Plenty Of "Quality" this weekend in Saratoga Springs! | Thebigtip

Well things are really hotting up in Saratoga with the running of the Group 1 Whitney Handicap this weekend worth $750,000.

One of the best horse's in the country is the hot favourite Quality Road.  He is all class and has plenty of heart to boot - he'll be mighty hard to toss. He's going for his third straight Grade 1 win after winning the Metropoliton last time out over Musket Man. Odds have gone up already at 2-5 on! 

As good as Quality Road is he is carrying top weight of 126 pounds. Musket Man is a favourite of mine and didn't have a lot of luck last year and is better than he gets credit for. He comes right into contention here carrying only 117 pounds and I think has his best chance of beating Quality Road over his best distance of a mile 1/8th. He looked a chance in the straight last out and was only beaten a length and a half.

Blame is the other horse that is flying winning 6 of his last 7 races and carries 121 pounds jumping from gate 2. At about 4 to 1 it's worth a look. Last year's Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is also in the race but I just dont think the distance suits, I'd prefer him over longer.

The Brazilian horse Jardim sparks my interest with only 113 pound and my favourite jockey on board in Leparoux and might be good value too in this small field. I think Musket Man is a good bet at the weights taking on the favourite at about 6 to 1 and I'll be betting eachway! 

Last weekend saw Looking at Lucky win the big race on Sunday in style over Trappe Shot, First Dude and Super Saver. Turning for home Super Saver could not go with Lucky who really stamped himself as the top 3 year old for this year so far. Trappe Shot ran a good race and Super Saver was a bit dissapointing although I said it is not his distance and he definatly needed the run. The Travers is a different kettle of fish and the mile and quarter is Super's best distance. The Travers is shaping as one of the best ever with the likes of Quality Road and co also on course for a showdown there on August 28th.

My tip in the Jim Dandy last week Fly Down  ran a dissapointing 5th. After getting bet into about 9/5, it was too short to back and promptly missed the start from post 9 and dropped out to last giving it no chance. The winner A little Warm sat on the pace and showed a lot of fight to take out the Group 2 event.

In the Group 1 Diana my tip did win although it was very short too at about 2/1 in a very competitive race. Proviso showed great fight in the straight to hold off two time winner Forever Together by a nose!

TONY GOLDS HOT TIPS FOR THIS SATURDAY IN SARATOGA 

In the Whitney Invitational Handicap Feature Race:

BET WIN/PLACE (SAME AMOUNT) on Number 6 Musket Man Eg: $20 WIN, $20 PLACE

BET EXACTA BOX: Quality Road/Musket Man/Jardim. (I'd suggest a 20 dollar bet and hope the fav. doesnt win and it will pay very well)

BET TRIPLE BOX: Quality Road/Musket Man/Blame/Jardim .(Box these 4 for the full $2 dollar unit $48 dollar cost)

The field for the Grade 1, $750,000 Whitney Invitational Handicap: