The Pick 6 yesterday returned $377,883 and there were four winning tickets. The consolation payoff for five of six paid $983.00.

The winners: Peat Bay ($4.80), Devilish Due ($8.60), Power Dream ($10.60), Fancy Point ($9.70), Crowned General ($21.40) and Slick Wheelie ($16.80).

I had the first four winners among my top contenders, but failed to come up with the final two.

It looks as if Hurricane Earl will scoot up the coast and miss Saratoga, at least according to The Weather Channel.

The weather is perfect for Thursday’s card, with the main track fast and the turf course labeled firm. There are six races carded for the grass today.

The feature is the split $70,000 Riskaverse. Lisa’s Booby Trap makes her turf debut today in the ninth race.

The undefeated fill has won her four career starts by a combined 43 lengths.

Blind in one eye and purchased for just $4,500, she has become a rags to riches story, with Dateline NBC looking to do a story about her.

I made her my third choice, as I am not convinced she is going to like turf, and her rice is going to be on the light side.

SPAbabies

SAR Race 7 Md Sp Wt (4:23 ET)

#9 Technique   6/1

#4 Modest   3/1

#1 It’s Truly Ahvee   5/1

#6 Scoville    8/1

Analysis: #9 Technique was sent off as the 6/5 chalk in his debut at Del Park in a six horse field. The colt bobbled coming out of the gate, tracking the early pace and weakened to finish fourth. The winner came back to run a  good second against Alw-1 optional claimers while the third place finisher Pick Four returned to graduate in his next start on Aug. 25 versus $40K maiden claimers. The colt came back with a couple of bullet drills on the morning tab including a gate drill over the Spa main track on Aug. 29.

#4 Modest debuts for the McLaughlin barn that is on the light side with firsters, hitting at a 8% clip and is much better with second outers. However, this guy seems to be cranked and ready to go. He is by Pulpit (13% winners with debut runners) out of a stakes placed Unbridled’s Song mare, her first foal to race. A couple of quick works on the morning tab including a quick gate drill on Aug. 13.

Wagering

WIN: #9 to win at 4/1 or better.

EX: 4,9 / 1,4,6,9

TRI: 4,9 / 1,4,6,9 / 1,4,6,7,9,10

Spa Featured Race of the Day:

SAR Race 9 The Riskaverse (5:31 ET)

#6 Doe Run   8/1

#4 Sea Road   6/1

#2 Lisa’s Booby Trap    5/2

#5 Khancord Kid   6/1

Analysis: #6 Doe Run came off a two month break with a game runner up finish versus Alw-1 foes. The winner of that race was It’s Tea Time, who came back to win the Lake Placid (G3) on Aug. 22. The filly appears to be heading in the right direction and looks to be sitting on a good one here in her second start off the short break. The Phipps barn is having a tough meet, 0 for 17, but the former Mott assistant appears to have some live runners entered this week. Decent value if we catch most of the 8/1 ML.

#4 Sea Road made a good late rally to win the Hattie Moseley last out. The third place finisher in the race was Barracks Road, who came back to win the Ontario Coleen at Woodbine on Aug. 28 at Woodbine. The Hough filly has won 4 of 6 on turf including a pair of stakes wins. She fits well in this spot.

Wagering

WIN: #6 to win at 9/2 or better.

EX: 4,6 / 2,4,5,6

TRI: 4,6 / 2,4,5,6 / 1,2,4,5,6

SPAshots for Thursday

R4: #10 Silver La Belle   12/1

R6: #2 Emerald Beech   8/1

R7: #6 Scoville   8/1

R9: #6 Doe Run   8/1

R10: #1 Mazara Del Vallo   8/1

We enter the final week of the Spa meeting with a nice carryover today in the Pick 6, $443,274 up for grabs.

Five of the six races in the sequence are on the turf, and the weather should be perfect for today’s card. Hurricane Earl may visit later in the week, but all looks good for today.

I had a tough time coming up with many live longshots in the six race sequence, which seems to indicate quite a few of us will share the pool, which could be close to $2 million by the time they load the in the gate.

Post time for the race of the Pick 6 is 3:13 ET.

