SARATOGA SPRINGS — Welcome back, pal. Dynaski cast his long shadow on Saratoga last summer when he won early in the meet and missed by a neck in his second start.
The 6-year-old returns for trainer Tom Voss today, unraced since the runner-up effort last summer. But don’t worry. Dynaski will be ready, thanks to a training flat prep at the Open House here July 26. Technically second by a nose, he did plenty of running without ever being asked.
Look for a crowd behind him as the battle for second should be contentious.
I like Dalucci and Dynamite Flyer, two who might otherwise get overlooked.
The former comes off two wins for soon-to-be Hall of Fame trainer Janet Elliot, who could kick start a big weekend with a victory. On the negative side, he carries 156 pounds (8 to 16 more than the others) and would prefer a longer trip. He finished fourth in that Open House flat race and will hope for a quick pace in front of him.
Dynamite Flyer’s flat career took off in 2004 when he won three in a row (including an allowance race here over Dreadnaught) before stalling out with an injury. He won his second hurdle start, in 2006, but went to the shelf for three years.
Legs finally tight, he won a $15,000 claimer at Colonial Downs June 14 and steps into the big time today. He can win this on ability; just not sure he’s up to tackling Dynaski.
Swagger Stick ran well here three times last year and was flattered when Mixed Up won the Smithwick, but the gray rarely wins. I will take a stand against Arcadius. His lone American win looked good, but the competition wasn’t that strong.
THE PLAY: Give him a big Saratoga welcome back and bet Dynaski to win. Use him on top of Dalucci, Dynamite Flyer and Swagger Stick in exactas and trifectas.
THE RECORD: Last week’s pick Mixed Up ($7.40) scored to make up for the fourth by Tricky Me in the opener. In 2008: two winners ($4.70 and $8.40) on top in seven races plus four exactas ($15.40, $27.40, $74 and $79) and four trifectas ($27.40, $207.50, $233 and $246).