Last night, during a glorious Met win, I got the marching orders from Mrs
Richiebee. I was ordered to go purchase kitty litter and kibble for the felines.
Since the purveyor of these goods is located perilously close to a local branch
of the New York City Off Track Betting Corporation, my first response to my
wife's order was to download the Past Performances for the first 2 races at the
Spa.

For those who are tired of endless discourse on the board about deceased equines
and drugs, for those who are trying to decipher Barry Irwin's Jew/Gentile
observation,for those still reeling from CtC's disclosure that he is receiving
professional assistance, I offer an exclusive analysis of today's first race at
Saratoga-- a 2-3/8 mile steeplechase to be run over National Fences. Call it
the "Steeplechase Race of the Week" (SROTW).

The conditions of this optional claimer are fascinating. The race is for "four
year olds and upward which have never won a race other than maiden, claiming,
starter, RESTRICTED FILLY, or which have never won two races or optional
claiming price of $30,000." (emphasis added).

The conditions of the race, which exclude from consideration victories in
races restricted to females, allow the #3, Orchid Princess, to compete. Orchid
Princess is a 9YO daughter of Demaloot Demashoot (reggae fans should be able to
immediately identify the song from which "Demaloot Demashoot" was lifted from).
OP has won 4 lifetime races over the jumps and won in excess of $117,000 for
her efforts; no other jumper in the field has won more than twice
nor won more than $40,000 in their jumping endeavors.

Not only is OP the "prolific winner" in the field, one of her wins came in a
Graded Stake (restricted to fillies)in May of 06. Another positive is that OP
has completed the course in her last 11 races (even worse than the fallen
jumper is the jumper who inexplicably detours towards the infield or the
grandstand, seemingly in an act of defiance). From a TG point of view, OP
breaks from the rail and packs low weight in the field.

There are, of course, negatives. OP is trained by Linda Klein, who I have never
heard of, even though I can be fairly assured that she starts her sentences
with "look" (or is it "listen"?). There are two horse entries from steeplechase
icons Sheppard and Voss, and the always dangerous Janet Elliot will saddle one
runner. Another negative is that OP tired in a shorter race with similar
conditions at the Spa last month.

OP is 6/1 morning line and gets none of my money at odds lower than that.

A brief comment on the second race: I do not care if they are "good betting
races" or not. It is a shame that Maiden $50K claimers are even running at the
Spa, especially on the turf.