Saturday 9/3/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 06:14 AM

Saturday’s games

National League
Philadelphia (73-59) @ San Francisco (62-68)
— Syndergaard is 2-1, 4.12 in his last three starts.
— Phillies are 4-1 in his starts.
— under 4-0-1
— allowed run in first inning: 2-5
— record in first 5 innings: 3-2
— He is 3-2, 2.79 in seven starts vs San Francisco.

— Phillies lost four of last five games.
— Philly is 34-29 on road.
— over 7-3 last ten games
— scored run in first inning: 37-132
— record in first 5 innings: 55-55-22
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 2.2-x-6.1

— Junis is 0-2, 7.13 in his last five starts.
— Giants are 8-6 in his starts
— over 4-1-1 last six
— allowed run in first inning: 0-14
— record in first 5 innings: 6-6-2
— He is 0-1, 5.19 in two starts vs Philadelphia.

— Giants lost seven of last eight games.
— San Francisco is 35-32 at home.
— over 4-1 last five games
— scored run in first inning: 28-130
— record in first 5 innings: 51-56-23
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 4.1-x-2

Colorado (56-77) @ Cincinnati (52-78)
— Marquez is 1-1, 3.77 in his last five starts.
— Colorado is 10-6 in his last 16 starts.
— under 9-5 last 14
— allowed run in first inning: 8-25
— record in first 5 innings: 6-12-7
— He is 3-1, 5.40 in four starts vs Cincinnati.

— Colorado is 13-28 in its last 41 games.
— Rockies are 20-45 on road.
— under 7-1 last eight games.
— scored run in first inning: 32-130
— record in first 5 innings: 35-71-24
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 2.1-3.1-3.1

— Lodolo is 0-2, 4.13 in his last four starts.
— Cincinnati is 7-6 in his starts.
— under 3-1 last four
— allowed run in first inning: 4-13
— record in first 5 innings: 4-5-4
— He hasn’t pitched against Colorado.

— Reds are 8-15 in last 23 games.
— Cincinnati is 28-38 at home.
— under 3-0 last three games
— scored run in first inning: 31-130
— record in first 5 innings: 42-67-21
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 4.1-x-4

Washington (45-87) @ NY Mets (85-48)
— Corbin is 1-1, 3.18 in his last two starts.
— Washington is 5-21 in his starts.
— under 4-2-1 last seven road starts
— allowed run in first inning: 10-26
— record in first 5 innings: 7-17-2
— He is 0-3, 6.62 in four starts vs New York TY.

— Washington is 8-10 in its last 18 games.
— Nationals are 23-40 on road.
— under 9-5 last 14 games.
— scored run in first inning: 35-132
— record in first 5 innings: 35-80-17
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 2-5-3

— Scherzer is 2-2, 2.65 in his last five starts.
— He pitched for Washington from 2015-21.
— Mets are 12-7 in his starts.
— under 9-4-1 last 14
— allowed run in first inning: 4-19
— record in first 5 innings: 10-3-6
— He is 2-0, 4.26 in two starts vs Washington TY.

— Mets are 9-5 in their last 14 games.
— Mets are 46-21 at home.
— under 8-4 last dozen games.
— scored run in first inning: 48-133
— record in first 5 innings: 72-35-26
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 2-3-3.2

Miami (55-76) @ Atlanta (82-51)
— Cabrera is 2-1, 1.91 in his last five starts.
— Marlins are 5-3 in his starts
— under 4-1 last five
— allowed run in first inning: 2-8
— record in first 5 innings: 4-3-1
— He is 0-0, 4.91 in one start vs Atlanta.

— Miami is 15-37 in its last 52 games.
— Marlins are 29-38 on road.
— under 20-9-2 last 31 games.
— scored run in first inning: 19-131
— record in first 5 innings: 46-58-27
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 3-x-3

— Odorizzi is 1-1, 4.32 in his last three starts.
— Braves are 2-3 in his last five starts
— over 3-2
— allowed run in first inning: 2-5
— record in first 5 innings: 1-3-1
— He is 3-1, 3.53 in seven starts vs Miami.

— Braves are 18-5 in their last 23 games.
— Atlanta is 45-25 at home.
— over 5-3 last eight games.
— scored run in first inning: 35-133
— record in first 5 innings: 74-43-16
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 2-1-3.1

Chicago (56-76) @ St Louis (77-55)
— Smyly is 2-1, 0.90 in his last five starts.
— Chicago is 7-11 in his starts.
— under 15-3
— allowed run in first inning: 3-18
— record in first 5 innings: 7-8-3
— He is 1-1, 2.62 in four starts vs St Louis.

