Saratoga Picks: Opening Day captures the racing imagination on July 14

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

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 Thursday 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 7: Tarabi #7, 5/2):

A daughter of First Samurai, this 3-yr-old filly for trainer Cherie DeVaux has solid ability, top to bottom. She took on Echo Zulu last year at Saratoga in the Spinaway (G1), and did not fair too badly (she also shipped to face her at Del Mar in the BC Juvenile Fillies (G1). That was a tall order, and it is great to see her return. With a ’22 start already in the books at Churchill, she deserves to be the favorite against a group like this one. She exudes class, and I like that her conditioner is sticking with regular rider Javier Castellano. I predict that she will be on or 1-2 off-the-lead. If she can do that, then DeVaux should head to the winner’s circle.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 3: Tiberius Mercurius #7, 6/1):

The Saratoga price on this opening Thursday is a gem of a turf runner from Mike Maker’s midst. Last year at The SPA, the Kentucky-based conditioner came out of the blocks fast … winning at a nice clip. He can get hot again with this son of The Factor, a sire that handles grass routes quite well. The addition of Luis Saez makes this one an even more inviting wager. Saez and Maker can do some damage, and dropping this one into a spot like this makes a ton of sense. I think 6/1 on the tote would be a gift …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #7 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Dirt, 6F, Schuylerville S. (G3), $175k, 2F):

This year’s edition of the Schuylerville S. came up particularly tough, especially with such a tepid favorite like Eddie Kenneally’s Just Cindy #1. A filly by Justify (yes, his crop has arrived), she is going to try and build off of that stalking win she had at Churchill Downs in a MSW120k in mid-June. With Irad Ortiz aboard, it is certainly possible, but there are some better options drawn-in here. If you are looking for a top selection, then do not negate the budding ability of Mark Casse’s Adora #3 (btw, he has 3 entered for this race). Even though she broke her maiden 1st time out on the AW at Woodbine, there was much to like. Not only was she “ridden out,” but her breaking ability from the post was excellent … despite being challenged. Having Dylan Davis in the irons is a smart move, after he finished a close 2nd to Ortiz for the Belmont riding title. If this one is quick, and can handle the stretch out to 6-furlongs, then she could be the victor. Having Into Mischief in your blood isn’t a terrible thing either. One other runner that has some gas in the tank is D. Wayne Lukas’ Summer Promise #9. Owned by BC Stables, this filly by Uncle Mo was a $500k purchase at the Keeneland September Sale last year. She turned some heads on debut under the Twin Spires, and expect jockey Luis Saez to put her on-the-lead early. “The Coach,” as Lukas is known, is back at The SPA, and he still has the fire-in-the-belly to collect stakes victories. Here is the wager for what looks to be an ultra-competitive contest!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Cold, 3/1/9

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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 !!!