SPAbabies

SAR Race 7 Md Sp Wt (4:21 ET)

#6 Precious Metal

#5 Power Dreams

#10 Really Belong

#1 Obviously Tuesday

Analysis: #6 Precious Metal is a $50K Keeneland purchase making his debut here for the Chad Brown barn that has won with 6 of 14 firsters so far at the meeting. The colt is by freshman sire Silver Train out of a Slew o’ Gold mare that has dropped nine winners but only one turf winner. The barn has been on a roll at the meet and none of these state breds have much of a pedigree to handle turf.

#5 Power Dreams makes his turf debut here and is by a Powerscourt, w Grade 1 winner on turf. Last out on the main track he made a mild late run to finish third going 5 1/2 furlongs on the main track. He came back with a bullet drill and he should be able to handle the stretch out to a route here as he makes his third career start.

Wagering

WIN: #6 to win at 3/1 or better.

EX: 5,6 / 1,5,6,10

TRI: 5,6 / 1,5,6,10 / 1,5,6,9,10

Spa Featured Race of the Day:

(See the front page of turfnsport.com for today’s feature)

SPAshots for Wednesday

Horses to toss in your exotics at generous prices:

R2: #3 Blessed Moon   8/1

R2: #6 Glackety   8/1

R8: #9 Believe in A.P.   8/1

R8: #4 Fancy Point   12/1

The Personal Ensign (G1) will be a huge test for Rachel Alexandra this afternoon, a chance to show she is just as good as a four-year-old as she was last year when she won all eight of her starts.

Her life at four will get a test from Life At Ten, who comes into today’s Person Ensign riding a six race win streak.

Call me crazy, but I am going to take a small stab we can beat them both with Miss Singhsix.

We got off to a slow start yesterday, with my top pick in the opening race on the card Cocalero going down to her nose coming out of the gate.

Things got better as the day went on, and after Rapport ($6.90) and Rightly So ($11.40) won as my top picks to start the $1 million guaranteed Pick 4, things were looking good.

Discreetly Mine ($4.10) got home as my second choice, taking us into the Travers with a good shot of hitting the Pick 4.

My top pick A Little Warm was a little dull, checking in ninth. My second choice Fly Down lost a head bob, costing me a $460.00 payoff in the Pick 4.

Jose Lezcano was aboard Fly Down, doing his imitation of The Cooler. The jockey has been poison to my bankroll the entire Spa meeting.

SPAbabies

SAR Race 2 Md Sp Wt (1:32 ET)

#4 Lady Vi   4/1

#2 Millie Money   8/5

#5 Honeywantshermoney   5/1 

#7 Social Statement   8/1

Analysis: #4 Lady Vi makes her debut for the Serpe barn that is 7% winners with first time starters. The filly is by Tale of the Cat (16% winners with debut runners) out of a Dixieland Band mare. The filly sports a couple of quick looking gate drills for her debut here and catches what appears to be a soft spot.

#2 Millie Money comes back quickly having made her debut on Aug. 20, a decent runner up finish after a rail skimming trip. The debut came against $50K maiden claimers and she steps up in class here for the Rice barn that is 24% winners (with a +ROI) with second out maidens. She is out of a stakes placed Norquestor mare that has dropped two other foals to race, both winners, top earner 2 for 8 Hook Me Up ($117K). She fits well here but the price is going to be on the light side.

Wagering

WIN: #4 to win at 3/1 or better.

EX: 2,4 / 2,4,5,7

TRI: 2,4 / 2,4,5,7 / 2,3,4,5,7

Spa Featured Race of the Day:

SAR Race 10 The Personal Ensign G1 (5:56 ET)

#1 Miss Singhsix   10/1

#2 Rachel Alexandra   2/5

#4 Life At Ten   5/2

#3 Persistently   20/1

Analysis: Neither #2 Rachel Alexandra or #4 Life At Ten are going to offer any value, so let’s take a small stab with #1 Miss Singhsix, who finished second in the Del ‘Cap (G2) last out. The filly came with a four wide run but could not catch the loose on the lead winner #4 Life At Ten, who had things her own way that day. Today is appears that Rachel is quick enough she is going top be on the lead, with #4 Life At Ten doing the chasing. If that happens, we might be able to get the chaser to regress, and our top pick can turn the tables with a late rally. She will need Rachel to toss in a clunker or perhaps not want to get the 1 1/4 miles to pull off the upset, but if we get around 8/1 I am willing to take a look.

