Well, that didn’t work. My spot play on Scars Are Cool did not pan out, as he ran a to a mid pack result about 10 lengths behind Code of Honor, who stamped himself as one of the two best in this 3-yo crop. Code took a step forward with a preliminary 105 beyer, a new best. The lack of strong speed figures in this group, as well as the lack of a decisive “best” horse played into my decision to back the long shot. Instead, we got a tremendously formful 1-2-3 finish, which I would not have been keen to play in that manner. A few bucks lost, no harm done, and a few more points of info on this group.

Multiple time playback Mind Control finally got a clean outside trip and some what shockingly ran down “best horse in the word” Shancelot – who controlled the early pace, but seemed to wander down too close to a rail that wasn’t great, and on a track that ultimately played better to outside closers. Mutuels of 22.80 to win and 8.60 to place saved my day from disaster.

Will be interesting to see how this day plays back. I bet for a “dead rail” all day, but ultimately it may have been more of a “tiring” track. True class horses ran their races. Mitole ran huge in the Forego, and the Midnight Bisou stretch duel was one for the ages. Add in beautiful 80 degree low humidity weather and a near perfect day at venerable Saratoga race course.

Tacitus is an impressive horse. He ended up on the lead (with blinkers on) and stayed a quick pace. He’s just missed in so many ways, I have to believe there is a G1 for him out there. He just lacks a little late turn of foot. He’s always coming late, but will need perfect timing.

The Travers also, unfortunately, signals that summer is winding down along with the best of the race season.

I’ll dabble with playbacks at the end of the Saratoga meet, and with what’s been announced as a shortened Belmont meet before they head over to Aqueduct. One last push for the BC , then I will really slow until the preps begin again.