A pair of full fields sandwich the featured race Friday at Del Mar, the CTT and Thoroughbred Owners of California Handicap, making the late pick three the most attractive of the multi-race gimmick wagers.
Making her first start since taking a hard-fought decision in the Ogden Phipps on June 7, Close Hatches is the one to beat in Friday’s $500,000 Personal Ensign (race 9) at Saratoga.
My strategy for wagering on Saturday’s stakes at Saratoga is simple: Go against the grain by betting against horses widely deemed to hold a pace advantage.
The seven-furlong allowance prep for the Grade 2 Natalma Stakes, a one-mile test for 2-year-old fillies here Sept. 13, seems wide-open. Unhindered (2-1) looms a vulnerable favorite while competing on short rest and moving out to a distance that may be farther than her optimum. She is by the successful turf sire Stormy Atlantic.
I have absolutely nothing against Wicked Strong or Bayern, but I say this Travers goes to Tonalist.
DRF handicapper Dan Illman looks at Saratoga's races for juveniles.
I wasn’t enamored of today’s racing to begin with, and the wet conditions have dampened what little enthusiasm I had for the card.
The pick five at Del Mar on Thursday seems intriguing to me, so I’ll put together a few tickets and take a shot at it.
DRF handicapper Matt Bernier takes a closer look at juveniles running at Del Mar.
Travers Stakes Formulator Facts for Saturday, August 23.
