A tradition of racing more than a century old and the pastoral elegance of a resort town filled with history, charm, and horses bring all walks of life to Saratoga. That's all fine and good, but to me Saratoga is all about the racing with stakes races every day, high caliber allowance races, and high priced and well-bred juveniles starting their careers. Unfortunately, Saratoga has recently started carding turf sprints, which I won't bet, and does have its share of races restricted to NY-breds, which I despise. Luckily, it seems as though most of the garbage was carded for Belmont, allowing the quality horses to rest and prepare for Saratoga. Every day is a Saturday when you're betting Saratoga.

The first few cards look excellent with full and competitive fields. Wednesday's seventh race, an optional claimer, has drawn a Grade II caliber field that includes DeFrancis Memorial winner I'm the Tiger, four other graded stakes winners, and 26 time winner Spooky Mulder. Two former Derby runners will compete on opening day. Spanish Chestnut, last year's Groovy/Songandaprayer, will run in the aforementioned 7th and has a big shot. Ten Cents A Shine is morning line favorite in the opener, a $35k claimer. Not so glorious for the Ken Ramsey horse who has had stints in the barns of Lukas and Frankel. Wednesday could be a big day for the broodmare For Dixie as her son Vicarage runs in the 7th and daughter Cotton Blossom is in the Schuylerville. The mare is owned and the two runners were bred by Jim Squires, breeder of Monarchos and author of A Horse of a Different Color.

I am planning to approach Saratoga with an increased intensity but already there are a few obstacles in the way of a full fledged assault (mostly vacation so I can't complain too much). My overall strategy will be to make a few spot plays everyday and, when opportunity arises, to attack the Pick 4. I will also spend quite a bit of time watching the odds board, a necessity for 2yo maidens and layoff horses.

Wednesday at the Spa

Race 1: 3 Massoud at 3/1 and play the Double with Goldolphin entry at >$15

Race 2: Goldolphin entry unbeatable, pass

Race 3: State-breds, pass

Race 4: State-breds, pass

Race 5: 9 Consecration at 3/1 with a concerted effort to beat 3 City Snitch and 5 First Degree in multihorse in Pick 3s.

Race 6: A number of contenders coming in off layoffs. Watch the board.

Race 7: 6 Better Than Bonds at 10/1. Pick 4 single.

Race 8: State-breds. Looks like a two horse race between 3 Sweet Sweet and 8 Judy Soda

Race 9: Play against the KY shippers. Probably between the Pletcher duo and 8 Desire to Excel .

Race 10: 2 Exton, 6 Pulpiteer, 7 Tempt Fortune

Looks like there is a small $18 Pick Four play with one longshot amongst the chalk.