Interesting opening day. More down than up, but I hit two races really well and that kept my head above water. Things don’t get any easier today.

Race 1      6-5-7

Metal Magic has a start for Eddie Kenneally and duplication of the effort puts him on top. Boalt Hall goes for Pletcher/Velasquez and they are always dangerous with two year old first timers. Moon King is a Malibu Moon colt and they are often precocious.

Race 2      4-7-3

English Minister has been competitive at this level in 2015, but not yet cracking the winner’s circle is a little concern, Still, his figures say he is the one to beat. Speeding Comet just missed after the claim by Toscano. Looks very viable in this spot. Majestico goes for the Coach and while he isn’t the trainer he used to be he looks like he spotted this one shrewdly.

Race 3      6-8-10

Life imitates art goes for Chad Brown who is good with first timers, better with first timers on the turf. Little Schmo ran well in the slop and should appreciate the added distance. Dissident has been working well at SAR for Pletcher and top turf rider Castellano gets the call.

Race 4      1-7-3

Stay tuned shipped in from KEE last out and ran well against these types. Puts the shades on today. Danzig Storm was claimed two back by Joan Scott who almost tot him to win last time. A contender at longer odds. Ogermeister flopped last out but has strong potential in the verticals.

Race 5      6-8-9

Saratoga Mischief is the Pletcher/Velasquez entrant. He has looked good in the mornings at SAR. Silvertown is another horse that has already started for Kennealy. He was bumped at the start and wide and with a clean trip he has big outs. 10-1 is attractive. Crosstown Route goes for Violette and he is almost 40% with first timers.

Race 6      8-9-1

Dowse’s Beach was a winner here last year and comes to SAR looking a lot like he did before that victory. Asset Inflation was claimed last out by Chris Englehart and he is pretty good first off the claim. Broke his maiden on the SAR turf. Glowing Ember gets the rail for this run and has the speed to make it a big advantage.

Race 7      5-1-10

Regent’s House comes off the year layoff for McLaughlin. She’s been best at today’s distance and the works look like she is in condition. If she finished developing she’s got a big chance. Sister Margaret switches to the Gary Gullo barn. He hasn’t run a poor race in his career and won at first asking last year. Clothes Fall Off is another that hasn’t run a bad race lifetime, has good workouts and previously won fresh.

Race 8      11-3-7-5

Barrel of Love has been running well. Doesn’t have a high win percentage, but is hard trying. Taghleeb has never run a really poor race and looks to be very well handled by McLaughlin. Taghleeb hasn’t run a bad one, fits the conditions and looks to have been well handled by McLaughlin. Plainview is all the speed and will be the one to catch. Ocala Jim has run two good races at SAR, is in shape and fits the conditions.

Race 9      8-7-6

Cocked and Loaded was the winner of the Tremont. This one is his to lose. Paynes Prairie came out of the Tremont to break his maiden and looks to be getting stronger. Asmussen has been shrewd with his two year olds lately. He’s Comin in Hot already has a win at the distance and has overcome some tough competition to win.

Race 10   2-5-6

Stephanie’s Kitten is still the best horse in the race and should have some pace to run at today. Waltzing Matilda won at first asking in the States and with the addition of Lasix ran a new top. Definitely interesting at the odds. My Miss Sophia is one of the speed horses. She’s been well handled by Mott and should be a factor here.

Race 11   2-7-10

This is Saratoga so we’ll go for a longshot in the nightcap. Sailmate likes the disance and although he hasn’t won at the Spa, he’s 3 of 5 in the money. Figures say he competes well with this group. Comandante goes for Pletcher/Castellano and while he hasn’t crossed the wire first at SAR he has two seconds in four starts. He fits well with this group. Classic Salsa is the likely front runner for DJ. He loves to win races and the figues say he has a big shot.