Illman: Saratoga daily double play for Monday, July 28

This article usually focuses on a potential pick three, pick four, pick five, etc., but with an uncertain weather forecast and a slew of turf races scheduled for Saratoga on Monday afternoon, I'll focus on the late daily double, a sequence involving two dirt affairs.

In the featured eighth race, the Grade 2 Honorable Miss Handicap, I prefer #5 MERRY MEADOW, a 4-year-old filly who has really come to hand for trainer Mark Hennig.

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She didn't beat much in the Grade 3 Vagrancy Handicap two starts back at Belmont, but won in nice style. Last time out, she was very game in the stretch to lose by only a nose to Hot Stones, a talented 3-year-old who returned to finish third, with a 93 Beyer, against older foes in yesterday's Grade 3 Shuvee Handicap.

Merry Meadow's running style could be the key handicapping factor. With #1 LA VERDAD and #3 R FREE ROLL expected to battle on the lead, Merry Meadow figures to find a comfortable spot behind that potential speed duel. She won her only start over a wet track and offers some value in the first leg of the wager.

R Free Roll is wicked fast. If La Verdad decides to rate, then it's possible R Free Roll could be long gone. She would be a back-up in the play.

In the finale, #9 ROMANCING THE GOLD looks to be back in form for high-percentage trainer David Jacobson. He parlayed a nice inside-out, pace-tracking trip into victory at Belmont, and won a nine-furlong race over sloppy going at the Spa last summer. He must overcome the outside post. I'll single him and hope for the best.