#2 Rachel Alexandra needs to run well and perhaps win or we may not see her in the Breeders’ Cup. She has won her last two starts, and while she still does not seem to be up to her ‘09 form, her figures stack up pretty close. I don’t think Calvin will mess around with her main rival in here and may try to snag the early lead and go gate to wire.

Wagering

WIN: #1 to win at 8/1 or better.

EX: 1,2 / 1,2,4

TRI: no play

SPAshots for Saturday

Horses to toss in your exotics at generous prices:

R2: #7 Social Statement   8/1

R4: #6 Proven Right   8/1

R4: #5 Much Fanfare   12/1

R6: #5 Devonshire   15/1

R6: #7 Midnight Mass   12/1

R7: #7 Sound Chaser   10/1

R7: #1 Federal Hill   12/1

R8: #1 Irish Lady   8/1

R9: #6 Ziegfeld   8/1

R9: #2 Raven Hawk   8/1

R10: #1 Miss Singhsix   10/1

R11: #9 Silver Birch   15/1

Make sure you crank up the wagering account early this morning, as first post on Travers Day is 11:35 ET.

We are fast and firm with the turf rails set at zero, and the weather is supposed to be perfect for today’s 13-race card.

Our sister site Trackchampion.,com is hosting a Bet America Pacific Classic Day Handicapping Contest, with $500 up for grabs this afternoon.

The contests will be live, with payoffs based on a $2 win and place wager on each selection. There are caps on payouts, 24/1 on win and 12/1 on place. Please make sure you get your wagers in a few minutes before post time to avoid being shut out.

Prizes: First place in the contest is $100, second place is $50, and 13 prizes of $25 will be awarded.

SPAbabies

SAR Race 2 Md Sp Wt (12:05 ET)

#7 Missyoulikecrazy   6/1

#6 Blazing Along   5/2

#8 Malibu Cougar   5/1

#2 Kerfuffle   12/1

Analysis: #7 Missyoulikecrazy is a $230K Keeneland purchase making her debut for the Kenneally barn that is 16% winners with first time starters. The filly is by Lion Heart (12% winners with debut runners) out of a Seattle Slew mare that has dropped eight foals to race, all winners, including a pair of stakes winners, top earner Pretty Prolific ($326K). The filly sports a couple of quick works on the morning tab.

#6 Blazing Along showed some early zip in her debut at Del Mar over the poly, setting the early fractions and weakened late to finish third. The $600K purchase is sent out by the Baffert barn that is 23% winners with second out maidens.

Wagering

WIN: #7 to win at 4/1 or better.

EX: 6,7 / 2,6,7,8

TRI: 6,7 / 2,6,7,8 / 2,5,6,7,8

Spa Featured Race of the Day:

(See the front page for analysis of today’s Travers Stakes)

SPAshots for Saturday

Horses to toss in your exotics at generous prices:

R1: #6 Litigation Risk   10/1

R2: #2 Kerfuffle   12/1

R3: #6 Film Maker   10/1

R3: #1 Beachcombing   12/1

R3: #8 Gold Trader   10/1

R4: #4 New Pais   10/1

R4: #11 Dos Hombres   8/1

R5: #8 Sinorice   12/1

R6: #5 Fourseventeen   12/1

R6: #4 Brolio   12/1

R6: #2 Neversaywhen   12/1

R7: #10 Midnight Mischief   8/1

R7: #5 Staying On   8/1

R8: #7 Dynaslew   8/1

R12: #8 Fly Down  8/1

R12: #1 Miner’s Reserve   12/1

The feature on Friday is the $200,000 Bernard Baruch (G2), which drew a field of eight runners who will go nine furlongs on the inner turf course.

Get Stormy is the one to beat off his win in the Fourstardave (G2), but the Tom Bush trainee has not won at nine furlongs and is going to be a puny price, so let’s try to beat him for the top spot.

I do not have much time today for idle chitchat, there is a 13 race card to handicap for Travers Day.

