit from rating just off of a fast pace; #3 AWESOME INDRA: Didn’t make the lead last time out and paid dearly for it when off the board at this level and route. However, I think she’s capable of much better. She won four of six starts prior to that race, and the switch back to Irad Ortiz, Jr., is a notable one.

R9

Love Reigns
Redifined
Aztec Nights

#2 LOVE REIGNS: Romped in her debut before finishing a competitive fourth in the Group 2 Queen Mary at Royal Ascot. All indications are she’s trained forwardly since her return, and a repeat of her debut effort likely trounces this Bolton Landing field; #7 REDIFINED: Won first time out for a barn that doesn’t win with many firsters, so you know there’s talent there. John Velazquez likely had several options, but he lands here, and the maturity she showed when rating in her debut isn’t common; #6 AZTEC NIGHTS: Came running late to win her debut and seems like one of several precocious Sharp Azteca offspring. The lone work since that win looks excellent, and a move forward would give her a big shot to hit the board at a nice price.

R10

Vagaries
Miscreant
Candlestick Maker

#8 VAGARIES: Drops in for a tag after misfiring downstate in her 2022 debut. Her two runs last year weren’t bad, including a third-place finish in her debut last August, and I think she’ll appreciate the shallower waters in the Sunday finale; #6 MISCREANT: Improved considerably in her first turf start, when she ran second behind a horse that came right back to top winners at next asking. The rider switch to Jose Ortiz is noteworthy, and she’s lightly-raced enough to still have some improvement left in her; #9 CANDLESTICK MAKER: Showed some interest when fourth for a higher claiming tag and drops in class a bit here. She may have been a bit too close to the pace last time, and given the late kick she showed two back at Belmont, she’d likely benefit from a pace meltdown should one occur.

BANKROLL

BANKROLL: $918.45

Thursday produced a lot of reactions for reasons that have nothing to do with on-track action. However, there’s one reaction I feel has largely been missed. I’ll use this space to help fill that void, since nobody else seems to be in any hurry to do it.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline number is (800) 799-7233. You can also text the word START to 88788, or visit thehotline.org for more information.

If you need help, get it before it’s too late. There’s no shame at all in asking for it, and resources are out there that anyone in need can use.

THURSDAY’S RESULTS: Key horse Caragate ran well, but was second-best in the second race of the day. I dropped $20.

FRIDAY’S PLAY: I’m going after the early Pick Five, where I think several favorites are very beatable (and that one is a single worth building your ticket around). My 50-cent ticket starting in the first goes like this: 1,4,6 with 1,3,7 with 2,6 with 1 with 1,3,5,7.

TOTAL WAGERED: $36.

ANALYSIS/SELECTIONS

Best Bet: Klaravich entry, Race 4
Longshot: Diamond Status, Race 2

R1

Strong Light
Cheeky Tico
No Code

#1 STRONG LIGHT: Ships in from Churchill Downs and is a closer in what looks like a race with plenty of speed. I don’t love the July 16th race several of these exit, and I think this will be the one they need to hold off; #6 CHEEKY TICO: Comes back to the right level after being eased against straight maidens going two turns last month. He was a good second against similar two back downstate, and a similar effort gives him a big chance; #4 NO CODE: May have bounced a bit last time out off of a second-place finish at this level and distance at Belmont. Todd Pletcher sticks with the apprentice, who seems to get along with him pretty well.

R2

Gather the Facts
Beachfront Bid
Diamond Status

#7 GATHER THE FACTS: Ran second in her debut, had a nightmarish trip last time out, and drops in class for Chad Brown. The other Brown runner may take more money, but this one’s first effort was quite good, and I think this is the one they need to step up to beat; #1 BEACHFRONT BID: May go favored for the top outfit on the circuit, but it sure seems like she goes out of her way to find trouble. Perhaps the class drop will wake her up, but the inside draw isn’t kind to horses that often encounter unlucky trips, and she’ll be a pretty short price; #3 DIAMOND STATUS: Seems to have found new life on the turf and was a decent second at Belmont going seven furlongs. I don’t think the extra furlong or two turns will be issues, the recent works are very strong, and this is the one that may provide some value.

