The Nomination Is In: The Ballston Spa G2

Be Your Best (Ire) romping home in the Gamely G1

Welcome Friends to the Turk Blog, where I specialize in analyzing and handicapping Turf Races, generally over routes of grass, contested by 4 Year Old's and Up, and building exacta bets from it.  I've been a handicapper since the summer I spent in Saratoga Springs in 1986.  People who visit Saratoga Springs are often surprised to see a US Navy base on the outskirts of town.  When I was there the Military base didn't exist, but the reason for the base still does, the Nuclear Power Plant in Ballston Spa, NY where I learned to operate nuclear reactors and steam plants prior to spending 6 years on a submarine.  I loved my time as a young man living in Saratoga.  I lived on Jumel Street, a short walk to the track.  I had a Skidmore girlfriend.  Life seemed perfect and I wish I could have put that time in a bottle, but life doesn't work like that.  Anyways, today's Ballston Spa Grade 2 race make me think of those times.  

The weather should be dry, I assume the turf Firm, but check this link for Scratches and Changes and Turf conditions. Keep your eye on that horse  in my thumbnail, Be Your Best (Ire) scratching and defecting to Colonial's bogus "Arlington Million Day" and Freedom Speaks entered 7 Aug in SAR.

 Just a bit of video as I don't think you need to overthink this race too much.

26 May 2025;  SA The Gamely G1; 1 1/8 Miles on Firm Turf

14 June 2025; Mth; The Eatontown Stakes G3; 1 1/16 Miles on Good Turf.  Whiskey Decision, Maggie Go, Ozara. 

8 August 2025; SAR; The Ballston Spa G2; 1 1/16 miles 

Things get interesting if the presumed chalk, Be Your Best (Ire) scratches, and JUST as I'm typing the scratches for Be Your Best and Freedom Speaks comes in.  

I truly am keeping it simple.  I like the true late turn of foot of Whiskey Decision.  2 OVER 3-6-7, a $2 exacta for $6.