Litfin's Saratoga plays for Wednesday, July 26

It came down to the last day and the final bet of the meet, but when Key Event came charging from off the pace to win at 5-2 back on Labor Day 2005, it meant that our ship had finally come in. Yes, after 36 days and $1,070 in total wagers in this internet endeavor, Key Event's winning payoff pushed our total returns into the black at $1,097 -- a $27 profit.

Hopefully, our profits this season will be a little better than 75 cents per racing day.

And away we go ...

RACE 8: Despite the fact that Sweet Sweet won the seven-furlong Bouwerie early in her career, I have a hard time trusting her beyond six furlongs these days, especially packing 124 pounds in this overnight stake out of the chute.

Judy Soda seems to be set up nicely for this spot. She returned from a long layoff to battle for the lead against open fillies and mares at Belmont, and projects for a good trip stalking Sweet Sweet from the outside.

The bet: $25 to win on Judy Soda (minimum odds 9-5)

RACE 10: I've been waiting for Pulpiteer to get back on the grass ever since last fall at Aqueduct, when he leapt in the air at the break under an apprentice rider, and raced wide throughout a slow-paced mile on yielding ground. He's on a good figure pattern after running second in an off-the-turf route in the mud first time out this year, and should be a square price if the race remains on turf.

The bet: $25 to win on Pulpiteer (turf only; minimum odds 7-2)