R3

Alejandro
Bourbon Calling
Two Thirty Five

#2 ALEJANDRO: Very rarely runs a bad race and comes in off of a nice win in a first-level allowance at Churchill Downs. That was just his second win in 12 lifetime starts, but there aren’t any monsters in this group and it’s possible this regally-bred 4-year-old is in career-best form; #6 BOURBON CALLING: Hasn’t won in a while but has been going against stiff competition and makes his second start off the bench in this spot. His return going seven furlongs was just fine, and he stretches out to his preferred trip here; #5 TWO THIRTY FIVE: Has cracked the exacta in four straight outings, including a race at this route last month. Joel Rosario sees fit to ride back in his first start off the claim for Steve Klesaris, and his usual effort doesn’t leave him without a shot.

R4

Klaravich entry
Whiskey Lullaby
Logan’s Runner

KLARAVICH ENTRY: It isn’t often you see NYRA morning line man David Aragona install a 1/5 favorite, but the 1-2 punch of #1 TRANSACTIONAL and #1A INDEMNIFY looks very imposing. One’s a promising first-time starter, the other ran well when second on debut, and while nothing’s impossible, I’d be shocked if one of these runners didn’t win; #4 WHISKEY LULLABY: Ran well when third last time out for a $75,000 tag and is ambitiously-spotted here against the boys. However, she sure seems like the main speed in this race, and I think she could lead them a pretty long way; #5 LOGAN’S RUNNER: Has every right to need a race but is bred to be a good one. This son of Pioneerof the Nile and a Grade 3-winning daughter of Distorted Humor hammered for $230,000 back in 2020, and it’s not like Bruce Levine can’t win with first-time starters.

R5

Perfect Silent Cat
Eminency
Joey Loose Lips

#5 PERFECT SILENT CAT: Gets a massive trainer change to Joe Sharp and comes in off of a very strong five-furlong drill last week. Between the new surroundings, that workout, and a significant drop in class, I think he’s strictly the one to beat; #7 EMINENCY: Won a photo finish downstate to break his maiden and tries winners for the first time. This barn hits at a 21% clip with new acquisitions and has retained Luis Saez, who probably had a few options in here; #3 JOEY LOOSE LIPS: Hasn’t been out of the barn in nearly a year and returns for a claiming tag after chasing Americanrevolution in last year’s Albany. The spot is a bit strange, and he also may be going a bit shorter than he truly wants, but he’s a contender if he’s ready to fire.

R6

Chulligan (MTO)
Provision
Secretary of War

#9 PROVISION: Was second in his debut going two turns, which is never an easy first-out assignment. The outside post position isn’t ideal, but he’s shown some early speed and may be able to clear most of this group going into the first turn; #2 SECRETARY OF WAR: Was third in that race and finished more than three lengths clear of that day’s fourth-place finisher. He was just a length or so back of my top selection, and it wouldn’t be stunning to see this one turn the tables; #6 LET’S GO BIG BLUE: Sold for $200,000 and has every right to be precocious as a half-brother to Grade 1-winning 2-year-old Pinehurst. There isn’t a ton here that screams “turf,” but there is plenty of talent in his bloodlines, and that’s what may carry him through.

R7

Awesome Indra (MTO)
Crowding Out
Freedom Speaks

#5 CROWDING OUT: Has yet to run a poor race and edged an impressive next-out winner in a race at this route last month. She’s got a solid late kick, but she can also sit a bit close to the pace, which gives jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., plenty of options; #1 FREEDOM SPEAKS: Broke her maiden with an emphatic six-length score two back on the synthetic at Gulfstream Park before finishing second in a minor stakes race. That day’s winner has since won again, and while this is her first start on grass, her dam has thrown a few OK turf runners; #6 TUSCAN QUEEN: Ran second at this level and route a few weeks ago and has run a few very nice races sprinting over this turf course. This is her third start off of a long layoff for a talented trainer (one that should’ve been allowed to talk more at Wednesday’s Racing and Gaming Conference panel!), and another step forward could be in the offing.

