Litfin's Saratoga plays for Monday, August 14

Monday's card marks the halfway point of the Saratoga meet. We'll update the results from Sunday and Monday in this space on Wednesday, when the second half of the meet gets underway.

Two bets Monday:

RACE 1

Sheer Silk is a hard-knocking filly who has compiled a 5-2-1 record from 13 starts this season, and she makes her second start off a claim by Bob Klesaris.

Sheer Silk is back in for the same $20,000 price as last time, but this is a much easier field; the winner of her last, Jules for A.J., has won three of her last four starts.

Mark Aim Fire may be the favorite off a big-figure victory at Belmont last out, but she looks ripe for a bounce second time back from a layoff, after being claimed away from Bruce Levine.

The bet: $20 to win on Sheer Silk

RACE 3

Tactical speed has been vital going 1 1/8 miles on the main track, where 14 of the first 17 route winners either led or were within two lengths of the lead at the pace call.

Mr. Antagonizer drew post 2 for his second start back from a layoff, drops from the allowance ranks and seems foreordained to get the lead and the rail in a restricted claiming race full of plodders.

The bet: $30 to win on Mr. Antagonizer

Total wagers for meet through Saturday: $722
Total return for meet through Saturday: $511
Total win/loss for meet through Saturday: minus $211