Post handicappers John DaSilva, Ed Fountaine and Vic Cangialosi challenge former champion steeplechase jockey, OTB backstretch insider and co-publisher of the Saratoga Special, Sean Clancy, as they battle for bragging rights during the six-week summer showcase meeting at Saratoga. Each handicapper will be given an imaginary $1,800 bankroll and be held to a limit of $50 in wagers daily.
JOHN DaSILVA
TODAY’S PLAYS: Hesanoldsalt is as consistent as they come, having finished second in six of his last seven starts. In third race, play a straight $20 exacta of Nkosi Reigns with Hesanoldsalt. Then play a $10 exacta part wheel of Crossword, Sleek John and Evening Attire over Hesanoldsalt. Total bet: $50.
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS: Expected Smart Bunny to set the pace, but didn’t expect her to get constant pressure until she faded on the turn and ending up third. Lost $50.
BANKROLL: $1,652.20
VIC CANGIALOSI
TODAY’S PLAYS: For the final Thursday of the Spa meet we’ll play the early double for $10 using Delta Park in the first with Golden Leigh and D J Lightning in the second. We’ll finish up putting $30 to win on Hesanoldsalt in the third. Total bet: $50.
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS: Warrior Girl looked as if she was going to get the job done but flattened out in the stretch. Adriano helped us get our money back, paying $4.90. Won $23.50.
BANKROLL: $2,151.75
ED FOUNTAINE
TODAY’S PLAYS: In first race, $20 win on Any Minute Now; also, $2 exacta box: Skip Datt, Mt. Orient, Any Minute Now. Starting with third race, $6 pick 3 part-wheel singling Hesanoldsalt, with Shop Glack, Psycho DJ and Freakstein in fourth, with Farri H. in fifth. Total bet: $50
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS: In the fourth race, Celestial Comet ($20 win) ran third at 2-1. In sixth, Going Day was second by neck, eliminating our $10 double with Moon’s Halo in seventh. Moon’s Halo ($20 win) set pace, tired at 5-1. Lost $50.
BANKROLL: $1,318.50
SEAN CLANCY
TODAY’S PLAYS: Down to the last few swings and well past full count. In the seventh, bet $40 exacta La Neige over Romp and a $10 exacta Romp over La Neige. Total bet: $50.
YESTERDAY’S PLAYS: Trifecta in jump race looked strong until Irish Embassy couldn’t get through on the cones in the final turn. Dark
Equation and Dynaway did their part, finishing one-two. Lost $50.
BANKROLL: $1,306