Saturday's Best Bet: Gunite in the mix in Saratoga Special
Saturday’s 9th race from Saratoga is the Grade 2 Saratoga Special for two-year-olds dashing six and one-half furlongs on the main track (Post Time 5:39 p.m. ET).
#2 GUNITE (5-1) improved his speed ratings in all three starts for Steve Asmussen, and he showed much improved early interest from the inside post in his last-out maiden win in a 12-horse field. His winning final time was much faster than the Bashford Manor Stakes at the same distance under the Twin Spires June 26. He adds blinkers and can take this with another small forward move.
#8 Doctor Jeff (2-1) wired the field as the favorite in a race originally scheduled for the turf course at Belmont Park July 10. He met four foes on a good track that day and won easily. He drilled a local bullet for this Aug. 8 and should make his presence felt throughout.
#6 Stolen Base (8-1) stalked from an outer post and edged away in his local debut vs. restricted special weight foes July 23. He should work out a decent tactical trip from an advantageous middle post.
#1 Nakatomi (8-1) was sharp in his winning debut in the slop at Keeneland April 14, and the clear runner-up was a next-out winner. He shipped to Ascot second time out and ended up 8th in a 15-horse stakes field on turf June 17. He had a decent work at Saratoga Aug. 5.
#10 Glacial (15-1) dueled and scored in his Churchill Downs debut May 29, and he chased a strong opening quarter and just missed 2nd in the Bashford Manor (G3) at that same venue June 26. He removes blinkers and projects an outside stalking trip.
#7 Double Thunder (6-1) dueled from the rail and pushed clear in his Monmouth Park debut, and he hopped at the start and went last-to-first in the Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs second time out. He has yet to run fast but it is not easy for a youngster to duel inside one day and close from last the next.
Wagers:
#2 to Win
Exacta 2/1-6-8
Exacta 1-6-8/2
Trifecta 2-8/1-2-6-8/1-2-6-7-8-10
Get my Expert Del Mar picks for today’s races
Recent Best Bet Winners
Aug. 2 - Cavalier Cupid/Rambert Exacta ($7.00), Trifecta ($22.60)
Aug. 4 - Pearl Tiara/Diamond Solitaire Exacta ($11.60)
Aug. 6 - ART COLLECTOR ($5.60), Exacta ($21.60)
Aug. 7 - Pappacap/Finneus Exacta ($27.80), Trifecta ($76.60)
Aug. 10 - LEAKY CAULDRON ($6.00), Exacta ($15.20)
Aug. 11 - ARREST ME RED ($6.10)