Saratoga Picks: G1 Fourstardave H. brings 5 turfers together on August 13

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 past 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, highlighted by the running of the Grade 1 Fourstardave Handicap.

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 Saturday 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 !!!

Late Pick 4 … Races 8-11

Race 8: Turf, 1 Mile, OC80kn1x, 3

The sequence on this Saturday is probably one of the best wagering races on the entire Saratoga card, but you have to willing to go against a tough “deserving favorite.” These 3-yr-olds will be taking to the Inner Turf, and are looking to upgrade their class status. When it comes to playing this LP4, I am going to shy away from going deep … it is time to be realistic. The phrase “Chad Brown-Klaravich horses on the grass” conjures thought bubbles comprised of words like low odds and sure-bets. Portfolio Company #1 will be just that on Saturday, and with Joel Rosario aboard, the colt by the now-deceased Kitten’s Joy has a chance to shine. Brown is dropping him down from stakes company, and he easily has the most experience in this spot. Some might call this a suspicious move, but there is always intent behind this future HOF-er’s moves. For me, this is a “Single,” and I am going to hope I can find a price horse, elsewhere on the card.

Leg 1: 1 (Single)

Wagering Recommendation: $100, Win #1

Race 9: Dirt, 7F, MSW105k, 3+

Here is an interesting condition for males, in that most are 3-yr-olds. With a good number of 1st time starters, it will be a challenge to discern who is ready, and who is not. Chad Brown once again comes with a strong hand, and I would not be surprised if either Leading Contender #2 or For Good #4 broke their maiden. I am going to use both of them, but I really think highly of the Schettino Barn’s Happy Bob #7. This colt by Runhappy is on the make, and looks the part after he debuted at Belmont at the end of June. Not only does he get 1st time Lasix, but the addition of Flavien Prat is a smooth move. Expect him to make some waves against this bunch! Let’s go 3 deep, and move to the latter half of this LP4 sequence.

Leg 2: 2/4/7 (3-Deep)

Wagering Recommendation: $25/$50 WP #7

Race 10: Turf, 1 Mile, Fourstardave H. (G1), $500k, 3+

The stakes highlight of the Saturday Spa card is probably the annual renewal of the Fourstardave Handicap. A 2-turn Grade 1 event on the Inner Turf, it regularly brings together a good field of celebrated “milers.” Coming into this year’s race, the matriarch against the boys is definitively the Peter Brant-owned mare by Animal Kingdom, Regal Glory #3. Chad Brown’s 6-yr-old is the top grass runner in the nation, and she has proved it on many occasions. With 19 starts under her saddle, she has 12 wins … her earnings, you ask? In excess of $2 million … Jose Ortiz is her regular pilot, and even though she can be a challenge to handle, there is no question that when she comes to play, she can be devasting in the stretch. Despite her brimming form and talent, I am betting that today is not going to be hers. In fact, I am going to take the rest of the field (all males), and try to beat her with the likes of NYRA favorite Casa Creed #1. This can be a dangerous strategy, but the payoff is going to be sweet, if we can get a longer priced entry home. A trip to the Breeders’ Cup Fan Duel Mile (G1) is on the line … maybe the favorite will be off her game … A note, Brown has actually never won the Fourstardave H. ... what?

Leg 3: 1/2/4/5 (4-Deep)

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager, WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Race 11: Turf, 1 1/16th, MC40k, 3+

The finale on this Saturday card is your typical endgame that can point in a number of directions. There is nothing easy in spots like these … I am interested in John Kimmel’s gelding by Practical Joke. Smart Joker #2 is owned by Monmouth Park’s Dennis Drazin, and he gets another shot at the turf after losing the lead down the stretch last time out at Belmont. He comes back at the same condition and distance, and I think that Jose Ortiz can use what he learned from that last attempt. The pace scenario was not at all quick, so maybe it was just a case of a late meltdown. One other entry that suits my ‘capping fancy is Carlos Martin’s Calloway Peak #9. Ridden once again by Eric Cancel, this gelding by Arrogate has a good turf pedigree on the dam side, and the former Bill Mott-trainee is still looking to break his maiden. That could very well come on Saturday, as he gets “blinkers” … don’t give up on this one yet …

Leg 4: 2/9 (2-Deep)

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Box, 2/9

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Ticket: 1 / 2-4-7 / 1-2-4-5 / 2-9

.50 Cost LP4: $12.00

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