Showdown at the Spa: Day 22

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We have given our two TDN crack handicappers, Brian DiDonato and Steve Sherack, a mythical $1000 bankroll and told them they can bet no more than 5% of that on any given day at Saratoga on a straight win bet. The winner, at the end of the meet, gets $100 in a TVG betting account, along with bragging rights until next July.

DiDonato: Sunday - In the sixth, Distortion (8.9-1) was better but still very green, and faded to fifth. At least I picked up another $10 on Sherack.   

Monday - Race 9 - Coronation Cup S. - #5 Quick Flip (15-1)
   There isn't much speed in this event compared to most turf sprint stakes, and Quick Flip should find herself on or near the lead as she tries the lawn for the first time. Purchased privately after being entered and scratched out of a $50,000 starter optional claimer Aug. 2 that I'm not sure how she was eligible for, last December's Sandpiper S. winner looks to regain the form she had at two now for Eddie Kenneally--she was previously with Terri Pompay. Kenneally boasts excellent numbers in the relevant categories, including an outrageous 11-for-25 ($6.30 ROI) record with non-debuting first time turfers sprinting over the past five years (courtesy DRF Formulator). Quick Flip is by good turf sprint sire Speightstown and is a half to MSW turf sprinter Stormin' Lyon. Play: $26 Win (Turf Only). Alternate 1: Race 6 - $21 Win on #8 Double Mint. Bankroll: $931 - Record: 18-2-2-3.

Sherack: Sunday - Canadian invader Dan the Tin Man chased a very hot early pace and never factored in the Saratoga Special.

Today - Race 5 - Clm 25000B, 3yo/up, 1 1/16mT - #4 Knock Rock (15-1)
   How great would it be to stick it to DiDonato twice with his old friend Knock Rock? The Scott Schwartz colorbearer clearly loves the lawn at the Spa, and his overdue wire-to-wire July 25 win came back with a very legit 74 Beyer. Needed 15 tries to break his maiden, but wouldn’t be shocked at all if he put them back-to-back at a big price. Play: $14 Win (Turf Only). Alternate 1: Race 1 - $14 Win on #4 Rockstar Life. Bankroll: $1,310.80 - Record: 21-6-4-1.