In this summer’s Saratoga Showdown, the Post’s pony pickers John DaSilva, Ed Fountaine and Vic Cangialosi take on Paul Lo Duca, former All-Star catcher for the Mets, now a handicapping analyst for the horseracing network TVG. Each starts with a bankroll of $2,000 for the meet with a maximum bet of $50 a day.
JOHN DaSILVA
TODAY’S PLAY: In Race 8, play $50 to win on Don’t Cry for Me, turf only. If race is switched to main track, play $50 to win on Empress of Gold. Total bet: $50.
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS: Key horse Broken Trust Fund did not fire while our other two horses ran one-two. Loss of $50 for the day.
BANKROLL: $2,027.25
VIC CANGIALOSI
TODAY’S PLAY: In Race 3, a $10 double of Good Deed with Quiet Ending in the fourth. Then $30 to win on Good Deed and $10 to win on Quiet Ending. Total bet: $50.
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS: Cashed our first ticket in a week and still dropped some cash. Hunt Crossing won, but Scootles ran a distant second turning our pick three to trash. Northern Coast won saving our win bet. Loss of $23.20.
BANKROLL: $1,695.80
ED FOUNTAINE
TODAY’S PLAY: In the second race, for jumpers, $30 to win, $10 place, $10 show on Hope for Us All, the National Steeplechase Association’s champion 3-year-old of 2009 making his first start this year. Total bet: $50.
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS: Trainer David Fawkes obviously saw that we put all our Showdown money on his Show Time in the fifth race, and so he scratched him.
BANKROLL: $1,689.50
PAUL LO DUCA
TODAY’S PLAY: In the seventh race (the Birdstone), Equestrio always runs well fresh and can stay close early — $50 to win. Total bet: $50.
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS: Mineswept got swallowed in the stretch by better horses. Lost $50.
BANKROLL: $2,261.50