Saratoga Picks: Forbidden Apple S. bears fruitful field on July 15

The pomp and ceremony of Saratoga Racecourse in Upstate New York is ready for another glorious season of racing. The town north of Albany has what many consider the best competition of the year. NYRA will put forward another major stakes schedule, and with full fields, it should be another smashing Opening Weekend!

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 !!!

Most Likely Winner: (Race 5: Gooch Go Bragh #2, 6/1):

The Danny Gargan Show rolls into Saratoga, and he has a solid group of runners headed your way, bettors. I am predicting that he is going to have a superb Meet. Here is a talented 3-yr-old by Distorted Humor should not be 6/1 when this race goes off. The former member of Todd Pletcher’s outfit came to Gargan in January, and after a couple of tough races down at Gulfstream, he shipped to Belmont. That Starter race did not go well … didn’t like the surface? Now, coming back to Saratoga (a place he ran nicely as a 2-yr-old), he should handle a group like this one. The addition of Irad Ortiz … well … you know what that means …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #2

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Mystic Eyes #10, 15/1):

On this Friday, I am most-intrigued how this filly by Maclean’s Music will run-back after a disappointing start at Churchill Downs in mid-May. That “Non-G” pitted the Pletcher sprinter against Twilight Gleaming #3, but the rematch probably is not on anyone’s radar. I think differently … She is making only her 2nd start of the year, and obviously she needed a race. Now, with a handful of works under her saddle, she should be at a much higher level of fitness. I am always a big fan of Luis Saez, and his job is simple … break well … get to the lead … and maybe with some luck, his mount will have that late turn-of-foot! One can hope … 15/1? Not sure …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #10 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 1 Mile, Forbidden Apple S. (G3), $175k, 4+):

The Forbidden Apple is probably worth a bite, but beware, this is a very tough field with loads of options. Nothing like sinking your teeth into this juicy prize, though! When it comes to a “deserving favorite,” you might think that Brad Cox’s venerable Set Piece #1 is worth consideration … and you would be right. The 6-yr-old Juddmonte homebred appeared to win easily last time out in the Dinner Party S. (G2) at Pimlico. I am not sure how tough that race really was for him, and that makes me question whether or not Cox has him ready for a race like this one. With such a large field, it is an easy decision … look elsewhere for value. My top selection is one-half of the Chad Brown uncoupled entry … Analyze It #6. This 7-yr-old still has solid rating ability, and he is just starting his ’22 campaign. Even though he lost to Kentucky Ghost at Monmouth in a “Non-G,” he has the resume to get the job done here with Jose Ortiz in the irons. Brown has never won this apple, but he has a shot to do so today. It’s going to be a question of timing for Ortiz. If he can get his ride in position just off-the-lead, then he has a major chance to notch the victory. Let’s come up with a bet that is going to take a stand against Cox’s aged ace. Here it is …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 6 w 1 w 2/3/4/5/7/8/9/10/11/12

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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 !!!