— Cubs lost five of last six games.
— Cubs are 28-38 on road.
— under 30-18-7 last 55 games
— scored run in first inning: 43-132
— record in first 5 innings: 53-58-21
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 3-7-3

— Wainwright is 1-1, 1.57 in his last four starts.
— St Louis is 5-2 in his last seven starts.
— over 3-1 last four home starts
— allowed run in first inning: 6-26
— record in first 5 innings: 12-10-4
— He is 1-1, 0.90 in three starts vs Chicago TY.

— Cardinals are 24-7 in their last 31 games.
— St Louis is 43-22 at home.
— over 6-3-1 last ten games
— scored run in first inning: 45-132
— record in first 5 innings: 60-49-23
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 3.1-4.1-3

Milwaukee (69-62) @ Arizona (63-68)
— Burnes is 1-1, 8.80 in his last three starts.
— Brewers are 10-4 in his last 14 starts
— over 6-2 last eight starts
— allowed run in first inning: 4-26
— record in first 5 innings: 12-9-5
— He is 1-0, 0.00 in one start (7 IP) vs Arizona.

— Brewers are 1-3 in last four games.
— Milwaukee is 34-36 on road.
— under 6-2 last eight games
— scored run in first inning: 43-131
— record in first 5 innings: 56-49-26
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 4-2.1-1.1

— Bumgarner is 0-3, 9.82 in his last five starts.
— Arizona is 6-11 in his last 17 starts
— over 7-3 last ten
— allowed run in first inning: 13-26
— record in first 5 innings: 8-15-3
— He is 7-4, 2.61 in 14 starts vs Milwaukee.

— Diamondbacks won eight of last ten games.
— Arizona is 36-33 at home.
— over 9-3 last dozen games
— scored run in first inning: 37-131
— record in first 5 innings: 56-44-31
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 5-2-4.2

San Diego (74-59) @ Los Angeles (90-41)
— Manaea is 1-1, 6.30 in his last four starts.
— Padres are 12-12 in his starts.
— over 16-4-1 last 21
— allowed run in first inning: 9-24
— record in first 5 innings: 6-14-4
— He is 0-2, 16.20 in two starts vs Los Angeles TY.

— Padres are 6-1 in last seven games.
— San Diego is 39-31 on road.
— over 5-2 last seven games.
— scored run in first inning: 34-134
— record in first 5 innings: 60-42-29
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 2.1-x-2

— Urias is 7-1, 1.08 in his last eight starts.
— Dodgers are 12-1 in his last 13 starts
— under 17-6-2
— allowed run in first inning: 6-25
— record in first 5 innings: 16-7-2
— He is 4-1, 2.53 in seven starts vs San Diego

— Dodgers lost three of last four games.
— Los Angeles is 45-17 at home.
— under 4-3 last seven games
— scored run in first inning: 48-131
— record in first 5 innings: 76-31-24
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 1-3-4

American League
Texas (58-73) @ Boston (65-68)
— Rangers haven’t named a starter.

— Rangers lost their last six games.
— Texas is 30-35 on road.
— over 8-1 last nine games
— scored run in first inning: 34-131
— record in first 5 innings: 46-58-27
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 4-3.1-3.1

— Bello is 0-3, 8.14 in five starts.
— Red Sox are 0-5 in his starts.
— under 3-2
— allowed run in first inning: 3-5
— record in first 5 innings: 0-3-2
— He hasn’t pitched against Texas.

— Red Sox won their last three games.
— Boston is 33-34 at home.
— over 11-5 last sixteen games.
— scored run in first inning: 34-133
— record in first 5 innings: 51-53-29
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 3-5-6

Kansas City (53-80) @ Detroit (51-80)
— Heasley is 1-1, 3.60 in his last three starts.
— Royals are 4-11 in his starts
— over 7-1 last eight
— allowed run in first inning: 7-15
— record in first 5 innings: 5-7-3
— He is 0-0, 0.00 in one start (5.1 IP) vs Detroit.

— Kansas City is 6-14 in its last 20 games.
— Royals are 21-43 on road.
— over 7-3 last ten games
— scored run in first inning: 35-133
— record in first 5 innings: 50-64-21
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 2-5.1-3

— Pineda is 0-3, 11.32 in his last three starts.
— His last start was July 23.
— Tigers are 4-6 in his starts.
— over 3-1 last four
— allowed run in first inning: 2-10
— record in first 5 innings: 4-6
— He is 0-2, 4.35 in two starts vs Kansas City TY.

— Tigers are 15-33 in their last 48 games.
— Detroit is 30-38 at home.
— under 22-9-2 last 33 games
— scored run in first inning: 26-132
— record in first 5 innings: 44-69-19
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 4.1-5-3.1

Bronx (79-53) @ Tampa Bay (72-56)
— Schmidt is 0-1, 4.91 in two starts.
— New York is 1-1 in his starts.
— under 2-0
— allowed run in first inning: 1-2
— record in first 5 innings: 0-2
— He is 1-0, 1.59 in four games (1 start) vs Tampa Bay.