SPAbabies

SAR Race 5 Md Sp Wt (3:13 ET)

#6 Tiz My Time   9/5

#8 Holidayatthefarm   8/1

#1 Excited   5/1

#9 Erma Lee   5/1

Analysis: #6 Tiz My Time stretches out to a route for the first time here in her fourth career start. She shipped overseas to run at Ascot and ran a decent third behind the highly regarded Memory, who will likely be the favorite in the upcoming Moyglare Stud Stakes (G1) at the Curragh. She has plenty of pedigree to handle the stretch out, by Sharp Humor out of a Tiznow mare. The McPeek barn is 20% winners (with a +ROI) moving runners from sprint to route.

#8 Holidayatthefarm prompted the early pace for six panels and then weakened to finish fifth last out although beaten just a length for the top spot. This gal should move forward with a route race under her belt. She is a half to turf stakes winner Rich in Spirit ($606K).

Wagering

WIN: #6 to win at 8/5 or better.

EX: 6,8 / 1,6,8,9

TRI: 6,8 / 1,6,8,9 / 1,3,6,8,9

Spa Featured Race of the Day:

SAR Race 9 The Bernard Baruch Hcp G2 (1:00 ET)

#8 Radical Sabbatical   8/1

#2 Whatsthescript   4/1

#5 Get Stormy   9/5

#3 Sudden War   8/1

Analysis: #8 Radical Sabbatical raced evenly last out in the Fourstardave (G2), checking in fifth. The gelding regressed a bit off a hard fought neck win two back against Alw-3 optional claimers in his first go off an eight-month layoff. The gelding has put in a  couple of good works since his last outing and he looks as if he wants to go nine furlongs. He looks like he is sitting on a  good one and should be a decent price in this spot.

#2 Whatsthescript was fourth in the Fourstardave and also makes his third start of his current form cycle. This guy is winless since ‘08 but he has been facing tougher and this is not a deep group of Grade 2 foes here.

#5 Get Stormy has won 3 of 4 over the Spa turf and tough to knock a runner that has won 6 of his last 7 starts overall. However, he has not won at nine furlongs and we are going to be looking at a very short price.

Wagering

WIN: #8 to win at 9/2 or better.

EX: 2,8 / 2,3,5,8

TRI: 2,8 / 2,3,5,8 / 2,3,5,7,8

SPAshots for Friday

Horses to toss in your exotics at generous prices:

R2: #6 Fortunate Run   8/1

R5: #8 Holidayatthefarm   8/1

R6: #11 Mr. Madison   8/1

R6: #3 Saratoga Seven   20/1

R7: #8 Peahi   8/1

R8: #9 Tudor King   8/1

R8: #3 Follia   8/1

R9: #8 Radical Sabbatical   8/1

R9: #3 Sudden War   8/1

R10: #6 Elleway   10/1

The weather is on the improve, and we are completely back on the turf course, which is labeled as “good”  for Thursday.

I have to be honest, today’s card is not one of the best we have seen so far at the Spa. The opener is a jump race, and the $70,000 High Rock Springs drew just a field of five.

However, the remainder of the card is solid, at least enough to keep us busy until Travers Day on Saturday.

A quick look at last week’s track bias for the Spa:

8/18/10: slight edge to speed, 3 path in, 2 gate to wire

8/19/10: track played fair, 0 gate to wire

8/20/10: track played fair, 2 gate to wire

8/21/10: track played fair, 2 gate to wire

8/22/10: slight edge to stalkers/closers, 3-4 paths, 0 gate to wire

8/23/10: edge to speed, 2-3 paths, 5 gate to wire

SPAbabies

SAR Race 4 Md Sp Wt (1:00 ET)

#9 Ravingaboutkitten   

#3 Thunder Jewel

#10 Hessonite

#4 Chalk Player

Analysis: #9 Ravingaboutkitten was not a threat in her debut going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf for the Maker barn that is on the light wide with first time starters. The high % barn does hit at a 31% clip (with a +ROI) with second out maidens. The filly adds blinkers and has the pedigree to win going long on turf. The filly is by Kitten’s Joy out of a Dynaformer mare that has dropped a couple of other runners, both winners on dirt, top earner Lexington Loverboy ($26K).

#3 Thunder Jewel exits the same race as our top pick, the filly checking in fourth in an even effort. The filly is out of a Spinning World mare that has dropped one other foal to race, dirt winner Lady Arundel ($27K). Ramon takes over for the Donk barn that is having a slow Spa meeting, winning with just n1 of 17 starters.

