Susan is obsessed with The Bachelorette. I’ve watched an episode and I sort of get the appeal as a sports fan. In fact, I have a feeling if you could bet on it, I’d be a regular viewer. Unfortunately, since last night was the season finale, Susan elected to leave Saratoga early to zip down to the city to watch with a few of her friends, as she is wont to do. This meant she wouldn’t be around for the post-race BBQ my friend Todd and I were planning. But Todd came up with the perfect solution: Dinner for Lunch. If I do say so myself, it was pretty damn good: Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Salsa, Spicy Carrot/Kohlrabi slaw, and corn of the cob. We (well, Todd and I) washed it town with some Troeg’s IPA (via Growler from EBI). I wish I’d taken pictures but I’m intimidated to throw my hat in the ring food photo wise by all the great internet food styling that’s out there.

It was another mostly keep-the-money-in-the-pocket day betting-wise, though I was pleased/releived to see my Bankroll Plays get off the mark with REACH FOR A REACH, one of six winners (!!) on the day for the great Ramon Dominguez. The other highlight of the day for me wa making my return appearance to the tennis court. I was once an avid player, getting out there multiple times a week, but have never gotten back into stride since a back injury in 2009. Perhaps this was the first step back. . .

A note on scheduling for this week on the blog. We’ll be dark tomorrow. Wednesday I go to Fenway to see Liverpool play Roma. From there I’ll go to NYC for a doc appointment on Friday a.m., and Susan and I will attempt to be back for the late post, late Pick 4 that evening. I do love me so twilight racing. I am going to have a look and try to put up plays for Weds and Thursday but not sure how much I’ll be logging beyond that. And I’m not going to force anythingin that department. Be on the lookout one of those days for a guest blog from my friend Jonathan Silverman, who will be exploring all the ways one can bet bet at the track that have nothing to do with actual handicapping (a subject near and dear to me).

BANKROLL PLAY:

A tricky day where a few horses stand out to me to some degree but I’m not sure which one to make my bed with. I won’t mention the others as, in my experience, that’s just a guarantee that they’ll win and the Bankroll one will be a tough trip third (I know that’s magical thinking but I swear it’s true. . .) Ah hell, I’m going to go with the hot hand.

Race 4: $50 win and place on #5 CHANGE OF COMMAND.

Ramon Dominguez takes the mount for this Michael Trombetta trainee who is 5 of 11 lifetime. A batting average like that gets you into the Hall of Fame. He’s been ridden aggressively in his last two but he owns the ability to pass horses as well. And formwise, the two who’ve won his last two are both pretty good. Scrolling through some newspaper picks, looks like a lot of folks are going with Which Market, so maybe we’ll get just the hint of a decent price. In any case, it’s my blog and I’ll bet chalk if I want to (and don’t worry, I’m not going to link to that song).

MEET TO DATE RESULTS: -$25 (won $175 yesterday)