RACE 1
WIN – Not crazy about being this far outside, but HAWKINSVILLE could improve now first off the Bruce Brown claim after faltering as the even-money choice in the mud last out.
PLACE – TERRIFIC STORM has been facing much better on turf of late for connections that are rolling right along. Only concern was fact he hasn’t hit the board in any of his six races this season.
SHOW – KING MOBAY prevailed in a long drive to win at this level on July 24, but may have been helped by the off track.

RACE 2
WIN – SHARIF AL MEDINA just missed over yielding turf with Espinoza up last out, and now returns from a break for Penna with CVel.
PLACE – STORM HARBOR seems to have improved since Benzel added blinkers, and runner-up from his latest has since come back to win. Simply got tired over boggy going in latest.
SHOW – MISCHIEF looked poised to pounce going longer two starts back, but offered no punch. Now cuts back in distance. If run on Main Track: 1. Flint River; 2. Forest Echoes; 3. Glenwood Canyon.

RACE 3
WIN – ROLLERS was turned back when he last met Benny the Waiter in late July, but Rollers was just returning from a 9-month absence. Things will be different this time.
PLACE – BENNY THE WAITER has now put together back-to-back solid efforts. Will be hounded in earnest by the top choice throughout.
SHOW – BENLAYLA has quietly produced a solid campaign this season, having found the board in his last three. Figures to close from off the pace for a share.

RACE 4
WIN – CHIEF TALKEETNA was a suspicious drop to a $20K claimer last out off a long absence, but won for fun. Now he returns with a tag of $25K for new connections. Curious why he isn’t first tried in his entry-level allowance condition.
PLACE – FARLEYSHELONWHEELS will be a major threat if able to produce a similar effort to his runner-up finish two starts back. Of course, that effort came back in November.
SHOW – DEFREREOFTHEHEART was dreadful at 5/2 most recently, but could rebound with a better showing at better odds.

RACE 5
WIN – JAMALUDIN showed incredible acceleration in recent starts at Arlington, and now ships east for Pletcher. Johnny will need a trip as this guy closes from the back.
PLACE – MOORE MILES was outgamed through the lane last out, and while this guy had absolutely no excuse not to win, at least the third-place finisher has come back to win.
SHOW – WARN ran huge in breaking his maiden here last summer. Is totally off form right now, but could awake on the significant class drop. If run on Main Track: 1. Warn; 2. Fios; 3. Lucky Will.

RACE 6
WIN – WESTERN FABLE finished an even fourth in his only prior start, but has logged three strong turf works since, and should be better going this distance.
PLACE – FRENCH ACTION debuts for Pletcher, and while the works are nothing exceptional, has shown some affinity for turf.
SHOW – BENTON DRIVE is nicely bred, being a son of Millenium Wind. Hough knows how to have them ready, although first-time turf not typically his best angle. If run on Main Track: 1. Pletcher entry; 2. Contessa entry; 3. Benton Drive.

RACE 7
WIN – Plenty of early pace should set the table nicely for UNDERSTATEMENT, who has been away since April, but figures to draft in right behind the leaders.
PLACE – SAMMARCO was ambitiously placed in the AG Vanderbilt, but gave a very good showing, holding for third. Is very quick early, but will have company.
SHOW — AUGUST REX cuts back to a sprint while adding Lasix and blinkers. Will be rolling late, but may run out of ground.

RACE 8
WIN – HELLO BROADWAY has been training very well for his debut for Tagg, showing five works this month. Taken to score at first asking.
PLACE – SPEED LIMIT overcame a stumble at the break to rally for second behind Hopeful-bound Kensei. Certainly eligible to improve.
SHOW – BIG FLIRT debuts for Ward, and brings in regular jock Julio Garcia for the call. Watch the board on this guy.

RACE 9
WIN – McLaughlin has been waiting all meet to run LUCKY ISLAND in this spot. An easy winner of his last four, he possesses the tactical speed to sit wherever Alan Garcia wants him.
PLACE – FIRST DEFENCE ran his heart out in the King’s Bishop last summer, only to get turned back by Hard Spun. Coming into this race well, and has the class to challenge.
SHOW – FOREFATHERS wasn’t all that far behind Lucky Island back in May, while mate PREMIUM WINE has always run well here at the Spa.

RACE 10
WIN – Horse of the Year CURLIN makes his Saratoga debut after training here each of the past two summers. At equal weights, nobody can touch him. Honored to watch him run.
PLACE – DIVINE PARK seems the only one capable of testing the champ. Untested at this distance, he has better early speed and will get first run.
SHOW – WANDERIN BOY will assume command early, and take them as far as he can. A lighter schedule has him better prepared for this race than he was last summer.

RACE 11
WIN – GROUND HERO showed that he has some life left in his 8-year-old legs with a good third-place finish last out, and has trained well since for his second off the layoff. Won in his second start of the meet here last summer.
PLACE – TRANSIT OF VENUS has been razor-sharp in his last three, taking the overland route in his last while losing a close decision to repeat-winner Encinas.
SHOW – CASEY’S JOY got a useful tightener in an off-the-turfer last out for top connections. L’OISEAU D’ARGENT can compete on back class. If run on Main Track: 1. Casey’s Joy; 2. Golden Glen; 3. Irish Majesty.

BEST BET
Rollers (Picking Curlin was too easy)