ANDREW CHAMPAGNE’S BEST BET

BANKROLL: $776.50 There’s no use beating around the bush, so I’ll come out and say it: Fields are short the next few programs at Saratoga. It’s easy to play the blame game, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Most importantly, 2-year-olds are no longer allowed to run with Lasix in New York. I’ll leave the discussion about the effects of Lasix to the professionals, but it’s apparent that this a real deterrent for some barns, ones that have opted to run their juveniles in jurisdictions that allow them to receive the medication. The other factor to keep in mind, of course, is the COVID-19 pandemic. Many trainers had to stop on horses for weeks at a time, and it’s tough to get them ready to run after such a long time off the track. It’s certainly unfortunate. Races at Saratoga drawing fields of five or six is a “should not occur” in most years. Having said that, I feel fortunate we have a Saratoga meet at all. NYRA’s doing the best it can in a tough situation, and while I’ve been quick to take them to task on some things, doing so here doesn’t seem smart.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS: While my Pick Five got blasted to smithereens in the first leg, I had some hope with nice double will-pays after Antoinette’s gutty score in the Saratoga Oaks. Unfortunately, those failed to come to fruition. I dropped $28 after scratches.

WEDNESDAY’S PLAY: I’m going to try to squeeze some value out of likely favorite #6 TOBYS HEART in the eighth race (the featured Bolton Landing Stakes). I’ll play her on top in $10 exactas and $5 trifectas that use medium-range prices #8 AMANZI YIMPILO and #9 MISCHIEVOUS DREAM in the underneath spots.

TOTAL WAGERED: $30.