— New York lost five of last six games.
— New York is 34-33 on road.
— under 16-5-1 last 22 games
— scored run in first inning: 44-132
— record in first 5 innings: 64-42-26
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 1-x-1.1

— Kluber is 2-0, 3.00 in his last two starts.
— Rays are 8-2 in his last ten starts.
— over 9-2-1 last 12 starts
— allowed run in first inning: 5-25
— record in first 5 innings: 12-12-1
— He is 0-1, 2.70 in three starts vs New York TY.

— Tampa Bay is 19-8 in its last 27 games.
— Rays are 43-23 at home.
— over 6-2-1 last nine games
— scored run in first inning: 36-130
— record in first 5 innings: 61-45-24
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 3-x-3.2

A’s (49-84) @ Baltimore (70-61)
— Oller is 1-1, 1.80 in his last three starts.
— A’s are 4-8 in his starts.
— over 6-5-1
— allowed run in first inning: 6-12
— record in first 5 innings: 2-9-1
— He hasn’t pitched against Baltimore.

— A’s are 4-7 in last 11 games.
— Oakland is 27-41 on road.
— under 7-4 last eleven games
— scored run in first inning: 31-133
— record in first 5 innings: 42-69-22
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 2.1-5-2

— Voth is 1-1, 1.53 in his last three starts.
— Orioles are 8-4 in his starts.
— over 4-2 home starts
— allowed run in first inning: 1-12
— record in first 5 innings: 8-1-3
— He hasn’t pitched against Oakland.

— Orioles are 11-6 in their last 17 games.
— Baltimore is 38-24 at home.
— under 15-3 last 18 games.
— scored run in first inning: 28-131
— record in first 5 innings: 52-57-22
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 2.1-2-3

Minnesota (67-63) @ White Sox (66-66)
— Mahle is 1-0, 2.51 in three starts for the Twins.
— Twins are 3-0 in his starts
— under 2-1
— allowed run in first inning: 0-3
— record in first 5 innings: 3-0
— He is 1-0, 1.59 in one start vs Chicago.

— Minnesota won five of last seven games.
— Twins are 27-34 on road.
— over 26-19-3 last 48 games
— scored run in first inning: 43-130
— record in first 5 innings: 66-45-19
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 5-x-4.2

— Cease is 0-2, 3.70 in his last four starts.
— White Sox are 11-3 in his last 14 starts.
— under 14-12
— allowed run in first inning: 6-26
— record in first 5 innings: 14-11-1
— He is 2-4, 6.30 in eight starts vs Minnesota TY.

— White Sox are 4-7 in their last 11 games.
— Chicago is 33-35 at home.
— under 4-1 last five games
— scored run in first inning: 32-132
— record in first 5 innings: 52-63-17
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 2-3.2-5

Seattle (74-58) @ Cleveland (68-62)
— Ray is 3-0, 1.64 in his last five starts.
— Seattle is 10-3 in his last 13 starts
— under 3-1-1 last five
— allowed run in first inning: 6-26
— record in first 5 innings: 9-12-5
— He is 1-0, 1.29 in two starts vs Cleveland.

— Mariners are 18-9 in their last 27 games.
— Seattle is 39-30 on road.
— under 8-1-1 last ten games
— scored run in first inning: 41-131
— record in first 5 innings: 54-56-21
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 3-3 -3

— bullpen game

— Guardians are 2-6 in their last eight games.
— Cleveland is 33-28 at home.
— under 18-3-2 last 23 games.
— scored run in first inning: 39-129
— record in first 5 innings: 51-53-25
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 4-2-7

Houston (85-47) @ LA Angels (57-75)
— Garcia is 3-0, 5.63 in his last three starts.
— Astros are 15-8 in his starts
— over 7-2 last nine
— allowed run in first inning: 8-23
— record in first 5 innings: 15-7-1
— He is 1-0, 3.09 in two starts vs Anaheim TY.

— Astros are 8-2 in their last ten games.
— Houston is 42-27 on road.
— under 6-2-1 last nine games
— scored run in first inning: 46-132
— record in first 5 innings: 79-34-19
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 4-x-3.1

— Ohtani is 2-1, 1.96 in his last four starts.
— Angels are 11-11 in his starts.
— under 5-1 last six
— allowed run in first inning: 6-22
— record in first 5 innings: 10-6-6
— He is 2-1, 1.08 in three starts vs Houston TY.

— Angels won five of last seven games.
— Angels are 28-38 at home.
— under 3-1 last four games
— scored run in first inning: 36-132
— record in first 5 innings: 59-54-19
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 2-x-4.2

Interleague game
Toronto (71-59) @ Pittsburgh (49-81)
— bullpen game

— Blue Jays are 3-4 in their last seven games.
— Toronto is 33-30 on road.
— over 5-2-1 last eight games
— scored run in first inning: 41-130
— record in first 5 innings: 49-50-31
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 4.1-x-1.2

— Contreras is 2-2, 2.63 in his last four starts.
— Blue Jays are 5-7 in his starts
— under 8-4
— allowed run in first inning: 0-12
— record in first 5 innings: 3-5-4
— He hasn’t pitched against Toronto.

