Saratoga Picks: Non-G Stakes trio dot card on August 12

Saratoga Springs, the town north of New York's capital is teaming with equine-related activity ... and yes, the Clydesdales are in-town! The celebrated Meet is already at the half-way point, but that only means that the best is yet to come ...

NYRA will continue to put forward another major stakes schedule, and with full fields, it should be another exciting go! Travers Day is coming, along with so many betting opportunities. Wait for it ... Week 5 is moving!

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Friday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

All-Stakes Rundown … 

Race 3: Dirt, 6F, John Morrissey H., $125k, 3+

This year’s edition of the Morrissey includes an eclectic group of runners. Leading the way is Saffie Joseph’s NY Traffic #6. A son of Cross Traffic, the now-5-yr-old colt continues to represent that Triple Crown Trail class of 2020. Irad Ortiz will be aboard once again, and there is no question that his mount is the class of this field. I have never particularly cared for this router, but he deserves respect when it comes to the ability to soundly beat a group like this one. Joseph continues to have a strong ’22 campaign. I will use his horse, but I much prefer a class riser like Rob Atras’ Saint Selby #1. This trainer had some nice wins on the Thursday card, and that luck could continue with this gelding by Kantharos. Michael Dubb is an owner who employs this conditioner quite often, and with Kendrick Carmouche aboard again, his talent could transcend the company. It is going to take a monumental effort, but winning an open company ALLW92k race at Belmont served as a superb test.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 1 w 6

Race 6: Dirt, 6F, Union Avenue S., $125k, F&M 3+

Named for that celebrated thoroughfare in Saratoga Springs, we are headed to the post for another challenging dirt sprint. This race came up particularly tough, and without a prohibitive favorite, it will make for an excellent betting opportunity. John Kimmel’s Secret Love #2 will take some money, and rightly so with John Velazquez in the irons. This filly by popular sire Not This Time (Epicenter Dad), is still looking to get on-track after a number of missing against stakes co. Kimmel is proficient when it comes to these types of opportunities, but I want to look to Tallie Lynch’s Eloquent Speaker #6 as my top choice. This Flatter mare has had numerous trainers over this last year, but she has a versatility to her that is pretty inviting. Lynch is a former jockey-turned-conditioner, and she has a knack for getting the best out of talent when you least expect it. The best news is that rider Tyler Gaffalione gets aboard, and this past week at Saratoga, he is starting to get hot. When that happens, you better back his mounts because he can ride a live one. This entry has a strong level of fitness, and the price will be right. What a pick!

Wagering Recommendation: $25/$50 WP #6

Race 8: Dirt, 1 Mile (Wilson Chute), Evan Shipman H., $125k, 3+

The Wilson Chute is the place to be for this year’s Shipman. Out of these NY state breds, I am all for trying to figure out a way to check the class power of Steve Asmussen’s Bankit #1. The 6-yr-old son of Central Banker is returning to the U.S. after running 6th in the Godolphin Mile (G2) on the Dubai WC undercard. That was quite a leap from the competition he was used to facing … here is the main question … Can he return to form off the break, and be sharp with Joel Rosario at odds of 9/5? I am skeptical … Sometimes these international shippers have difficulty making it back to the racetrack, and let’s face it, there is little here in the way of value. Instead, let’s not negate the ability of Jim Ryerson’s Market Alert #6. He won nicely in the Saginaw $100k last time out at Belmont, and Jose Ortiz got his 1st win in a month yesterday. I like this gelding by D’ Funnybone because he likes some pace to run into. He has run almost every month this year, and the homebred for Wellspring Stables will be pushing double-digits on the tote board. One other option that I quite like is Michelle Giangiulio’s Sea Foam #7. A venerable runner, he always puts forth a strong effort. When it comes to a horse-for-the-course, this son of Medaglia d’Oro is the one to watch with a record at The Spa that comes to 6/4-1-0. Kendrick Carmouche has the mount again, and there is a good chance this one gets at least a piece, if not all, of the money. Here is the bet …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 1/6/7

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Enjoy some action from the SPA! The tradition at Saratoga Race Course marches on … Be sure to follow us on Twitter … @Horseracing_USA !!!