Bernier: Del Mar pick three play for Friday, Aug. 29
DRF handicapper Matt Bernier provides a pick three play in races 1-3 Friday at Del Mar.
Matt BernierAug 28, 2014
DRF handicapper Matt Bernier provides a pick three play in races 1-3 Friday at Del Mar.
Chad Brown posted a three-bagger Thursday and cut Todd Plercher’s lead in the trainers’ standings to 23-22.
There was a time when Plaza de Indias and Diamond Bachelor were competing in stakes, and it was right where they belonged. Alas, things have gone south somewhat for the pair, but the two come into Friday’s card seemingly on the upswing, as if they have some of their old mojo back.
If ever there is a time to take a shot against Wise Dan, now seems like the time. And so I will. My upset choice in the Bernard Baruch Handicap at Saratoga is Sayaad, a 6-1 shot on the morning line
The Jackpot Hi 5 carryover has continued to build at a steady pace, and is $278,841 heading into the ninth race today.
Call me crazy, but the linchpin of a rolling pick three play through the middle portion of Thursday’s card at Saratoga is Grandpa Len, a 5-year-old gelding who has managed to compile a record of 1-4-5 through 21 starts, yet appears to be set up for a peak performance in race 6.
Thursday’s Grade 2 With Anticipation for 2-year-olds on the turf at Saratoga probably offers players less information than any other stakes race at the meeting: Five of the eight in the race, including nearly all the top contenders, are making just their second career starts. The race boils down to “Whose debut victory did you like best?”
Today’s third race features a pair of Chad Brown-trained New York-breds. But I am going to try and beat him with Foxhall Drive.
In contrast to the later races Thursday at Del Mar, contests this handicapper finds highly difficult to decipher, the early pick three looks hittable. So, let’s dive right in with a play in the gimmicks.
DRF handicapper Dan Illman takes a closer look at juveniles running at Saratoga.