The Alabama in the books and the Travers right around the corner as Week 5 of the 2017 Saratoga Race Course meeting comes to a close with a nine-race card Monday.
The $100,000 Evan Shipman for older New York-breds is the feature as Diversify looks to make it two stakes wins in a row for owner Ralph Evans and trainer Rick Violette.
The Saratoga Special handicapper’s race continues to be very competitive as John Shapazian and Charles Bedard are locked in a two-way battle well clear of our strung out field. John and Charles both head into Monday’s card with 82 winners from 269 races, a strike rate of 30.5 percent. Gaile Fitzgerald is next with 70 wins while Tom Law is a distant fourth with only 62.
Here are our handicapper’s selections for Monday, Aug. 21. Enjoy and good luck.
JOHN SHAPAZIAN (82/269):
1-Ever Young, Michael Wonderful, High Risk Strategy.
2-She Remembered, Grand Banks, Thin Dress.
3-Marnesia Big Girl, Madam Aamoura, Charis.
4-Tres Charmant, This Bird Can Sing, Song For The Soul.
5-Hembree, Patriot Drive, He’s Cheeky.
6-Run And Go, Awestruck, Peaceful Passage.
7-Converge, Hidden Vow, Vintage Matters.
8-Diversify, Governor Malibu, Papa Shot.
9-Conquest Sandman, Performance Bonus, Tricked Up.
GAILE FITZGERALD (70/269):
1-Berber, Mr Discretionary, Michael Wonderful.
2-She Remembered, Grand Banks, Impazible Woman.
3-Charis, Marnesia Big Girl, Madam Aamoura.
4-This Bird Can Sing, Tres Charmant, Starship Rockette.
5-Hembree, California Swing, He’s Cheeky.
6-Run And Go, Awestruck, For Honor.
7-Vintage Matters, Converge, Uncle Sigh.
8-Diversify, Papa Shot, Governor Malibu.
9-Bankers Holiday, Taste For Talent, Tricked Up.
TOM LAW (62/269):
1-Ever Young, Michael Wonderful, High Risk Strategy.
2-She Remembered, Grand Banks, Impazible Woman.
3-Charis, Madam Aamoura, Missy Mouse.
4-Tres Charmant, Song For The Soul, Starship Rockette.
5-Hembree, He’s Cheeky, Patriot Drive.
6-Run And Go, Bow Town Cat, Peaceful Passage.
7-Uncle Sigh, Incorporate, Vintage Matters.
8-Diversify, Papa Shot, Governor Malibu.
9-Acoustic, Tusk, Tricked Up.
CHARLES BEDARD (82/269):
1-High Risk Strategy, The Berber, Michael Wonderful.
2-Grand Banks, She Remembered, Itsthemoney.
3-Madam Aamoura, Charis, Causeway Cutie.
4-Tres Charmant, This Bird Can Sing, Hay Field.
5-He’s Cheeky, California Swing, Hembree.
6-Run And Go, Toby Girl, Awestruck.
7-Converge, Hidden Vow, Vintage Matters.
8-Diversify, Governor Malibu, Royal Posse.
9-Conquest Sandman, Tricked Up, Tusk.
