It's Finally Here!!
It’s finally here! We’re on the eve of the best thoroughbred meeting in North America, Saratoga. The old spa will once again open its doors to some of the best horses, trainers and jockeys. The competition is fierce and everyone wants to win during the 36 day meet.
The meet will feature some of the best equine athletes in training. Belmont Stakes winner Da’Tara, slayer of the undefeated Big Brown, is probable in both the GI Jim Dandy Stakes and GI Travers Stakes. The best sprinter in the world Bustin Stones will race in the GI Amsterdam Stakes. The list is endless!
Expect to see shippers come in from all over the country. You’ll see starters coming from tracks such as Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Calder Race Track, Arlington Park and of course Belmont Park.
When handicapping the races at the spa it’s good to keep in mind how different Saratoga is in comparison to Belmont. The latter has a massive 1 ½ oval track, the biggest in North America. It features one turn mile to 1 1/8 dirt races where speed will last much longer. Some horses from Belmont might not know what a two turn race is. So keep an eye on their past performances and if they’re proven around two turns then consider them, otherwise you may want to throw the horse out of your handicapping equations.
Last years top jockey returns to defend his title. Cornelio Valasquez is back fresh off his 44 win performance last year. The Jockey who was hot on his heels is also back in Kent Desormeaux. Kent’s 43 wins was good for second, 14 a head of third place jockey Garrett Gomez. Gomez decided to move his tack out west and join the jockey colony at Del Mar but, we do get to see an old favorite in Richard Migliore return this season. Also keep an eye on jockeys like 2008 hall of fame inductee Edgar Prado, John Velasquez,
Eibar Coa, Javier Castellano and Ramon Dominguez.
Last years top trainer was a mild surprise. Hall of famer Bill Mott returned to the top of the trainers list after a 6 year absents. Mott’s 27 winners and win percentage of 28% made Billy the feel good story of 2007. On the other hand Todd Pletcher had a season we would like to forget. Pletcher dropped 11 winners from 2006 when he won the trainers title. At one point he was 0-30 and for the meet he only scored with 3 of 47 2 year olds, his supposed strength. Look for Todd to rebound because his barn has too much quality stock to be that bad again.
Again this year I’ll be posting my best bet and long shot plays of the day. Unlike in previous years I’ll also have a bank roll so you can see exactly how bad (or good) I do this season.
If you have any tips or suggestions please feel free to e-mail me at erickert@capitalregionsports.com