TODAY's Saratoga, Del Mar and Woodbine free picks

Another look at today's thoroughbred race card by guest handicapper Ralph Colucci, who did very well with yesterday's picks!

Thoroughbred Blog – Sunday August 21st

We did well in yesterday’s Stakes. At Calder, we picked (and bet) the triactor in the 7 ½ f Filly Stake and were scratched in the Colt Race. At Monmouth, we predicted (and cashed ) on Iselin winner Where’s Sterling who paid $8,20. He will probably go next in The Jockey Club Gold Cup to prep for the Breeders Cup but I would prefer to see him try to Sharpen his speed in the Kelso if indeed he is Breeders Cup bound.

At Woodbine, Niigon’s Touch won for us in the Eternal Search. At De Mar, we were out ridden in the Oaks as our choice Neried lost the race going past the stands the first time when Talamo strangled her back to third when she clearly wanted the lead. Summer Soire stayed right with the pacesetter and went the half in 47 and the last 5f in 59 & change working with a six length lead. At Delaware, Hah Ha Tonka was right there on the rail for 5f in 56 & 4 but had no finish and at all. At Saratoga, Inglorious simply did not run a step. Don’t know if it was conditioning or she simply couldn’t handle the footing but on her game she kills the field in 2:03 & change.

In the other races at Saratoga we had a $150 Exacta in the 8th, Truine led to the head of the stretch in the 9th at 24-1, Van Tassel swept 8 wide on the turn in the second and was eased, Marine Officer went 9 wide and paid $4.90 to place without getting close to the winner and El Pradino paid $4.30 to place after weaving his way through the stretch to miss by a quarter length.. Tell Grant was scratched while Hear the Footsteps got buried on the fence in the last.

At Woodbine, Pearl Bay paid $5.10 to show, Seaside Retreat paid $3.90 to place after going 8 wide, With our choice scratched, Stars to Shine won and Perfect Shirl was third with no excuses. At Del Mar, Castaway sat too far off a 46 second half and paid $4.80 to place with do much to do. Don’t like much much today.

Saratoga August 21st 2011

Selections made for Fast & Firm – If possible T-storms materialize; will mention the play for that.

Saratoga – Race 2

These 2yo 7f Maiden races are always pretty tough at this and this one is no different. We like 3) Klondike Kate and 5) Street Savy out of the first time starters and expect more from 2) Spare Change on a dry track.

Saratoga – Race 4

Both 5) Winter Memories and 3 Trac N Jam carry 3 race win streaks into this Gr2 however we like 4) Wyomia more than a little as the only filly to have contended for a Gr1 win in The Ashland and fresh off a troubled 3rd in a Gr3 in Virginia

Saratoga – Race 5

Maidens 3 & up going 11f on the grass so distance becomes a big factor. 9) Cease, by Breeders Cup Mile winner War Chant out of Busanda Stakes winner Limit by Cox’s Ridge may be able to get the trip but will likely be favored. 8) Easy Reach has been going longer over the jumps and did just miss last time over the flats at 8 1/2f. 2) Rivendell, with a sire line out of The Lord of the Rings (Aragorn was 2nd in Breeders Cup Mile), has Alleged on the bottom and they can usually run all day while 6) Depreciable is by versatile Smart Strike out of a Nureyev mare but might find it too far.

Saratoga – Race 6

2YO going 5 ½ on the grass, 1) Sweet Cat just missed in the slop 1st out when race was switched to Main Track but is bound too be heavily bet. 6) Chessrate, a modest $6k yearling is by Tom Fool Stakes winner Exchange rate, himself a son of Danzig, out of a Dynaformer mare who was 4 for 10 earning over $100k.

Saratoga – Race 10

Maiden 2YO NY Bred colts going 8 1/2f on the grass, 3) Strike Accord looks interesting in a likely wide open affair.



Woodbine August 21st 2011

Woodbine – Race 2

4) Oban has run and worked well but may be over bet.

Woodbine – Race 6

2) Moonlit Beauty comes of another layoff and only need run back to her Race in the Zadracartra last year to win. She flattened out in this year’s edition but if Le Blanc has gotten her right she could win and pay big.

Woodbine – Race 8

5) Musketier is an honest sort who is always close and has won alternate races before. Edgar travels north with George Strawbridge’s 3) Smart Bid who is actually dropping in class after being close all summer. 2) Grassy was a game second to our choice last time and should be right there again.




Del Mar August 21st 2011

Del Mar – Race 3

4) Mildly Offensive could be a very good sprinter and takes on another Graded race today. Will bet if price is right.

Good Luck