— Pirates are 6-20 in their last 26 games.
— Pittsburgh is 26-37 at home.
— under 5-1 last six games
— scored run in first inning: 24-131
— record in first 5 innings: 39-68-24
— bullpen IP last 3 days: 4-x-6

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:17 AM

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Picks: Saturday, September 3, 2022

Race 1: 6-4-8-2
Race 2: 4-7-2-8
Race 3: 6-9-3-5
Race 4: 2-3-5-4
Race 5: 3-10-13-5
Race 6: 5-3-10-8
Race 7: 5-10-9-6
Race 8: 1-9-5-3
Race 9: 7-9-1-5
Race 10: 6-2-5-4
Race 11: 5-3-2-9
Most Likely Winner: Hong Kong Harry #5 (Race 7)
Best Value: Tango Tango Tango #5 (Race 11)

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:17 AM

Kentucky Downs Picks: Saturday, September 3, 2022

Race 1: 2-8-12-1
Race 2: 10-6-2-9
Race 3: 8-3-5-12
Race 4: 5-8-7-6
Race 5: 2-9-5-8
Race 6: 2-5-4-8
Race 7: 8-6-5-3
Race 8: 3-4-5-9
Race 9: 11-9-2-7
Race 10: 6-4-3-9
Race 11: 8-7-11-6
Most Likely Winner: Callie's Grit #8 (Race 7)
Best Value: Mr Dumas #6 (Race 10)

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:17 AM

Saratoga Picks: Saturday, September 3, 2022

Race 1: 3-8-9-5
Race 2: 7-8-6-2
Race 3: 6-4-1-3
Race 4: 1-3-5-4
Race 5: 1-4-2-11
Race 6: 2-9-5-10
Race 7: 5-1/1A-9-2
Race 8: 7-10-3-6
Race 9: 3-2-10-6
Race 10: 4-3-6-1
Race 11: 7-2-6-8
Race 12: 4-10-3-8
Race 13: 9-11-5-8
Most Likely Winner: War Like Goddess #4 (Race 10)
Best Value: Keepmeinmind #7 (Race 11)

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:18 AM

Canterbury Park Picks - Saturday, September 3, 2022

Race 1: 3-1-4-6
Race 2: 1-3-7-2
Race 3: 6-1-2-5
Race 4: 5-6-1-4
Race 5: 4-1-7-2
Race 6: 4-7-1-5
Race 7: 2-4-7-1
Race 8: 5-1-3-4
Race 9: 4-5-2-6
**Most Likely Winner: I Am The Boss #4 (Race 5)**
**Best Value: Rattleme #1 (Race 2)**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:18 AM

Gulfstream Park Picks - Saturday, September 3, 2022

Race 1: 3-1-9-7
Race 2: 5-1-2-6
Race 3: 4-1-8-3
Race 4: 8-2-3-5
Race 5: 8-3-1-5
Race 6: 3-8-1-4
Race 7: 8-2-1-4
Race 8: 4-1-7-3
Race 9: 1-7-3-4
Race 10: 5-6-1-7
Race 11: 8-1-2-5
**Most Likely Winner: Starlite Walker #8 (Race 4)**
**Best Value: Alba Mia #3 (Race 1)**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:18 AM

Monmouth Park Picks - Saturday, September 3, 2022

Race 1: 3-2-6-1
Race 2: 3-5-7-1
Race 3: 1-6-3-4
Race 4: 5-7-2-1
Race 5: 7-5-1-3
Race 6: 8-3-2-6
Race 7: 6-2-7-1
Race 8: 2-7-5-1
Race 9: 3-9-2-4
Race 10: 8-5-1-2
Race 11: 9-2-1-5
Race 12: 2-4-1-6
**Most Likely Winner: Friendly Fella #3 (Race 2)**
**Best Value: Twin Bridges #8 (Race 6)**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:18 AM

Woodbine Picks - Saturday, September 3, 2022

Race 1: 1-3-7-5
Race 2: 3-6-1-4
Race 3: 5-6-1-4
Race 4: 3-1-7-5
Race 5: 1-9-3-5
Race 6: 3-1-8-9
Race 7: 3-4-6-1
Race 8: 3-2-4-1
Race 9: 7-1-9-4
**Most Likely Winner: Grey Society #1 (Race 1)**
**Best Value: Loki's Lightning #3 (Race 6)**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:19 AM

Saratoga Picks: Trio of powerful stakes makeup final Saturday on September 3
By J.N. Campbell

