Suggested Plays In Saratoga 6th & 8th

warrenthebull

If the weather cooperates we have two good chances at Saratoga on Friday, August 6. I lived there for four years so have learned to go with the weather that can change in a flash. Way back when I was publicity man at the Saratoga Raceway I called the weather bureau when Nevele Pride was about to race. I was told there was a serious storm front moving in. We called the stewards and moved the race up. Nevele Pride and the late Stanley Dancer set a new world record of 1:56 4/5. With a quarter mile to to the rain began to fall in torrents. So that's one time we won over the weather.

Today's sixth at Saratoga is at 5-1/2 furlongs on the turf. Vinda(6) is ready to graduate. I liked her last effort at Monmouth Park. Key Vinda(6) in an exacta with Sotique(1a) and Bronzed(2b). 6 with 1a & 2b. Then come back and box 6-1a-2b. Vinda broke cleanly. She vied for the early lead between foes. She led into and around the turn. Vinda cleared into the lane to have the look of a winner. Sotique(1a) is the "value" in this maiden heat opening at 8-1. She got roughed up after the break and pushed inward, losing all position. Fourth with a gap into the turn Sotique made a nice late effort on the inside to finish a better-than-looked second. The first time starter Bronzed(2b) is being used because of the great respect I hold for trainer Alan Goldberg. The Smart Strike colt was readied at Goldberg's training center. He could be any kind.

Today's eighth at Saratoga is also slated for turf but at the marathon distance of one mile and five furlongs. I don't know much about traioner Eduardo Caramori. What I do know is this guy can train a horse. The Brazilian-bred Lignon's Hero(6) is my recommended play opening at 5-1. Caramori turned this five-year-old horse around after dismal back to back races in Dubai. I loved his stride late when winning last June. He's given him plenty of time to recoup. Lignon's Hero was slow early the last time he was seen at Churchill Downs. Fourth and waiting early on, he brushed four-wide(-1-1/2) midway down the backstretch. Lignon's Hero(6) gained the lead while wide on the far turn. He responded once he entered the stretch and was asked for run. No exotics just a win-place wager on Lignon's Hero(6).

We'll use 6-Vinda in the sixth and 6-Lignon's Hero in race eight unless the rains ruin the party.

DiscreetCat

Sunny skies today, but the turf is listed as "good" after taking a ton of rain yesterday. Probably a bit on the squishy side.

warrenthebull

Thanks. I have a longtime friend Charlie Fay who works the clubhouse gate and calls me with the latest weather and changes. He's one unique fellow. He goes from track to track and follows his whims unlike most. A two dollar bettor in the truest sense of the word and one cannot give him a horse. He does his own thing.

Jerman

FYI: Race 6, 2B has scratched.

DiscreetCat

I know Charlie. I didn't know he was still making his annual Saratoga trip though. Didn't he used to swing thru Arlington on the way up there?

warrenthebull

Thanks. I posted my play early on and am not surprised Goldberg elected to scratch. He's as crafty as they come.

warrenthebull

You got it. That's the same unique Charlie. He lives the life many talk about, going track to track, casino to casino, and where he can get a menial job just to survive and drink beer. Yes, you know the same Damon Runyan character that I do.