SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — BANKROLL: $1,852 It, unfortunately, happened again: Sunday’s 11-race Saratoga card does not include a single two-turn dirt route.
It does, however, contain two races out of the Wilson chute, and there may be more at that route if a weather forecast calling for rain proves to be accurate. For decades, Saratoga’s two-turn dirt races have taken advantage of one of the best atmospheres in a sport fast losing good ones. This weekend, however, will feature only two scheduled two-turn dirt routes, as opposed to four carded for the Wilson chute.
I understand why the Wilson chute exists. I have no problem with a few races out of that chute every week for one-mile distance specialists. The current schedule, however, calls for far too many, even before races are moved off the turf due to weather.
There’s a lot more I could say here, but to make a long story short: NYRA, please stop doing this. SATURDAY’S RESULTS: Macaw never once looked comfortable and was eased out of the fifth. I lost $50.
SUNDAY’S PLAY: I’m looking forward to seeing how #4 VIGGIEDAL takes to the turf in the Bolton Landing (race 7). In addition to a $22 win bet, I’ll play $4 exactas using her above #2 MIGHTY ERIU, #5 ME GOVERNOR, and #8 ABIENTOT, as well as $2 “saver” exactas with Viggiedal below those runners. TOTAL WAGERED: $40.
Best Bet: Squire Creek, Race 5 Longshot: Claire’s Charm, Race 1 Race 1 Claire’s Charm Pletcher entry Briland #3 CLAIRE’S CHARM (6-1): Debut.