Litfin's Saratoga plays for Saturday, July 29
It took three days, but we finally hit something in Friday's opener when Jules for A.J. and Roanoke's Best linked for a $22.20 exacta that we had five times.
The heavens opened up shortly thereafter, and as this was written Friday evening the main track was a sea of slop, and the turf courses were saturated. There are five turf races scheduled for Saturday's program, but it may be that only the $500,000 Diana stays on.
RACE 8
Angara was entered in the Diana just in case the turf got some rain, and lo and behold, that's what happened. Angara, then trained by Patrick Biancone, was good enough to finish third in last year's Diana while at a tactical disadvantage, as Mott's Sand Springs went wire to wire on a sun-baked course.
The filly Angara must beat is Biancone's 3-year-old Lady of Venice, who has looked like something special winning the Appalachian and the Regret in her first two U.S. starts. She is first-time Lasix in the Diana, and Biancone must be very confident in her ability, because he withheld Gorella from this race and opted instead to await the Beverly D with her.
The bet: $30 exacta Lady of Venice over Angara, and reverse it for $20.
Total wagers previous day: $50
Total return previous day: $111
Total win/loss previous day: plus $61
Total wagers for meet: $150
Total return for meet: $111
Total win/loss for meet: minus $39