Wagering

WIN: #9 to win at 7/2 or better.

EX: 3,9 / 3,4,9,10

TRI: 3,9 / 3,.4,9,10 / 1,3,4,9,10

Spa Featured Race of the Day:

SAR Race 3 The High Rock Springs (2:06 ET)

#2 Never Right Joey   7/5

#4 Hysterical Cat   8/5

#5 Freuds Ana Streak   12/1

#3 Private Rules   4/1

Analysis: #2 Never Right Joey is one of two in here sent out by the Pletcher barn and the colt earned just a 66 Beyer while stablemate #4 Hysterical Cat earned a 79. However, the colt did catch a muddy main track and note that Johnny V., who rode both lands with our top pick.

#4 Hysterical Cat did earn the better fig but was aided by a racing strip that was playing to inside speed. The colt went gate to wire and drew clear to win by 3 1/2 lengths. This guy is out of the stakes winner Then She Laughs ($151K). Off the speed fig edge he may end up going off as the fav, but finding any value in this five horse field does not look too promising.

Wagering

WIN: #2 to win at 7/5 or better.

EX: 2 / 4,5

TRI: no play

SPAshots for Thursday

Horses to toss in your exotics at generous prices:

R3: #5 Freuds Ana Streak   12/1

R5: #3 Thunderin Your Ear   12/1

R5: #2 Eliza Grace   12/1

R7: #7 Awakened Beauty   15/1

R8: #6 Zapparition   12/1

R9: #3 Grand Gift   12/1

After Monday’s washout at the Spa, the weather may be on the improve today.

So far, only the fourth race has been taken off the turf. As of early this morning, the track was labeled fast and the turf course good.

It looks as if we may get through the afternoon without much more rain falling, with a few late afternoon showers in the forecast.

Today’s pair of stakes drew small fields, the $70,000 Ann Clare having a small field of five two year old fillies, and a field of six will go in the $100,000 Albany.

Yawkey Way will be tough to beat in the Ann Clare at odds that will be less than even money, and we won’t get much more value with Ibboyee in the Albany.

Thankfully, there are seven other races on the card.

SPAbabies

SAR Race 6 Md Sp Wt (3:48 ET)

#3 Orangeblackandgold   7/2

#2 Drumette   6/1

#8 Silent Joy   8/1

#6 High Velocity   8/1

Analysis: #3 Orangeblackandgold came with a four wide run and could not make up enough ground late in a fifth place finish over the poly at Arlington Park. The winner returned to finish third versus Alw-1 optional claimers while the runner up was a next out grad. This filly should appreciate the switch to grass. She is out of a turf stakes winner that has six sibs that have won over the weeds including a pair of stakes winners, top earner Rize ($728K). The Proctor barn has been sending out live runners at the meeting and is 23% winner overall with second out maidens.

#2 Drumette is a $90K Keeneland purchase making her debut for the Weaver barn that is 12% winners with first time starters. The filly is out of the stakes winner Endless Parade ($114K) who has dropped a pair of turf winners, top earner  stakes winner Drum Major ($423K).

Wagering

WIN: #3 to win at 5/2 or better.

EX: 2,3 / 2,3,6,8

TRI: 2,3 / 2,3,6,8 / 2,3,6,7,8

Spa Featured Race of the Day:

SAR Race 8 The Albany (4:56 ET)

#1 Ibboyee   1/1

#2 Stormy’s Majesty  5/2

#4 Mineswept   6/1

#5 Johannesburg Smile   5/1

Analysis: #1 Ibboyee won’t be much of a price here, but the Pletcher runner will be tough to beat and seldom runs a bad one. The colt shipped to Finger Lakes last out to win the New York Derby for his sixth win in 21 career starts. He is 2 for 3 on wet tracks and has enough pedigree to handle nine furlongs. He is 5 for 7 in his career versus state breds.

#2 Stormy’s Majesty is perfect in three starts against state breds, then found the competition too tough trying the Jim Dandy (G2) last out. The colt tracked the early pace from the rail and faded to finish a well beaten eighth. The colt came back with a couple of good looking works and he should bounce back with a better effort facing softer company here.

Wagering

WIN: #1 to win at 4/5 or better.

