While yesterday's card seemed like an early bummer with all the scratches, it certainly still delivered with a late P5 score of $5,417.50 for a $.50 wager.
It is Toga. It is going to pay. We just have to find the winners.
From Hello: Solid start to her career, and.... then the last one. Dropped to the back of the pack in pedestrian fractions and never a factor. Would certainly enjoy some pace help up front, but a tough one to back in a deep field.
Solib: Last 2 under Maker are credible, and just 4 back was jumping fences, so distance shouldn't be a concern. (By the way, not sure I've ever seen a line in which a horse was beaten by 107 lengths). O for 2 at this track, and not remotely competitive in either. Solid works coming in. Looks to be a serious contender with Irad aboard.
Kosuke: 3rd career race and keeps the bug jockey. Solid start to her career coming out the 007 barn. Won at first asking at nearly 42/1, and us bettors didn't like her 2nd time out at 19/1 while finishing 3rd. Yet another under the radar prospect again? Prefer others, but this one could be dangerous to dismiss.
Candy Monet: 0 for 3 at Toga, and not wagered upon in nearly every career race. Not a burner, and struggles to pass others. A tough sell that would certainly be a surprise winner.
Galley Head: Stepped up against tougher company last out, and finished a distant 9th and well out of contention. While numbers say she likes the distance and turf, that has been against much weaker competition. Would need a career best we haven't seen to hit the board.
Sals Dream Girl: Always in the mix and has a win over this strip. Thoros have this one on top, and is a definite contender. I'm a bit hesitant in that her closing punch isn't what I'd like to see in such a big field.
Lady Jasmine: 1 for 6 in her career with no other board finishes and was easily beat by a couple peers in her last. Gotta let this one beat me.
Lady of Thoroton: Got the needed pace set up 2 back at Belmont. Ran a solid 3rd here last year in a similar condition. Maybe not a winner, but one to include in your exotics.
Snowy Evening: Solid contender that is in form for the Donkster. 6(1-3-1) turf background can't be overlooked. Tough to exclude from horizontal wagers.
Silver Skillet: Clement/Rosario and 2nd time turf. Yep, we are already interested. Rolls in off a solid work, and should be rolling late. Another serious contender.
Waterville: 2023 hasn't been kind to this filly, but she does own a solid Saratoga 4(1-0-2) record. Has actually never crossed the finish line 1st, thus a win here would technically be a 1st.
Sweetest Princess: Dream Weaver is notorious for getting shots home, and this one would be a shot. Manny riding well with under the radar types. Could be worth a couple nickels as she is back on turf for her 3rd in cycle event.
Saratoga Chrome: If there is anything we have learned this meet, it is that off the bench horses can win. 4YO fillies first out have always tripped my trigger for whatever reason, and if this one gets in, she is certainly worth consideration. Trainer Jeff Hiles had a nice win yesterday, and looking to back it up with a Chromie today.
MTOs that will be addressed if need be.