Saratoga Picks: Saturday, September 3, 2022

Race 1: 3-8-9-5
Race 2: 7-8-6-2
Race 3: 6-4-1-3
Race 4: 1-3-5-4
Race 5: 1-4-2-11
Race 6: 2-9-5-10
Race 7: 5-1/1A-9-2
Race 8: 7-10-3-6
Race 9: 3-2-10-6
Race 10: 4-3-6-1
Race 11: 7-2-6-8
Race 12: 4-10-3-8
Race 13: 9-11-5-8
Most Likely Winner: War Like Goddess #4 (Race 10)
Best Value: Keepmeinmind #7 (Race 11)

All-Stakes Saturday at The Spa … Races 4, 10, and 11

Race 4: Turf, 1 1/16th, Saranac S. (G3), $200k, 3

Out of these 6 runners in this Grade 3, everyone is going to be looking up on the tote at Todd Pletcher’s Annapolis #3. The colt by War Front is well-bred, and he already has the requisite class to take on this type of company. Bass Racing has a long history of ownership, and they pair up with fellow Texan, HOF trainer Todd Pletcher. If this 3-yr-old competes like he should, then 2/5 on the M/L is warranted. I am going to try and beat these excellent connections. It might seem like folly, but there is purpose when it comes to contrarian thinking, at times. I am a fan of Shug McGaughey’s Celestial City #1 because even though she was 3rd in the Hall of Fame S. (G2), the colt by Uncle Mo has challenged some solid competition. Javier Castellano continues his torrid pace from the saddle, and I like his chances in stakes routes like these. Shug adds the “Blinkers,” and that could assist. One other runner that looks promising is Jonathan Thomas’ Fuerteventura #5. A gelding by Summer Front, he went from Gulfstream Park to Monmouth, and then on to Woodbine to contest the Grade 3 Marine S. That race snapped a 3-race win streak, but it was a big ask to switch to the AW surface and take on stiffer company in Canada. He could be a sleeper pick in this spot, and there is no doubt that Manny Franco is riding well in upstate New York. I am going to use this pair of longer shots on the top of my Exacta ticket, and see if one of them can beat the Pletcher favorite … what a way to start this stakes schedule from The Spa on Saturday.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 1/5 w 3

Race 10: Turf, 1 3/8ths, Flower Bowl S. (G2), F&M 4+

Just as we had in the 1st stakes of the day, another star is coming back to the green at Saratoga. If you follow this female route turf division, then you know that one of the leaders is Bill Mott’s impressive War Like Goddess #4. The mare by English Channel won this race rather easily last year, and she has the gears/fitness to do it again. Joel Rosario took over the duties from Julien Leparoux, and the pair are a perfect match. I am waiting for her to get back to the Breeders’ Cup F&M Turf (G1), and winning this race gives a horse free passage to Keeneland. Can anyone take this one on? Not likely … I do not think I am going to even try. You could make a case for Temple City Terror #6 or Virginia Joy #3 based on the fact that they ran behind Mott’s ace last time out in the Glens Falls (G2), but I doubt seriously that they have the stamina and the speed to flip the script this time. The “Goddess” should rule once again, bewitching this field with her warrior cry … poetic and mythological references, all in one fell swoop!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 4 w 3/6 w 3/6

Race 11: Dirt, 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:19 AM

Weekend GamePlan for Sept. 3, 2022: Picks for Jockey Club Gold Cup, Del Mar Mile, Mint Million

Marcus Hersh

Well, this is it. We get to see “the greatest horse to ever look through a bridle” step up to the classic distance, 1 1/4 miles. That’s the phrase trainer Bud Delp applied to Spectacular Bid, in the conversation for the distinction.

Racing pundits and tastemakers are far out over their skis with Flightline; he seems to already have entered the same conversation. The horse’s brilliance shines bright. He breezes like a monster. He won the Met Mile, shipping for the first time and overcoming trouble (though beating a main rival who had already gone over the top).

Flightline’s fabulous, but personally I’d like to see him race two turns before I add my own 60-watt bulb to his halo. And if he is as good as he’s supposed to be – all due respect to the street fighter County Grammer – Flightline’s supposed to win this Pacific Classic by open lengths.

Jockey Club Gold Cup

Odds-on favorites Annapolis and War Like Goddess are difficult to get around in earlier Saturday stakes at Saratoga, but better price possibilities exist in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, where Americanrevolution and Olympiad vie for favoritism. I can’t have Olympiad right now; he was too bad in the Whitney, running like a horse whose long, strong campaign had exacted a toll. He had no other apparent excuse.

:: Get Saratoga Clocker Reports from Mike Welsch and the Clocker Team. Available every race day.

Americanrevolution was scratched from the Whitney, won by his stablemate Life Is Good, to await this spot. He ought to be tough, and from what we’ve seen from this lumbering colt going 1 1/8 miles, the 1 1/4 miles, which he’s never tried, should be within his scope.

Nonetheless, I like First Captain for a minor upset. First Captain goes 1 1/4 miles for the second time, following a near miss in the Suburban. He’ll have to take a solid step forward from that performance to win, but I think he can.