R8

Bonny South
Army Wife
Envoutante

#7 BONNY SOUTH: Hasn’t won since April of 2021 but can be forgiven for some of those efforts given the top-flight competition she faced. She’s a closer that needs some pace in front of her to run at, but I think she’ll get just that in the Summer Colony; #1 ARMY WIFE: Ran in several very tough spots a season ago and placed in a pair of Grade 1 events in the back half of the year. One of those was the Alabama over this surface, and she’s got enough tactical speed to work out a trip from the tricky rail draw; #3 ENVOUTANTE: Has run just once this year, in March, but seems to be training forwardly ahead of her return. I do think it’s possible she prefers Churchill Downs, but Churchill shippers have done just fine to this point in the meet.

R9

Mariah’s Fortune (MTO)
Judge Judith
Diva Ready

#8 JUDGE JUDITH: Comes in on a three-race win streak at three different tracks, which is pretty cool to see. This does represent a step up in class, but there isn’t a ton of early speed signed on. That could allow her to get comfortable early on and sit a perfect trip; #6 DIVA READY: Ran second against a weaker group last time and was claimed out of that race by Rudy Rodriguez. That barn’s been ice-cold all meet long, at just 1-for-50, but that last effort did come in a very fast race for the level and she boasts a win going two turns at Delaware Park; #3 HATARI: Benefited from a perfect trip last time to win going away in her first start for a tag since December. Irad Ortiz, Jr., sees fit to ride back, and a few runners that show up here exit the same race she won.

R10

Oxymore
Appraise
Noble Huntsman

#3 OXYMORE: Looked like a very promising 2-year-old when breaking his maiden by six lengths downstate at first asking. He’s since been moved to the Chad Brown barn, and between that move and this being just his second lifetime start, he’s got a big chance to move forward in the Skidmore; #8 APPRAISE: Got his nose down at 11-1 in his debut and completes yet another powerful 1-2 punch for this barn. He showed some grit that day when digging in to get the money, and it helps that he’s got some tactical speed, too; #6 NOBLE HUNTSMAN: Romped in his unveiling a few weeks ago, which came against New York-breds. Going up to open company isn’t a small jump, but he looked solid in his first-out score, especially since this isn’t an outfit that wins with many debuting runners.

BANKROLL

BANKROLL: $938.45

I spent a few days earlier this week at the Racing and Gaming Conference. By and large, it was a fantastic event that drew people from around both the horse racing and gambling industries. I met officials, horsepeople, and reporters alike, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

However, they whiffed on a panel discussing the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, or HISA. While hearing from HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus was insightful, highly-respected trainer John Kimmel was part of the panel. The group took 49 minutes to ask Kimmel, the only person in the group to works with horses on a daily basis, a question, instead deferring to political types (one of whom went on a 15-minute monologue about the process behind the nominating committee).

As a colleague pointed out during the session, this is an awfully good example of why horse racing has struggled at times. Want to know if HISA is working? Talk to a horseperson who’s in the trenches every day. We don’t need more suits. We need more horsepeople.

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS: I couldn’t have given you the winner of the fifth race without the “ALL” button, and my $36 Pick Four ticket fizzled.

THURSDAY’S PLAY: My action comes early. I’ll lean on #4 CARAGATE in the second race in hopes she’ll run her record at this meet to 2-for-2. She’s a single for me in $10 doubles starting in the second that end with #4 GET THE CANDY and #6 JILL’S A HOT MESS.

TOTAL WAGERED: $20.

ANALYSIS/SELECTIONS

Best Bet: Busy Morning, Race 9
Longshot: Ableton, Race 10

R1

Olympic Dreams
Sensibleconclusion
Lucky Mucho Man

#6 OLYMPIC DREAMS: Is a reluctant top pick in one of two highly-perplexing races on the Thursday program. He was bet first time out in a turf route, when he wasn’t persevered with downstate. The blinkers go on, and maybe he improves at second asking on the class drop; #1 SENSIBLECONCLUSION: Makes his third start of the season, which is no small feat, and he’s shown a new dimension in his last several outings. A speed horse over the winter, he’s shown he can rate and pass others, which could prove helpful; #2 LUCKY MUCHO MAN: Was third in a race at this route last month, as well as a similar race at Belmont two back. At a minimum, you know he’s been reasonably competitive at this level, and his usual race likely gets him a slice.

