Litfin: Pick four play at Saratoga for Friday, Aug. 29
Deciding to pass on Friday’s late pick four at Saratoga didn’t take long, because the last leg is a blind item – a maiden turf sprint with several nicely bred and well-connected first-time starters and a morning-line favorite who hasn’t raced since last winter.
Since my strongest opinion is Lady Kreesa in race 5, I will simply approach the early pick four as an attempt to improve on her 2-1 morning-line odds, and single her in the anchor leg.
Reaching that point will go something like this:
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Race 2: After dueling in two allowance attempts, Golden Story drops more than 50 percent in purse value in this restricted claimer, and he will take some catching. The fact that he was able to withstand race-long pace pressure in a maiden win against a full field of 12 three races ago suggests he will be tough to get past.
If someone does, it is likely to be Bajan Summer, Kid Blast, or Recanted. For every $1 worth of Golden Story, I will include that trio for 50 cents each.
Race 3: Only six of these maiden claiming turf fillies are left after scratches, and four of them received trouble comments at the break last time.
I will hit the ‘All” button for $1, and press it for an additional $1 with potential controlling speed Late Night Artist and second-time starter One More Song.
Race 4: Man’s greatest invention is the wheel, and I’m rooting for something silly to happen in this starter allowance, where the 10 furlongs are uncharted waters for all but the Argentine import Desvelo.
Sinorice and Village Warrior come off wins with identical 92 Beyer Figure tops, but I just don’t trust either of them. Sinorice has won shorter routes at Saratoga each of the past two years, but has run just once since January. Village Warrior became eligible for this when able to get an easy lead in the mud.
I will go “All” again, and take an additional ticket with Desvelo and Gary Contessa’s entry of Conspiracy and For the Luv of Lil.
Race 5: Come on, Lady Kreesa.