Opening Day!

Weather looks like a go at Big Sandy. Congrats to NYRA on a good opening day Saratoga card.

Race 1. #11 Noah H. Kimmel appears to be back after a strong downstate showing so far in 2006. Kimmel turf runners will be an automatic play at the meet. Noah H. is fast enough has the form and is a juicy 10-1 on the morning line. Box over #3. Massoud and #9. Forget the Judge.

Race 2. 3/5 Rondo is beatable. I'll bet that The Chief has #2 Ready Read ready to fire. #3 Calculated Risk (Shug/and the other Velazaquez), #5 Forty Crowns (J.Jerkens), #6 Vision of Sunshine for Tom Bush are also very playable if the Godolphin entry goes off at odds on.

Race 3. #1 Schosberg entry, Benlaya in particular, over Tagg/Mig's #3 I'm a Yankee (who I suspect will be much lower than the 2/1 ML). #6 Woodmere and/or #9 Sly Diamond Jim round out the Tri.

Race 4. #9 Silver Timber looks very tough for Rice and will hopefully outrun #1 Wave the Baton (Clement/J.R.). Rene Araya horses have been very live since his return and #8 Macklennin should get a piece.

Race 5. Complete crapshoot with maiden babies. #12 Philomatt is worth a flyer in the win spot if he goes off at 20/1 ML or higher. #1 Dutrow enrty: the Magician has some expensive well-bred babies and could also be a value play at 12-1. Box 1 and 12 over Shug's #9 Consecration.

Race 6. #8 Political Force as the Chief puts over the second winner of the day. Frankel's #2 Saint Anddan #2B South of Broad should both be ready off the layoff. #3 Star Dabbler also worth a looksie if he drifts above 4-1.

Race 7. #2 I'm the Tiger. Short-priced Frankel favorites won't make you rich quick but I have a feeling the G1 winner will be cranked and should destroy this field. #1 Awesome Twist and #4 Spooky Mulder (HFC with two previous wins at Saratoga) will drift in behind.

Race 8. #3 Judy Soda. #1 Great Lady. #6 Samsincharge. #2 Paige Nicole. I think the likely favorite #2 Sweet Sweet is vulnerable after a walk over much weaker crop at Finger Lakes on July 4.

Race 9. #1 Chief Officer. Loved the way she destroyed the field with ease at Belmont in last in June 30. Hope she stays healthier than her dad and would love to ride her all the way to BC Juvenile Fillies. #4 Angel Island. Scott Blasi, now running suspended Assmussen's string, is worth a look, especially in 2 yr old races (Assmussen's specialty last year). #1 and #4 over #5 #6 #8 in Tris and Supers.

Race 10. #6 Pulpiteer for Albertrani at a price (10-1). over #2 #1