R2

Caragate
Ifihadachance
Ok Honey

#4 CARAGATE: Ran away with a first-level allowance race last month, and while that was far from the strongest race for the level, she sure seems to be going the right way on speed figures. That 79 Beyer Speed Figure was a new career-high, and Castellano stays up; #5 IFIHADACHANCE: Hasn’t won in a while, but is competitive on numbers and sports two solid efforts over this surface last year. This barn usually wins a fair bit up here, and it’s due to get rolling at some point; #1 OK HONEY: Likely went a bit shorter than she prefers last time out, and she gets some added ground here. That day’s runner-up came right back to win, and she should get some pace to run at in this event.

R3

Jil’s a Hot Mess
Get the Candy
Bucci entry

#6 JILL’S A HOT MESS: Does her best running at this route and was a good second behind a stakes-caliber filly last time out. She won here twice a season ago, retains John Velazquez, and may have enough speed to save some ground going into the turn; #4 GET THE CANDY: Sure seems like the one the rest will have to run down. She hasn’t won in a while, but she’s certainly the speed on the speed on paper and has every right to get very comfortable out of the gate; BUCCI ENTRY: I prefer #1A SASSY MELISSA, who was wide last time against several of these and may have bounced off of some solid efforts downstate. A return to form gives her a shot, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s a bit closer in the early going.

R4

Flamingo Hawk
Stage Left
Mexican Wonder Boy

#5 FLAMINGO HAWK: Ran a career-best race last time out and is protected off the claim in this spot. However, that was a pretty strong race for the level, and this event includes several rivals he beat last month. Anything close to that lifetime-best performance would make him tough; #4 STAGE LEFT: Romped against first-level allowance foes last month and clearly enjoys the Spa. He’s 3-for-5 over this main track, rarely runs a poor race, and would benefit from a battle up front; #2 MEXICAN WONDER BOY: Didn’t run poorly when second last time out, but he gets wheeled back very quickly first off the claim. His best may be good enough, but I don’t think he’ll be alone up front, and the short turnaround time is a definite question mark.

R5

Childers
Forbidden Secret
Clear the Deck

#2 CHILDERS: Is kin to three multiple winners, including Grade 2-winning 2-year-old Shotski, and has been working well ahead of his unveiling. Several of those drills have been from the gate, which leads me to believe he’ll be prominent right away; #6 FORBIDDEN SECRET: Checked back early in his debut a few weeks ago, which was won by a runaway victor. Irad Ortiz, Jr., rides back, and the experience edge he has over most of this group could be a sizable asset; #5 CLEAR THE DECK: Has hit the board in all three starts to date and wouldn’t be a shock. He adds blinkers for Ken McPeek, and he’s shown an ability to rate, which isn’t common among 2-year-olds at this point in the season.

R6

Orange Freeze
Dream On Cara
Sarah’s Dialed In

#8 ORANGE FREEZE: Remember the two confounding races? This is the other one. In a field of 2-year-olds without much proven form signed on, this one intrigues me the most. This daughter of Freud is out of a mare that won on the turf, and she hammered for $112,000 across the street last summer; #3 DREAM ON CARA: Rated in a race without much early speed last time, which is rarely a recipe for success. Castellano rides back, the blinkers go on, and I think there’s a chance she gets a friendlier race shape here; #5 SARAH’S DIALED IN: Debuts for Mike Dini, whose first-out numbers on turf aren’t great. However, she’s kin to a few OK grass runners, including a couple that won going long. Against a field full of question marks, that may be enough.