First Captain was on his way to becoming a serious 3-year-old last summer when his campaign went off the rails. Trainer Shug McGaughey, old school style, took a measured approach this year, running a horse meant for routes in two seven-furlong races to start his campaign. The Carter was a disaster, leading to the addition of blinkers, which produced a jump back to form at Pimlico. Now, First Captain has a two-race, blinkers-on route platform from which to hit the best form of his life. His major work for this on Aug. 28 gave all the right signs, and from this draw, jockey Luis Saez can play the other potential pace horses, with First Captain capable of pressing if the tempo is slow, or, better still, dropping to midpack and coming with what I expect to be a powerful finish.

Del Mar Mile

Really like Cathkin Peak to win a race thrown wide open by the absence of his Phil D’Amato-trained stablemate Count Again.

:: Visit the Del Mar Handicapping Store for Past Performances, Clocker Reports, Picks, Betting Strategies and more.

This horse has his quirks, starting with the fact he was perfectly relaxed during his 2-year-old races before he started pulling too hard as a supposedly more mature animal. Even so, he might’ve won the Del Mar Derby last summer with better luck, and while he did pull two back in his 4-year-old debut, he won that allowance race nicely.

Cathkin Peak got bounced around like a pebble in the surf at the start of the Eddie Read – and his trip scarcely got better from there. He had four separate instances of trouble and still finished fastest for third. I love the cut back to a one-mile race with ample pace entered, and Cathkin Peak is going to come flying late.

Mint Million

Not a believer in the morning line here, starting with Pixelate as the 5-2 favorite. Atone, 7-2 on the line, looks like the chalk.

One hears a lot about Atone’s trainer Mike Maker’s exploits at Kentucky Downs. Thus, it was surprising to see Maker went 4 for 49 at the 2021 meet. Atone is all right, and so is Pixelate, but for me, the Mint Million comes down to Cavalry Charge and Kentucky Ghost, who is the much fresher horse.

Just draw a line through the gelding’s 2022 debut, after which he won well rallying into a fast pace at Monmouth, and unless this turns into a grab-fest, the tempo here will also be strong. Yes, there’s the class drop from the Grade 1 United Nations, where Kentucky Ghost actually ran all right, but perhaps more important, this horse does not seem to care for three-turn races like the United Nations. His lone start over this tricky course already puts Kentucky Ghost right in the mix, and here’s hoping he can go even a little better.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:19 AM

Spa selections 2022: Saratoga picks September 3
Joseph Aiello

Spa selections 2022: Saratoga picks September 3
In Spa Selections, our correspondent provides his Saratoga picks for key races on today’s Saratoga card!

Race 4 – Grade III Saranac Stakes

1. #3 Annapolis (2-5) – Not unbeatable, but in a small field like this where only Celestial City has some races that signal an upward trend, this seems to be the likely winner

2. #1 Celestial City (3-1) – This colt by Uncle Mo ran very well in the Grade II Hall of Fame last time, but might be in a spot that is devoid of the pace necessary for him to close into

3. #2 Piqua (12-1) – Made a nice late charge against a good field last time, but still would need to take a step forward to compete with the top two contenders here

4. #5 Fuerteventura (6-1) – Didn’t run his best in his graded stakes debut last time, but maybe just needs to return to turf which he does in this spot

Race 9 – OC 62500n2x

1. #4 Sanctuary City (6-1) – McCarthy has had a tough meet with plenty of mounts, but is sitting on one that seems due for a win after a slew of solid tries where he closes in nearly every one

2. #10 Eyes on Target (7-2) – Tough post draw, but ran a nice speed figure last time against Good Governance, and has run his best on the turf with a good clip in the money

3. #2 Analyze It (5-2) – This seven year old gelding has some versatility to go to the lead or rate as he did last time in a stakes effort, but is more likely to win with a good break

4. #9 Ocean Atlantique (6-1) – Showed huge improvement last time by being placed on the lead by Luis Saez who returns here, but needs to stretch a bit in distance in this spot

Race 10 – Grade II Flower Bowl Stakes

1. #4 War Like Goddess (2-5) – Right now is a step above these and wins this if she runs her race, showed she was better than Virginia Joy last time

2. #3 Virginia Joy (7-2) – The most likely to compete with War Like Goddess, but needs to run a bit better than she did in the Glens Falls maybe by being closer to the back

3. #7 Marvelous Maude (20-1) – She has been trending up and won in late July over this track, usually being bet to favorite and has finished no worse than third in her career

4. #6 Temple City Terror (8-1) – A little inconsistent, but ran well in the Glens Falls last time and has some good top end races plus gets Saez here

Race 11 – Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes

1. #8 Dynamic One (7-2) – Coming off the Suburban win, this is probably the best going this distance, and shouldn’t be too far back here leaving too much ground to gain late

