Litfin: How I'd play Saratoga on Friday, July 18

One thing I like to do at Saratoga, especially in the early stages, is scan the card for horses that have done well here in the past, looking for the Fourstardave-type horses that seem to have an affinity for the place.

So in spite of his 1-for-19 record, I can’t resist fooling around with Grandpa Len in the opener, because that “1” came off a turf-to-dirt switch here last July, and the same surface switch is in play for his second start back from a layoff.

He’s an “action” bet at his 8-1 morning line or better, and slotted in the second/third spots of exactas and trifectas if a silly price.

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Race 4 is intriguing, in that Judy Legend and Mumtaazah will attract lots of attention after showing some ability last fall. Neither broke sharply in her only start, though, and they are drawn inside, which could spell trouble.

The first-time starters are drawn outside - M B and Tee (post 7) and Street Blush (post 9), and if they take money or make a good appearance, well, they are in a maiden race where no one has been within 10 points of the 82 Beyer par. Wait and see.

In race 7, where half-brothers Joes Blazing Aaron and Tiz Sardonic Joe figure prominently along with Monument Hill, I’ll give Majestic Raffy a look at anything close to his 12-1 quote on the line, as he’s been claimed from two consecutive starts and has run well here in the past.

Although not partial to wheeling, I think just about anyone could win the nightcap. If things have gone well, I may key Sir Cat contender Storming Inti to a bunch of them in late doubles.