EX: 1,2 / 1,2,4

TRI: no play

SPAshots for Wednesday

Horses to toss in your exotics at generous prices:

R3: #1 Readygetsgold   12/1

R5: #5 Hooligan’s Delight   15/1

R6: #8 Silent Joy   8/1

R6: #6 High Velocity   8/1

R9: #5 Wear Red   8/1

The weatherman actually got it right for a change. The rains came overnight, leaving the main track sloppy and sealed and we are off the turf for Sunday.

That is five races moved to the main track including the $150,000 Lake Placid (G2), which had drawn just a field of six and likely will be lighter by post time.

Yesterday’s Alabama (G1) went almost as planned. I figured on a slow pace and the fact that Devil May Care would get the jump on Blind Luck.

What I did not anticipate is that Devil May Care would run out of gas early, and Blind Luck would win her fourth photo finish in her last seven starts.

That is one amazing filly.

SPAbabies

SAR Race 7 Md $50,000 (1:00 ET)

#3 I Waited Patiently

#6 Lion Knight

#7 Disco Capote

#5 Local Legacy

Analysis: #3 I Waited Patiently is one of two Rice firsters in here. The $25K purchase is by Two Punch (12% winners with debut runners) out of a Caller I.D. mare that has dropped one other foal to race, 0 for 16 Repentent Caller. There are decent works on the morning tab and this guy is out of a solid off track sire. Rice hits at a 15% clip with first time starters.

#6 Lion Knight debuts for the Weaver barn that is 12% winners with firsters. The gelding is by Lion Heart (12% winners with debut runners) out of a Miswaki mare that has dropped four foals to race, all winners, top earner Not Grounded ($138K).

Wagering

WIN: #3 to win at 7/2 or better.

EX: 3,6 / 3,5,6,7

TRI: 3,6 / 3,5,6,7 / 3,4,5,6,7

Spa Featured Race of the Day:

Today’s Lake Placid (G2) is washed off the turf so let’s go with a dirt race.

SAR Race 6 Clm $30,000 (3:47 ET)

#1 Accredit   4/1

#7 Senor Fuego   6/1

#6 Belo Sorte   3/1

#4 Samhoon   7/2

Analysis: #1 Accredit drops out of a $50K claimer where the five year old dueled for the early lead and weakened to finish fifth last out at Churchill Downs. This guy is a Grade 2 winner and is 5 for 6 over wet tracks in his career. Maker spots this guy well here tagged for $25K.

#7 Senor Fuego was not a threat in his last two starts versus Alw-3 optional claimers and drops into a softer spot here for a straight tag. The colt beat $35K non winners of two here last summer by nearly ten lengths. He is bred top and bottom to handle a wet track and should wake up facing an easier group here.

Wagering

WIN: #1 to win at 3/1 or better.

EX: 1,7 / 1,4,6,7

TRI: 1,7 / 1,4,6,7 / 1,2,4,6,7

SPAshots for Sunday

Horses to toss in your exotics at generous prices:

R4: #6 It’s Tea Time   10/1

R7: #7 Disco Capote   10/1

R8: #3 Duffy’s Tavern   15/1

R8: #7 Regal Prince   12/1

R10: #6 Parting Words   12/1

R10: #10 Tapit Dancer   15/1

R10: #9 Hear My Cry   12/1

It is not exactly a good betting race, but I am looking forward to watching today’s $500,000 Betfair TVG Alabama (G1).

It matches up the two best three-year-old fillies going, Devil May Care and Blind Luck.

I am leaning toward Devil May Care, who was very impressive winning the Mother Goose and Coaching Club of America in her last two starts.

Blind Luck is a fighter, winning eight of her 12 starts, with three of her last four victories coming by a nose.

The International Festival of Racing is on tap at Arlington Park, and I have selections for the three Grade 1 races in my Saratoga Report today.

The Arlington Million always brings back bad memories for me. Jamie Spencer cost me a big Pick 4 with his bonehead ride in the 2005 Million, and five years later, it still stings.

SPAbabies

SAR Race 2 Md Sp Wt (1:31 ET)

#8 Curlinello

#6 Striding Ahead

#1 Mucho Mucho Man

#3 Brilliant Speed

Analysis: #8 Curlinello is making his debut for the Pletcher barn that is 19% winners overall with first time starters. The barn has scored with six firsters so far at the meeting here including one yesterday. The colt is by Smart Strike (14% winners with debut runners) out of a Pleasant Colony mare that has dropped three foals to race, all winners including the stakes winner Pleasant Strike ($419K).