2. #6 First Captain (4-1) – Took a step forward in the Suburban after a nice Pimlico Special win, and seems to be improving going longer distances unlike in his three year old season

3. #7 Keepmeinmind (12-1) – Doesn’t appear to be enough pace to close into for this colt going this distance, but of Pletcher’s four, this is the best value and trending up

4. #2 Olympiad (2-1) – Looks like the best in this field, but might be better at nine furlongs and would probably win at that distance, so needs the right trip and a slower pace to win here

Race 12 – Claiming 25000n2L

1. #4 Notable Exception (9-2) – This gelding by Street Sense is the most consistent of the bunch, putting in good speed figures recently and running well around two turns

2. #3 Mr Breadwinner (9-2) – Gets a bump dropping from allowance races, and ran his best race going a mile so could do so here again

3. #10 Midnight Worker (7-2) – Pletcher and Repole Stable had this colt in graded races last year, and repeats of some of those past efforts probably puts him ahead of this field

4. #6 Patient Capital (5-1) – This gelding by Practical Joke and owned by Klaravich comes out of open allowance races, but didn’t show much past his maiden try and will need to improve

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:20 AM

Del Mar Picks: Flightline's moment arrives in the Pacific Classic on September 3
By J.N. Campbell

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Picks: Saturday, September 3, 2022

Race 1: 6-4-8-2
Race 2: 4-7-2-8
Race 3: 6-9-3-5
Race 4: 2-3-5-4
Race 5: 3-10-13-5
Race 6: 5-3-10-8
Race 7: 5-10-9-6
Race 8: 1-9-5-3
Race 9: 7-9-1-5
Race 10: 6-2-5-4
Race 11: 5-3-2-9
Most Likely Winner: Hong Kong Harry #5 (Race 7)
Best Value: Tango Tango Tango #5 (Race 11)

All-Graded Stakes Rundown … Races 7, 9, 10, and 11

Race 7: Turf, 1 Mile, Del Mar Mile S. (G2), $300k, 3+

Taking to the Jimmy Durante Turf Course, we have some excellent runner that will be contesting this 1-mile distance. Probably the biggest news is that superstar jockey Flavien Prat returns to ride Flightline in the Pacific Classic. That means he will be aboard a number of other entries across this massive stakes card. Prat will be aboard Hong Kong Harry #5, and that is a significant rider upgrade from Ramon Vazquez. Trainer Phil D’Amato is glad to have him because his former pilot missed in the Eddie Read (G2) at the end of July. The former SoCal leading jockey won when this gelding by Es Que Love (IRE) made his U.S. debut. One other entry that I quite like is John Shirreffs Astronaut #10. I wouldn’t write this one off because remember that he won the Del Mar Handicap (G2) last year at odds of 24/1. Victor Espinoza executed a brilliant ride, positioning himself and the son of Quality Road in the proper position at the top of the lane. Even though his Breeders’ Cup experience was less than satisfactory, he comes into this spot rested and ready for action. Long shot alert …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Box, 5/10

Race 9: Turf, 1 1/8th, Del Mar Derby (G2), $300k, 3

This grass Derby is going to be an interesting race because it is a stretch out for those that competed in the Opening Day Oceanside S. $100k. I like the chances of Doug O’Neill’s Mackinnon #7 because it is obvious that he likes to go longer. With a strong turf pedigree, he showed his skill in the El Camino Real Derby $100 back in February. The tapeta of Golden Gate plays like a green carpet, and with Juan Hernandez at the controls, this classy son of American Pharoah should be able to win this Grade 2 gem. Standing in his way is Phil D’Amato’s Balnikhov #9 and George Papaprodromou’s Cabo Spirit #1. Little Red Feather owns the former, and he scored nicely in the Oceanside $100k. Coming over from France in 2022, he competed in some tough races, which included the American Turf (G2) at Churchill Downs on the Derby undercard. That was a 2nd place finish behind Mike Maker’s Stolen Base. As for “Papa’s” runner, he was an impressive winner in the La Jolla H. (G3) with regular rider, “Jersey” Joe Bravo aboard. This gelding by Pioneerof the Nile is gifted, and his late kick can be a powerful weapon, if Bravo can find a way to get clear of the rail. What we know is that this is going to be one fabulous race on the Saturday afternoon card!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 1/7/9

Race 10: Dirt, 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:20 AM

Today’s Free Horse Picks – Saturday, September 3rd 2022
By Reggie Garrett

We are covering 7 tracks on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022. Reggie Garrett has his picks for each race at Del Mar, Gulfstream Park and more. Good luck and enjoy!

