Litfin: How I'd play Saratoga for Monday, Aug. 3
DRF handicapper Dave Litfin outlines his suggested betting strategy for Monday's program at Saratoga.
Dave LitfinAug 02, 2015
DRF handicapper Dave Litfin outlines his suggested betting strategy for Monday's program at Saratoga.
This Sunday morning notes missive from me has become something of a thing. And of course, on this Sunday, writing it in the morning means I’m filing it before American Pharoah competes in the Haskell in his first outing since completing his sweep of the Triple Crown. I’ll weigh in later on American Pharoah and the Haskell on DRF Live. But the stage was properly set for him thanks to a terrific Saturday of stakes racing.
We’ll start the pick three with a no-brainer single in the $200,000 Real Good Deal in race 5. GIMME DA LUTE (6) is coming off back-to-back wins in graded races and shouldn’t have any trouble handling the cutback in distance to seven furlongs while facing Cal-breds. He appeared to like the new surface when he earned a bullet for his five-furlong move here July 27, and he should get a perfect trip breaking from the outside post in the six-horse field.
Occasionally, a racing card includes vulnerable or undervalued favorites that a bettor is virtually required to wager against.
Holy maidens, Batman! Sunday’s Saratoga card features four maiden special weight events. Between that fact and the expected good weather, this is a card I’ll be excited to see in person. In maiden races, I’m a big believer in doing the preparatory trainer/pedigree work on paper, but then also consulting the workout reports, following the money, and doing my own paddock inspection before making a final decision.
Haskell Day at Monmouth Park is the premier day for racing in New Jersey, and the card features some interesting betting races of course. Here's a look at the late pick five.
Download DRF Plus handicapping reports for Saturday's races, including DRF Bets GamePlan, the Positive ROI Report, and Key Race Report.
DRF handicapper Joe DeVivo provides a suggested pick three play for Saturday's program at Saratoga.
DRF handicapper Michael Hammersly outlines his best plays for Saturday's program at Del Mar.
Free: Del Mar daily double play for Saturday, Aug. 1