A few folks have asked my thoughts on the stakes today, so I figured I’d answer here.

Race 8, BERNARD BARUCH G2, 4:39

On paper, this one looks like a possible wire job for DOMINUS. Todd A. Pletcher is so good at spotting his horses and getting them to fire big in the right spot. Even if, as the photo above proves, he is human. He waits in line at Shake Shack just like the rest of us. Assuming a fair flow, DATA LINK looks like the fastest horse, but I’m not sure this is a fair fight. Must use for serial exotics but I might try to beat in the race. SKY BLAZER is a horse I’ve liked (and blogged about) in the past. He’s got races that would make him a real threat and might step up and win a big one someday. I’d need a price north of 6-1, but I’d nibble if we got that.

Race 9, Forego G1, 5:12

JACKSON BEND has a big old excuse from his last race: he was thorougly compromised by a speed favoring flow, and he was wide to boot. He’s a tough horse and I won’t be betting against him today. A single for me.

Race 10, Woodward G1, 5:45

Wow, super cool race. After careful consideration, I am going to go with TO HONOR AND SERVE and top. He’s done his best work around two turns, so I can forgive the fact that Triple M has him on the book (big difference between a one turn nine panels than a two turn nine panels). I also wouldn’t count out SAR horse for course, STAY THIRSTY. He might well trip out best of all.

BANKROLL PLAY OF THE DAY:

Race 4: $100 to win on #3 PEARL IN THE SAND.

This was the one that Mr. Hooper meant to back on 8/13. SHe is truly overdue to break her maiden. She just didn’t seem fast enough for 5 1/2 furlongs last time, but she galloped out best. I’m not criticizing the morning line, because her form looks pretty weird, but I feel confident in saying that 7/2 would be a gift.

RESULTS: NO BET yesterday, after Wild One’s scratch. Still stuck $468.75.