A beautiful Wednesday afternoon in Saratoga.
Not just because Laural Valley, pictured above, won as our Two Minute Pick Presented by NYRA Bets.
The weather, the people, the low-key Wednesday vibe, the monster pretzel at King’s Tavern- all good.
A fun start to Travers Week - made more fun with Laurel Valley winning. Bet down to 5/2 off the 5-1 morning line, the horse got a sweet trip and ride from Flavien Prat. Went right to the front and forced the issue from the bell. Then fought off the favorite in a lane for the win. That was good.
Can’t get too excited as I didn’t do much else smart on the card.
The highlight - after the Laurel Valley win and the pretzel from King’s - was my ‘Degenerate in Training’ 10-year-old son BEGGING me to buy him a Racing Form on the way out of the track so he could start handicapping Thursday’s races. He did not enjoy his oh-fer day.
And to his credit, he did make notes on a few races last night before dinner.
Plan is to be back at the track today for most of the card, headlined by a bevy of Chad Brown horses battling in the Grade 2 Ballston Spa - Presented by Mohegan Sun.
We love Mohegan Sun and if you’re a horseplayer, you should too.
I liked yesterday’s card a bit more than today's, but we’ll find some ideas to bet.
TODAY’S STACK IS PRESENTED BY NYRA BETS
Travers Week!
Want to thank NYRA Bets for giving MutStack Fans and new NYRA Bets users a great deal.
New users can take advantage of the MUT200 promo and get up to a $200 deposit bonus when they sign up at NYRABets.com. It’s where I’ve played for over 10 years. They are great. Bet any track, anytime.
When you use the MUT200 promo code you’re supporting MutStack. And when you play at NYRABets you’re supporting New York Racing.
What are you waiting for?!?
We’re going to look at Race 10 today for our Two Minute Pick - Presented by NYRA Bets
Some other ideas for Thursday’s 10-race card:
Race 1: #7 Go Susan Go goes out for Matties Racing - they’re about as sharp as they come. If the horse takes any money, that’s a sign.
Race 2: #1 Clavinet is bred for turf sprints all day and is a half to Saratoga Treasure and Veteran’s Beach. Disco Partner was a hell of a runner. 1-5-4-7.
Race 6: This is a tough bunch, but I’m going to go back to #4 Fluid Situation in or around his 10-1 morning line. Trainer John Terranova 4 for 14 at Saratoga over the last five years going second off this layoff on the turf (29%). He’s 2 for 5 doing it in turf sprints (40%). The right price to spice up the vertical wagers. 4-2/2B-6-1/1a
Race 8: #8 Vitaemi should really be able to control the pace from the bell.
Race 9: Chad Chad Chad Chad Chad. Luis Saez won’t be aboard Evvie Jets after being injured Wednesday, but don’t they HAVE TO GO THIS TIME and put some pressure on Technical Analysis???? If they don’t, that one is going to win again. I know I’m probably being stubborn, but there has to be a pace here.
#5 Surprisingly has gotten slow paces in two of her last three races (coded blue TFUS) and at 8-1 today I’m playing. Consumer Spending and Fluffy Socks are more likely winners, but these things come down to trip a lot of times and I’ll reach for the best price of the closers. 5-4-2-8
Good luck if you’re playing. Comments open below for ideas, thoughts and feedback.
Just hit Katie and hot Hennig in the opener. Good start. Had your special yesterday too. Wish I was there to see you and the Travers and the gang at King's. Maybe next year. Say hit to Ed & Geoff & Ron and whoever else is there for me. Any sign of Beck? Looks like rain in the forecast. Hope it holds off. Good luck!