R7

Leddy (MTO)
Immortalization
Charles Chrome

#7 IMMORTALIZATION: Showed speed against better last time out, when he faded to fourth in a non-winners-of-one allowance at this route. That zip he showed wasn’t a fluke, and I don’t know if any other runner in this field can match strides with him early; #3 CHARLES CHROME: Makes his first start for David Jacobson off of a four-month break. His prior connections ran him in a few stakes races last season, and he didn’t run poorly in either event. If he’s ready, he’s got a big shot; #2 VETERANS BEACH: Has had far too many chances for my liking and is impossible to endorse on top, but he does generally run the same race every time out and drops into the claiming ranks. His last-out effort here was fine, and that day’s runner-up came right back to win at next asking.

R8

Nabokov
Complete Agenda
Warrior Johny

#3 NABOKOV: Spat the bit in the Grade 3 Dwyer and wasn’t persevered with that day, when he went off 2-1 in a race won by Travers hopeful Charge It. He gets Lasix again today after leaving the stakes ranks, and that could enable him to run back to a strong two-back effort downstate; #2 COMPLETE AGENDA: Has been chasing some very good ones of late and was most recently fourth behind graded stakes winner Keepmeinmind. That was his first race off a three-month freshening, and perhaps he’s rounding into form in the back half of his 3-year-old campaign; #5 WARRIOR JOHNY: Ships in for a barn that’s won at a high rate with a small string this season. He may have moved a bit early last time out in his first start against winners, but he’s been putting up decent speed figures and may be a bit of a price in here.

R9

Busy Morning
Howdyoumakeurmoney
Dream Central

#6 BUSY MORNING: Took a step forward last time out with an impressive score where she powered away to win by six. She also wasn’t disgraced when the winner of her debut race turned out to be an OK runner, and I think she’s sitting on a new career-best effort at third asking; #5 HOWDYOUMAKEURMONEY: Hasn’t won in quite a while, but her 2022 season includes several tries against open stakes company. She hasn’t been beaten too much in those races, and while I question if she really wants two turns, I don’t question her ability at this level; #4 DREAM CENTRAL: Sat a perfect trip last time out in a similar race, when she made the last move the winning move. The runners from that event haven’t come back to run well, though, and it’s telling that Lezcano hops off to ride my top pick (who probably goes off the favorite).

R10

Loz
Lookin Grand
Ableton

#8 LOZ: Drops in for a tag and has been working considerably better the past few weeks ahead of his first start against maiden claiming company. It’s possible that doesn’t mean much, but between that and the return to a two-turn configuration, I think there’s stuff to like in a wide-open finale; #6 LOOKIN GRAND: Comes up from Belmont and was one-paced in several one-turn route races. That running style likely fits this two-turn race far better, and John Velazquez sees fit to hang around and ride back for Charlton Baker; #2 ABLETON: Finished third behind Shinsun last time out, and I think that one’s got some talent. Blinkers go on this John Kimmel trainee, and a repeat effort gives him a chance at a big price.

BANKROLL

BANKROLL: $974.45

Greetings from Saratoga! It’s exciting to say I’ll be here each day through Saturday to watch live racing at one of the sport’s last remaining cathedrals. To do so while spending some time with friends and family is as good as it gets.

I flew in Sunday, and if you want to laugh at my pain, read the latest edition of “The Dark Day Files.” Monday featured a trip to a local mini-golf course, where I had a wonderful time crushing the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of friends Joe Nevills and Natalie Voss. In doing so, I won a trophy Pink Sheet alum Nicole Russo says is possessed, which should make it great friends with my cat once I bring it back to California.

I’ll be in the backyard Wednesday with my parents, my sister, and my two nieces, who are both experiencing Saratoga for the very first time. There is a lot their “funcle” has to teach them before the day is through. By the Wednesday nightcap, I fully expect them to know how to spot a bad favorite, criticize ticket structures of public handicappers (except me, of course), and identify well-meant horses in the paddock.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS: The trip east from Hades was made a bit less painful by Fire Sword, whose romp in the fourth race keyed a very nice day in this section. I had a $20 win bet and a $5 double ending in the fifth, all of which resulted in a profit of $125.50.

WEDNESDAY’S PLAY: I’ll go after the early Pick Four and attempt to extract some money out of a horse that could be a pretty heavy favorite. Remember, this sequence starts in the third race, not the second (due to the opener over fences), and my 50-cent ticket goes as follows: 6 with ALL with 5,6,8 with 2,5,8.

