Saratoga Picks: Pletcher's Forte is speed in the Sanford S. on July 16

The splendid ceremony that surrounds Saratoga Racecourse in Upstate New York is open for business. The quaint 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 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 !!!

Most Likely Winner: (Race 8: Bleecker Street #3, 6/5):

What will stop Chad Brown’s talented filly from getting to the winner’s circle for the 8th time in-a-row? It could be another Brown entry … he has Technical Analysis #1 and Rougir #4 uncoupled in here too! However, I think Peter Brant’s investment continues to steamroll this division. She has versatility, a major set of late gears, and once again, the service of Irad Ortiz. This is a special filly, and even though she is going to get tested in every way in this Grade 1, she will get the job done. What price will I accept? Well, anything over 6/5 should be considered an overlay. You cannot get those kinds of returns at a bank … can you?

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 9: Constitutionlawyer #7, 15/1):

I’ve been a fan of this colt by Constitution ever since he ran his 1st race at Aqueduct in early December. Trainer Ray Handal had a splendid time last year at Saratoga, and collected a series of signature “wins.” He is going to try and flip the script with this talented router by moving him from the dirt to the turf. Let’s face it, the pedigree with this sire supports this switch, and after a miss at Belmont in the mud, it could be just what he needs. Running in both the Withers S. (G3) and the Jeff Ruby S. (G3) were character and class building moments for sure. When Handal and jockey Dylan Davis get together, they can be a force from the starting gate. What a price!

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 10: Dirt, 6F, Sanford S. (G3), $175k, 2):

The Grade 3 Sanford Stakes take The SPA stage in fine fashion on this Saturday. The precious 2-yr-old boys have their chance to shine, and this race is going to be a good ole fashioned barnburner. If you take a gander at the replay of Todd Pletcher’s Forte #4 in his debut at Belmont on 27 May, then you watched quite a spectacle. Drawing away with Irad Ortiz in the irons, the son of Violence was uber-impressive … winning by 7+ lengths. With tracking speed, he could be the best of this bunch. I am going to look elsewhere, especially since this is such a large field … 12 total. I am pretty keen on Kelly Breen’s celebrity, Andiamo a Firenze #9. A homebred, the son of Speightstown made a splash of a debut against state bred company at Belmont early last month. Jose Ortiz takes over the riding duties from his brother, and this is Breen’s chance to shine. With a stellar speed fig after he broke his maiden, you can expect this one to take some significant money. Let’s use both of these top-rated entries, but I also like the look of Brad Cox’s Mo Strike #6. By Uncle Mo, he was a pretty penny at the April OBS this year, and I am sure that Nasser Bin Omairah is looking for results … and soon. Regular Cox rider, Florent Geroux comes to Saratoga for his 2nd day of competition, and you know he will be hustling. The Uncle Mo bloodline is alive and well. He is my top choice, and here is the exotic wager that I will be playing …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Cold, 6/4/9

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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 !!!