Del Mar – 1:00 PT
Race 1: 5 Divine Feminine
Race 2: 1 Mobou
Race 3: 9 Just a Little Luck
Race 4: 3 Newgrange
Race 5: 3 Man Among Men
Race 6: 5 Massimo
Race 7: 7 Cathkin Peak
Race 8: 9 Exaulted
Race 9: 1 Cabo Spirit
Race 10: Pacific Classic Stakes
Race 11: Del Mar Handicap

MB HORSES 728x90 Jpg
Golden Gate Fields – 1:45 PT
Race 1: 4 Colormemoney
Race 2: 1 Belleo’s Music
Race 3: 5 Sleep Over
Race 4: 4 Enjoy It Strait
Race 5: 2 It’sagrandillusion
Race 6: 6 Say It With Roses
Race 7: 3 Ashley’s Rainbow
Race 8: 5 Macho Chrome
Race 9: 6 Miss Union

Gulfstream Park – 12:25 ET
Race 1: 7 Rivercrest Road
Race 2: 2 Triple Jeopardy
Race 3: 1 Da Journeygirl
Race 4: 6 Democracy
Race 5: 9 Charlie Lightning
Race 6: 3 Sweet Actress
Race 7: 2 Hard to Handle
Race 8: 3 Cajun Tease
Race 9: 3 Space Runner
Race 10: 8 This Run’s for You
Race 11: 2 Earth

MB HORSES 728x90 Jpg
Kentucky Downs – 12:25 CT
Race 1: 2 What an Honor
Race 2: 6 Truly Mischief
Race 3: 3 Apache Tears
Race 4: 8 Six Missions
Race 5: 5 Lovely Princess
Race 6: 4 Parents Pride
Race 7: 6 Chop Chop
Race 8: 3 Mayfield Strong
Race 9: 2 Stop War
Race 10: 9 Atone
Race 11: 7 Fascination

Monmouth Park – 12:15 ET
Race 1: 6 Networking
Race 2: 5 Coach Adams
Race 3: 1 Leviosa
Race 4: 7 Murricane
Race 5: 5 Vigilantes Way
Race 6: 6 Devious
Race 7: 2 Malibu Rumble
Race 8: 5 Senate Chamber
Race 9: 3 Reconvene
Race 10: 6 Clout Chaser
Race 11: 8 Time Goes Fast
Race 12: 3 Mojac Kat

MB HORSES 728x90 Jpg
Saratoga – 12:05 ET
Race 1: 8 General Jim
Race 2: 1 Full Moon Madness
Race 3: 8 No Burn
Race 4: 1 Celestial City
Race 5: 4 Blinding Light
Race 6: 9 Champions Dream
Race 7: 5 Elite Power
Race 8: 10 Crupi
Race 9: 2 Analyze It
Race 10: Flower Bowl Stakes
Race 11: Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes
Race 12: 3 Mr. Breadwinner
Race 13: 8 Izeamailbumoon

Woodbine – 1:00 ET
Race 1: 4 Forest Vixen
Race 2: 6 I’m Dashing
Race 3: 6 Cruden Bay
Race 4: 1 Mason’s Gamble
Race 5: 7 Gloriannia
Race 6: 8 Film
Race 7: 3 Curlin Candy
Race 8: 4 Amazin Queen
Race 9: 6 Analyzer

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-03-2022, 09:20 AM

Rocket Picks ��: Del Mar, Kentucky Downs, and Saratoga for September 3, 2022
By: Aaron Halterman

It’s time for another incredible weekend of racing! For the free pick 4, we will head back to Saratoga for the Late Pick 4 on the card. We will also have full card selections for Del Mar and Kentucky Downs for the paid Rockets, so be sure to check those out. Let’s GO!

Below is our free late Pick 4 for Saratoga:

Saratoga September 3, 2022

Race 10: Flower Bowl Stakes (G2)

#4 War Like Goddess looks like a standout once again today no matter how you look at it. She is the best turf female in the country, and might take on the boys at the Breeders Cup if she can keep running this well. #3 Virginia Joy was no match for our top choice last time out, and will have a tough time turning the tables today.

Race 11: Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1)
freestar

#2 Olympiad should be tough if he can rebound from a poor effort last time out. Before that, he had been flawless this season. #5 Americanrevolution can be very difficult to beat, especially when running on this circuit. He closed out his 2021 season winning the Cigar Mile and was a solid second in the Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs last time out.

Race 12: Claiming

#3 Mr Breadwinner takes a big drop down in class for this race after a tough race last time out over this track. He should improve in this spot today. #6 Patient Capital also will take a similar drop down in class after a few recent poor efforts against allowance runners.

Race 13: Maiden Claiming

#11 Quick Power Nap has hit the board in all three of her starts so far against maiden special weight horses. She drops down to the maiden claiming ranks today, which should help her get the job done. #5 My Cara Mia Mine has run fourth against maiden special weight company in back to back starts, so this drop down in class should do him well today.

THE TICKET

$.50 Pick 4 (Races 10-13) 4 / 2,5,6,7 / 3,5,6,10 / 5,7,8,11 – $32

Saturday 9/3/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Saturday 9/3/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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