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Handicapping The Preakness - August 29, 2008A reminder that Saratoga is conducting a "twilight" racing card today with a first race post time of 2:45 p.m. (EST). Tomorrow, reigning Horse of The Year "Curlin" will face seven opponents in the $500,000 "Woodward" stakes at Saratoga. He's drawn post five in the Grade 1 event going 1 1/4 miles. Today we have another four races for selections and analysis from Saratoga in upstate New York. Today's Best Bet is #8 Smokin Hero in Race #6 at Saratoga.
Today's Horse Racing Picks: Top pick: #4 (MASTER) - Freshened up by trainer J.P. Terranova since an early July debut at Belmont where he showed good speed. Well-backed at the windows that day, he has a pair of "bullet" drills in his holster leading into this. Moves to the infield where he had a great work on the grass August 1. 2nd pick: #8 (Mesa Sunrise) - Another who was well bet in his first appearance which was on the dirt here on August 13. He comes back quickly for start number two and switches to the turf. This race may have been their intended target. 3rd pick: #5 (Maloof Magic) - Son of "Tale of the Cat" ran evenly while very wide in his Churchill debut on July 2. On the shelf since, he returns with lasix administered and a bullet work on August 7. 4th pick: #2b (Vsop) - Part of a Todd Pletcher trained entry, this son of "Hennessy" has been in steady training at Monmouth and attracts the stable's main rider John Velazquez. SARATOGA Race #3 (THE CLIFTON PARK) at 3:45 PM Eastern Top pick: #4 (Striking Tomisue) - Scratched out of a race yesterday to await this spot, filly appears the horse to catch and beat. Speedy sort will try a two-turn distance again, and the only other time she attempted it on the dirt it produced an easy win last fall at the Meadowlands. 2nd pick: #7 (Cocoa Beach) - Returns from a layoff after finishing a fine third against colts in the "U.A.E" Derby (G2) at Nad Al Sheba last March. Works are excellent and she'll race with lasix for the first time. Very dangerous. 3rd pick: #1 (Peach Flambe) - Filly had no chance in her comebacker at Monmouth as she drew the outside slot in a two-turn affair. Raced wide the whole race and flattened out late. She has a sharp drill since and draws the rail. Dangerous at a price. 4th pick: #6 (Over Under) - Ran evenly in the "Go For Wand" on this strip at this distance on July 26. Race was her first in two months and she should move forward off of it. Saratoga Race #6 at 5:30 PM Eastern Top pick: #8 (SMOKIN HERO) - Logical selection and probable heavy favorite has a big experience edge on this field and also has the most visible speed. Trainer Allen Iwinski adds blinkers to his equipment today in an attempt to put him over the top. 2nd pick: #9 (Close Encounter) - Firster from the barn of John Kimmel has a series of very sharp works on view and if he runs to his drills he could win this in his debut. The main danger. 3rd pick: #1 (Wise Guy Kelly) - Had some traffic issues in his debut here on August 15. Took some money at the windows that day and returns quickly for start number two. Draws the rail and I think he'll run better. 4th pick: #2 (Clever Martini) - Barn (Barclay Tagg) has quietly had a solid meet (eight for 36). This son of "Lion Hearted" has a fairly good gate drill on August 20, in preparation for his unveiling. SARATOGA Race #7 (THE WITH ANTICIPATION) at 6:00 PM Eastern Top pick: #2 (BITTEL ROAD) - Easiest kind of win on July 11 at Belmont in his debut. Runner was entered in The "Continental Mile" stake at Monmouth on August 16, but race was washed off the turf. Fine post and good speed to utilize. One of three entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and they'll race as separate betting interests. 2nd pick: #4 (Double Domino) - Another of the "Pletcher" trio won his debut on this course on July 28. Son of "Stormy Atlantic" did so despite some traffic woes in an impressive performance. 3rd pick: #3 (Uncle T Seven) - Just missed in a switched stake at Monmouth last out. Improving with racing and has proven that he can rate and finish. This will be his turf debut. 4th pick: #7 (High Cry) - The third of the "Pletcher" trio won on this course at this distance in his debut race on August 7. Completes an especially tough hand for the barn. Horse Racing Picks Resources:
Check out the last five Horse Racing Picks Newsletters: Horse-Racing-Picks-August-28-2008 Horse-Racing-Picks-August-27-2008 Horse-Racing-Picks-August-26-2008 Horse-Racing-Picks-August-25-2008 Horse-Racing-Picks-August-24-2008 |
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