SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – “We’re running.”

Those were the words of New York Racing Association president and CEO Charles Hayward shortly before 7 a.m., regarding the status of Friday’s opening-day card at Saratoga.

Despite temperatures that are expected to be in the mid-90s and a heat index near 100, Hayward said that Friday’s 10-race show will go on. First post is 1 p.m.

Hayward said the forecast by the weather service NYRA uses is calling for a high of 93 degrees and a heat index of 100. On Thursday, it was 98 degrees in Saratoga with a heat index over 100.

DEL MAR, Calif. - Santa Anita officials hope to complete the renovation of its main track by Sunday and reopen for training by Tuesday, track president George Haines said on Thursday.

Welcome to Spa Babies! I'll break down the statistics for every juvenile contest at the meet and hope for a tidy profit.

Race 9
6 Furlongs
Schuylerville Stakes (G3)
2-year-old fillies
Purse $100,000

 Analysis:

Welcome to Spa Babies! I'll break down the statistics for every juvenile contest at the meet and hope for a tidy profit.

Race 7
5 1/2 Furlongs
Maiden Special Weight (New York Breds)
2-year-old fillies
Purse $40,000

Analysis:

Welcome to Spa Babies! I'll break down the statistics for every juvenile contest at the meet and hope for a tidy profit.

In past years, I would list the stats for each horse before writing up my analysis, selections and wagering strategy.

In order to streamline the content, this year's Spa Babies will showcase written analyses of each juvenile race.

Each analysis will include relevant statistical information. Following the analysis, top three selections and wagering strategy will be provided.

To keep her perfect record against Colorado-breds intact, Sweet Dixie Van will have to conquer two turns in her first attempt Saturday at Arapahoe Park in the $30,000 Colorado Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Oaks. The mile and 70-yard race is for 3-year-old fillies bred in Colorado. It has drawn a field of eight that includes the Kenneth Gleason-trained trio of Class Trans Action, All About Maty, and Happy Times Again.

Bach’s Homebrew had his late run compromised by a short field in his last start, and he will have the same obstacle to overcome Saturday when he faces four other older Nebraska-bred rivals in the $27,500 Who Doctor Who Handicap at Horsemen’s Park.

Sera’s Tunnel will attempt to become the latest next-out winner to emerge from a very key June race at Louisiana Downs when she starts in a first-level allowance on Saturday.

The one-mile turf race for fillies and mares will go as the fourth. It drew a competitive group that includes up-and-coming 3-year-olds Allure and Like a Lover.

Motega will face Ohio-bred 2-year-old fillies for the first time in the $50,000 Tah Dah at River Downs on Saturday afternoon.

A daughter of Yonaguska, Motega won at first asking by 2 3/4 lengths for trainer Joe Martin at Mountaineer Racetrack on June 24 in an open maiden race. Martin received permission to add blinkers for his filly in her next out in the $50,000 Hoover against statebreds locally on July 10. Motega responded to the hood with a front-running 17-length victory in the Hoover, facing nine rivals, mostly males.

No stakes races on the second day of the 2011 Del Mar meet but still plenty of intrigue and, more important, some decent betting races. The DRF.com Race of the Day is No. 6, a $65,000, one-mile optional claimer on turf for fillies and mares (3-year-olds and up).

Watch the horse-by-horse analysis form Dan Illman and Mike Beer and scroll down to get more advice from DRF.com's Brad Free and the Wizard.

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