A salty renewal of the John Morrissey contains eight accomplished New York-breds who have collectively earned more than $3.3 million, including 2012 Empire Classic winner Saratoga Snacks; and Big Business, a 10-time winner turning back to 6 1/2 furlongs after getting beat a head in the Evan Shipman at 1 1/8 miles.
Since the American St. Leger was introduced two years ago, there have been eight six-figure turf stakes on Arlington Million cards. European shippers have won five.
I plan to play Real Solution – not to win, but on the bottom of exactas in the Arlington Million.
The Jackpot Hi 5 carryover heading into the nightcap, the ninth race, is $183,847. The ninth could be viewed as Chocolate Ride’s to lose, even though the 4-year-old is returning from an extended layoff.
I like Sparkling Beam, who probably will not be anywhere near her 20-1 morning-line price, in the Beverly D. at Arlington.
My main position of the day is in the last race, and concerns The Big Deluxe and Bug Juice.
DRF handicapper Dan Illman looks at Saratoga's races for juveniles on Friday, Aug. 15.
It has been a steady stream of high-odds winners since turf racing resumed Aug. 9 at Del Mar. That is good, right? That depends on wagering style.
Quality has been higher this season than the Del Mar card offered Thursday. Nonetheless, a discriminating bettor might find value in at least a couple of races. This is how I plan to play.
DRF handicapper Brad Free offers up his horses to watch at Del Mar.