TOTAL WAGERED: $36.

ANALYSIS/SELECTIONS

Best Bet: Snap Decision, Race 1
Longshot: Shinsun, Race 9

R1

Snap Decision
Down Royal
Song for Someone

#6 SNAP DECISION: Gives plenty of weight to his rivals in the Grade 1 Jonathan Sheppard, but for good reason, as he’s been one of the top steeplechasers in training for the past few seasons. He’s won 10 of 15 career starts over fences, and anything close to his best would beat these; #1 DOWN ROYAL: Pulled off a mild upset in winning the Grade 1 A.P. Smithwick earlier in the meet. This is a tougher group, to be sure, but he’s won five of his last six starts and may be the one they have to hold off late; #3 SONG FOR SOMEONE: Has found a power-packed spot in which to make his American debut. His races over very good European hurdlers this past winter were solid, and he wouldn’t be the first European jumper to cross the Atlantic with aplomb.

R2

Greeley and Ben
Quick Return
Casalsa

#1 GREELEY AND BEN: Is an absolutely fascinating favorite. He’s won 20 of 34 starts, many against much better fields, and makes his first start for the David Jacobson barn. Jacobson’s returned to the sport after an absence of nearly four years, and if he’s got this one on the right track, look out; #4 QUICK RETURN: Beat a slightly lower-level group last time out and was claimed by Joe Sharp. While the favorite looms large, this one’s recent record looks far better if you toss the two clunkers at Churchill Downs, and he’s not without a chance; #5 CASALSA: Tried turf first off the claim last time out and didn’t take to it at all. His two and three-back efforts on dirt were just fine, and he sports a win at this route from the 2021 meet.

R3

Mommasgottarun
Perfect Provision
Wicked Happy

#6 MOMMASGOTTARUN: Was claimed by Brad Cox last time out and takes a steeper drop than it may appear. The drop in claiming price isn’t alarming, but she was second earlier this meet in an open $25,000 claimer. This one is for non-winners of two, which represents the shallowest waters she’s ever encountered; #3 PERFECT PROVISION: Is another taking a significant drop, and in this case, it comes with a surface switch from synthetic to dirt. She ran reasonably well in a few dirt sprints early in her career, and her recent works haven’t been bad; #2 WICKED HAPPY: Makes her first start since late-April and gets a big rider switch to Javier Castellano, who doesn’t ride much for this barn. Her figures from the winter aren’t bad, and Castellano’s been riding as well as anyone in the jockey’s room this summer.

R4

I’m Buzzy
Tales of Makenna
Synonymous

#6 I’M BUZZY: Ships in for Mike Dini and gets a tepid nod in a wide-open event. She hasn’t won in a while, but just missed last time out, has run against higher-level competition for most of the year, and could sit an ideal stalking trip; #4 TALES OF MAKENNA: Almost certainly needed her last-out effort, which came off a pretty long break. She’s shown a pretty strong closing kick, and a repeat of her effort two back against state-bred allowance foes would make her a player here; #3 SYNONYMOUS: Exits a pretty fast race for the level and was wide after making up some ground on the backstretch. Her win came going two turns at Aqueduct, this is a smaller field, and I think she’s got a puncher’s chance to light up the tote board in a race where I’d advise you to go as deep as you can.

R5

Mija
Justifying
Padma

#5 MIJA: Has a pedigree that needs no introduction, but I’ll give it one anyway because that’s just the kind of guy I am (hi, J.D.!). She’s by Curlin and out of Grade 1 winner Rachel’s Valentina, which of course makes her second dam champion Rachel Alexandra. The workouts are strong, John Velazquez rides for Todd Pletcher, and as a fan, I can’t wait to see her run; #8 JUSTIFYING: Sports the pattern I love seeing from Steve Asmussen runners. Her two-back work was very fast, and she’s since recorded a solid drill ahead of her debut. Offspring of Justify have gotten off to fast starts, and the outside draw is a plus; #6 PADMA: Sports a very flashy series of works for a trainer who doesn’t often ask much of horses that have yet to run. The pedigree says she probably wants to go a bit longer, but she may very well be fast enough to run well here on talent alone.