#6 Striding Ahead debuts for the Mott barn that is on the light side with firsters, hitting at just a 4% clip, although the hall of fame trainer did have a good run with debuting two years here back in ‘07. This colt is a half to five winners including a pair of stakes winners, top earner Dr. Arbatach ($301K).

Wagering

WIN: #8 to win at 5/2 or better.

EX: 6,8 / 1,3,6,8

TRI: 6,8 / 1,3,6,8 / 1,3,4,5,6,8

Spa Featured Race of the Day:

(See the front page of turfnsport.com for today’s Alabama)

SPAshots for Thursday

Horses to toss in your exotics at generous prices:

R1: #4 Northern Giant   10/1

R1: #1 Romans Reward   15/1

R2: #6 Striding Ahead   10/1

R5: #5 Mad for Smarty   8/1

R7: #7 Budget   8/1

R8: #3 J.B.’s Thunder   10/1

R9: #2 Peace Fire   8/1

R9: #6 Mischief   8/1

R10: #1 Acting Happy   12/1

We turned a modest profit on Thursday with my three top picks that paid $9.80, $9.40, and $5.70, but it really was not that great a day.

Friday’s card is a good one, with the feature the $100,000 Yaddo. The race reunites the top four finishers in the William B. Fasig, who all hit the wire in a blanket finish won by longshot Exclusive Scheme.

It looks to me that Chestoria got the worst trip in that race and can turn the tables on her rivals today.

SPAbabies

SAR Race 2 Md Sp Wt (1:33 ET)

#3 Cadazzle   5/2

#5 My Southern Star    6/1

#4 Bayou Tortuga   5/1

#7 Alseera   3/1

Analysis: #3 Cadazzle is one of two in here sent out by the Pletcher barn that is 19% winners with first time starters. The filly is by Malibu Moon (14% winners with debut runners) out of the stakes winner Key to the Cat ($133K) who has dropped two foals to race, both winners, top earner stakes winner Miss Catalyst ($163K). There are a couple of quick gate drills back in July that hint this gal has some ability.

#5 My Southern Star debuts for the Kenneally barn that is 16% winners with debut runners. The filly is by Dixie Union (11% winners with debut runners) out of a Gone West mare that has dropped three foals to race, a pair of winners, top earner Sugar Forest ($49K).

#4 Bayou Tortuga is a half to three stakes winners including Tortuga Flats ($594K). She is in good hands with the Proctor barn that has been sending out live runners at the meet here and hits at a 11% clip overall with first time starters.

Wagering

WIN: #3 to win at 2/1 or better.

EX: 3,5 / 3,4,5,7

TRI: 3,5 / 3,4,5,7 / 3,4,5,6,7

Spa Featured Race of the Day:

SAR Race 8 The Yaddo (4:56 ET)

#2 Chestoria   3/1

#7 You Go West Girl   4/1

#11 Paraiba   8/1

#1 Meriwether Jessica   5/1

Analysis: #2 Chestoria was beaten just a nose last out in a four way photo in the state bred Fasig and may have had the worst trip among the four. The mare came up the inside but ran out of running room when she angled to the outside, came back down to the rail and finished full of run. A seven time turf winner, she was fourth in this race last year. A clean trip should get her up here.

#7 You Go West Girl exits the same race, checking in third and beaten a nose and a head for the top spot. She was making her first start off a two month break after finishing behind a couple of these in a fourth place finish in the Mt. Vernon. Fifth in this race last year, she looks headed in the right direction, makes her fourth start of the year here, and gets five pounds from our top pick.

Wagering

WIN: #2 to win at 5/2 or better.

EX: 2,7 / 1,2,7,11

TRI: 2,7 / 1,2,7,11 / 1,2,6,7,11

SPAshots for Thursday

Horses to toss in your exotics at generous prices:

R5: #9 Persuading   8/1

R7: #5 Sister Berta   10/1

R7: #1 Above the Call   20/1

R8: #11 Paraiba   8/1

R9: #5 Keith’s Kitten   12/1