Fast and firm for the Saratoga opener. Time to start handicapping. This year I'm going to bet more conservatively and try to pick my spots. I've got too much on my plate (teaching overload, new course prep, dept head, early August vacation) to devote the time needed to handicapping every race on every card.

Aunt Dot Dot's half brother Cassoulet runs in the 3rd race, a brutal overnight 7f stakes race that looks more like a Grade III. Six of the nine horse entered are stakes winners (2 Grade II and 2 Grade III, 2 listed). Morning line favorite Riley Tucker isn't one of them (nor is Cassoulet).