Saratoga Picks: Mott's boxcar the price play of the Meet on July 22
Saratoga Picks: Friday, July 22, 2022
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Race 1: 4-7-3-6
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Race 2: 6-1/1A-3-4
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Race 3: 5-7-3-1/1A
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Race 4: 3-8-7-4
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Race 5: 7-10-1/1A-8
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Race 6: 4-3-1-7
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Race 7: 3-5-1-4
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Race 8: 5-3-1-6
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Race 9: 7-6-5-2
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Race 10: 7-8-10-3
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Most Likely Winner: Leeloo #7 (Race: 10)
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Best Value: Skylander #3 (Race: 7)
The burnished patina that surrounds Saratoga Racecourse in Upstate New York is open for business as the track points towards its 2nd weekend of racing. The town north of Albany is abuzz with activity and has what many consider the best competition of the entire year. NYRA will continue to put forward another major stakes schedule, and with full fields, it should be another super run!
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Most Likely Winner: (Race 10: Leeloo #7, 5/1):
The numbers do not necessarily support Ignacio Correas’ 1st start ability, but this could be a chance to buck that stat. A talented filly by Practical Joke, this NY bred comes to her new home after running in much tougher company back at Aqueduct. After a break, she comes to Saratoga rested and ready. Irad Ortiz has the assignment, and he knows how to hustle his mount at the proper moment. The odds probably will not be 5/1 when this race goes off, but if they are, that qualifies as an overlay. Coming from David Duggan, a trainer I deeply respect, means this one has legs moving forward.
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Skylander #3, 30/1):
The boxcar is loaded, and ready to leave the station … all aboard! HOF trainer Bill Mott is making a surface switch with this gelding by Quality Road, and I think the move is brilliant. After trying the grass on 7 previous occasions, it is time for something different. Some ‘cappers might shy away from the 1st time gelding status when looking at the form, but there is enough evidence to support this Godolphin homebred to the contrary. Dropping down from running against OC80kn1x types tells me that he should enjoy the class relief. At these kinds of odds, he is worth a wager. The services of Luis Saez only strengthen the claim. The distance of 9-furlongs is nothing he hasn’t tackled before … what a wager!
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #3 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 1 Mile, Lake George S. (G3), $175k, 3F):
The “spotlight” swivels towards this 3-yr-old filly race on Friday, and it should be an excellent betting affair, if you can find an alternative to either of the Chad Brown entries. Both Dolce Zel #5 by Zelzal (FR) and Eminent Victor #6 by Mr. Z have form, and were ultra-competitive across several key tracks. The former won the Florida Oaks (G3), and then faced Spendarella in the Appalachian (G2) at Keeneland and New Years Eve in the Edgewood (G2) at Churchill. Even though that pair of turf routes did not result in a victory, she was still very good. Ridden by Irad Ortiz, she is going to take significant money. The “other” Brown runner has superb potential after Flavien Prat rode her to victory in the Wild Applause $100k at Belmont in late June. She is just getting warmed up, and she can build off that last score. The problem I have with her is that she did not face tough competition in that race. This will be a much tougher test. When it comes to a top selection, I would not underestimate the potential behind Saffie Joseph’s Sister Lou Ann #7. Owned by the tenured Ken Ramsey, this filly by Frosted looks the part. Her style is to break quickly in an attempt to take over a race. I do not usually gravitate towards those that like to control the pace on the grass … it can be a dangerous business. Blow the start … it’s an automatic miss. Still, Joseph just completed his best Gulfstream Championship Meet ever. With some possible “give” in the ground, Javier Castellano is the right jockey to have aboard. He had a monster opening to the Meet last weekend, and that could continue in this G3. Here is the wager … what a cool race!
Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 7 w 5/6
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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 !!!