R6

Nabokov (MTO)
Maritime Wings
Mackillop

#5 MARITIME WINGS: Ran into Big Invasion in his U.S. debut, and while this bunch is far from bad, there are no such monsters here. He ran well enough as a 2-year-old to finish second behind highly-regarded Point Lonsdale in two graded races, and the addition of Lasix is a big plus; #8 MACKILLOP: Has been gelded since a fourth-place finish behind some talented runners downstate in May. He was talented enough to win going two turns on debut, and the addition of Flavien Prat is a plus; #2 MO REWARDS: Probably needed his return from a 10-month layoff earlier this summer, where he still ran an OK fourth despite breaking from the far outside. This barn hasn’t had the best summer, but Luis Saez sees fit to ride and a move forward makes him a player.

R7

U Glow Girl
Crypto Mama
Oh Donna

#6 U GLOW GIRL: Flashed some early zip before fading to third in her debut. She was, however, on the wrong part of the track that day, racing inside when the rail was dead for most of the first week or so. Experience and a friendlier setup could both work in her favor; #7 CRYPTO MAMA: Closed at first asking, which isn’t an easy thing for most debuting horses to do. She was second that day, but ships up from Monmouth Park, attracts Joel Rosario, and has every opportunity to fire a bigger shot; #4 OH DONNA: Fetched the relatively low price of $35,000 at auction earlier this year, but sports a flashy recent gate drill for a high-percentage barn that can win with first-time starters. Irad Ortiz, Jr., likely had options, but he landed here, and that could be a clue.

R8

Caramocha
Mia Bea Star
U Guys Are No Fun

#5 CARAMOCHA: Goes second off the bench for a smaller outfit that’s already won a few races at this stand. Her last-out effort came going six furlongs, which is shorter than she probably wants. The stretch-out should help, as should the presence of Javier Castellano; #6 MIA BEA STAR: Hasn’t won in a while, and goes out for a barn that’s winless at the meet, but generally runs the same race every time out. Earlier this month, that was good enough for a runner-up finish in a starter handicap, and the faster they go early, the better this closer’s chances figure to be; #1 U GUYS ARE NO FUN: Cuts back in distance after tiring going two turns last time out. She’s run several fast races at Finger Lakes, and she wouldn’t be a huge shock if she runs back to those, but it’s telling she’s 0-for-2 over this surface with no in-the-money finishes.

R9

Dakota Gold
Shinsun
Marinara Sauced

#8 DAKOTA GOLD: Came up short as an odds-on favorite in a similar race last month and will look to atone here. That day’s winner doesn’t show up, and even with the bigger field signed on, this seems like a softer spot. His usual race would make him tough to beat; #3 SHINSUN: Made a big move against open company to run third earlier this summer in a race without much early zip signed on. There should be a friendlier set-up here, and the New York-bred by a top Japanese runner and out of a German-bred mare merits a long look at a nice price; #5 MARINARA SAUCED: Was a bit one-paced last time out against older foes, and that day’s runner-up has since come back to win. That race’s third-place finisher is in here, too, but this one draws favorably and has a right to move forward in what’s just his fourth career outing.

R10

Ocean Air
Go Big Green
More Mango

#10 OCEAN AIR: Has not run since October and draws a terrible post in the Wednesday finale. However, her 2021 form was very good. She spent most of the year chasing some pretty good horses, such as Giggle Factory and Kitten by the Sea. If she’s ready to run, she’s capable of springing a mild upset; #5 GO BIG GREEN: Drops in class after spending most of her season against allowance and optional claiming-level foes. She’s won both on the lead and coming from off the pace, and I think she’ll appreciate the shallower waters; #2 MORE MANGO: Comes back to what’s probably the right level after a troubled trip last time out in a starter allowance race. Her two-back effort against similar foes of that nature was far from bad, and she broke her maiden at this route two years ago. At her likely price, she hits me as a must-use.