TDN's Steve Sherack and Brian DiDonato will give their best bet of the day for every Friday, Saturday and Sunday card of the Saratoga meet, and bet $50 Win/Place on their selection. In the case of a scratch, an alternate pick will be posted on twitter. The handicapper who has accrued the biggest bankroll through Sept. 3 wins.
SS: Last Sunday's Result – Montrachet forced the early issue and faded to sixth at 6-1. Another nice debut winner for DiDonato–err, the Saratoga clockers–to extend the advantage here. I guess we all remember what happened during the Triple Crown Throwdown, so can't blame him for seeking some outside counsel this time around! Total: $502.50.
Friday, Race 9, GII Hall of Fame S. – So, this is a bit frustrating. I felt like I had a really good chance of putting a dent in DiDonato's lead with Giant Run, but looks like we're both on the same horse. Still plenty of time to climb back into this thing, so for now, I'll just focus on getting back in the win column. Giant Run is coming off a breakthrough victory in Belmont's Manila S. and he should be able to control things up front from his inside draw over a course that plays very kind to front runners. He's run game in defeat on several previous trips to the post this term and handled the very talented Highland Sky the last time they left him alone up front on the lead. If Giant Run's anywhere near his morning-line quote, this may be one of my largest wagers of the year. Selection: #1 Giant Run (6-1).
BD: Last Sunday's Result – With original pick Richies Sweetheart scratching when they came off the turf, I went with Runway Doll in Race 7, and she ran to the money to give us our second score of the meet with a 2-year-old filly firster by Majestic Warrior. Guess the racing office is trying to keep things close by not carding any baby races today. Total: $1212.50
Friday, Race 9, GII Hall of Fame S. – Speed and an inside post can be a dangerous combination on Saratoga's inner turf course, and could make Giant Run tough to catch here. He looked like a very promising horse earlier this season, just missing in the GIII Palm Beach S. in February before defeating always unlucky (usually with my money) Highland Sky the following month. The Tom Albertrani pupil was beaten at 4-5 by longshot Copingaway (who is entered off short rest in this spot) in May's English Channel S., but he got into a fairly heated duel that day while the winner drafted in a perfect pocket spot. Finishing third after chasing Catch a Glimpse in the GIII Penn Mile was certainly nothing to be ashamed of, and he rated kindly last time behind a headstrong rival before proving best in the Manila S. downstate. As long as he breaks cleanly, they're going to have a hard time getting past Giant Run in the stretch. Selection: #1 Giant Run (6-1)
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