Final Saratoga Tally

I went into the final day on Labor Day with a plus $400 for the Saratoga meet. Given the way I bet, that is very good for me, as I am always trying to hit the big one at the expense of covering my bets. This year the rolling doubles and pk3's really helped me in that I could now bet favorites in doubles and cover in the second leg with exacta's, etc. I hit a number of doubles and savers which obviously helped the bottom line. In past years, I probably would have passed on short-priced favorites in the win pool.

Unfortunately on Monday, the trainers, jockeys, and the horses didn't read the Doghouse, so I took the worst beating of the meet. The day was capped by the 2 year old Hopeful when Munnings genuflected at the gate, and Cribnote started to go downtown for a drink instead of making the turn. Amazingly, he took a left at the grandstand and came on the way, way, way outside for 2nd.

So the bottom line for the Saratoga meet was minus $150. There aren't too many people that can turn a $400 profit into a $150 loss in one day.

We had some very good winners this meet. We just have to keep doing it.

Hope you had fun. I will post Spot Plays for Belmont on occasion. Remember winning isn't everthing.

Mr. X

Last Saratoga Doghouse Posted Monday, September 1

I have posted the last Doghouse for the Saratoga season closing today.

Had a very good day with last Friday's Doghouse. Hit numerous small triples and exactas, etc. Did hit a $51 exacta 10 times. Thank you Nick Zito for the 24-1 shot that finished second in the exacta.

Now positive for the meet. Today is the make or break day. We'll see. I'm not counting my chickens.

As always, go to Meet Mr. X and click on the Doghouse Confidential red button or go to the Racing Calendar and look for today's date.

Good luck. Hope you had fun this season. It's about having a good time.

Mr. X

Twilight Doghouse Posted for Friday, August 29

I have just posted the Doghouse for the twilight racing card today, with the first post at 2:45 pm.

I am now officially in negative territory since the very first days of the meet. Have to do well today. I have had winners and exactas on the Doghouse, but not the top choices and not what I bet.

Good luck!

Mr. X

Doghouse Posted for Thursday, August 28

I have posted the Doghouse for today. Too many maidens again, so take it easy.

Good luck!

Mr. X

Doghouse will be posted for Thursday, August 28

The Doghouse will be posted but it may be late around or after 10 am.

Got killed today with all the maidens.

Mr. X

Wednesday's Doghouse Posted, August 27

I have posted the Doghouse for Wednesday at Meet Mr. X or the Racing Calendar.

Way too many maiden races that become just statistical guessing games.

Close to some big hits, but no cigar. Have to keep trying. Still positive for the meet.

Good luck!

Mr. X

Doghouse to be Posted for Wednesday, August 27

Couldn't bet our Derby horse, Colonel John, in the Travers because he had never won on dirt, and he didn't even train on it. What a race!

Visionaire was another horse that we bet during the Triple Crown, and he looks really good as a sprinter.

Been losing on Friday and Saturday but won on Sunday. Couldn't hit a $3000 payoff on the Grand Slam on Sunday. Won again on Monday. Still positive for the meet.

Will post on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning before 10 am. Great weather!

Mr. X