Saratoga Picks: Spa Week 3 commences on July 27

Saratoga ... aka The Spa ... is situated impressively in Upstate New York. The celebrated track is poised to begin its 3rd week of racing. The town north of Albany is bustling with activity and has what many consider the best competition of the entire year.

NYRA will continue to put forward another major stakes schedule (the Grade 2 Jim Dandy will be a highlight on Saturday), and with full fields, it should be another exciting season!

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 Wednesday 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 10: Adam’s Angel #2, 7/2):

Even though the condition parameters here include older female runners, we have a batch of 3-yr-old filles that will be after this MSW Co. race. Here is a sprinter from HOF trainer Shug McGaughey’s midst that looks the part. She is coming back to the track after her debut last November at Aqueduct. I am betting that the time-off did her some good. By celebrated Spendthrift sire Into Mischief, she has the bloodlines (on both sides actually) to run nicely. The services of Luis Saez are welcome, and I like the way he handles decision-making just before the top of the lane. Courtlandt Farms has owned some good ones over the years, and there is much promise for this high-priced filly … she cost over $1 million at the Keeneland September Sale back in 2020.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #2

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Berning Honor #3, 15/1):

You might recognize some of Domenick Schettino's greatest runners from a few years back … Greenpointcrusader … Galloping Grocer … Flash Forward … He comes to The Spa with one score already, and is looking for more. It certainly will not be easy in this 2-yr-old race, which are traditionally very difficult to handicap. But that’s what we do in the business of horseplaying, and a NY bred contest is as good as any … hope springs eternal. I like his 1st time starter for a number of reasons. A filly by Honor Code, she’s a homebred that has a nice work tab going right now. The best news is Dylan Davis has the mount, and he knows how to hustle young horses out of the gate. The draw isn’t as favorable as it could be, but I am not worried. If she can exit the gate in good order, then she has a chance to make the lead. The Saratoga track has not exhibited biases (i.e. frontend speed, "Golden Rail," etc.), and taking a shot with this barn (with odds like these) is very appealing.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #3 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 1 Mile, OC80kn3x, F&M 3+):

With the threat of rain upstate, you never know when the grass races will be affected … get ‘em while they're hot! Here is a tough cookie of a race for older females, but it doesn’t have a capacity field … only 7 draw-in. David Aragona, the M/L oddsmaker (accomplished fellow), gave the nod for the top spot to Tony Dutrow’s High Opinion #1. That’s warranted based on this mare’s last out win in a “Non-G” at Parx last month. That race was a cinch for the daughter of Lemon Drop Kid, and once again, Flavien Prat gets the call. His full-time “Spa Experience” has been more than adequate, especially when you consider the power of this colony. I don’t think that I want to put this horse on top though because there is value to be had elsewhere. Another runner that is going to take significant money is Christophe Clement’s Messidor #5, who will be making her 3rd start in this current cycle. She finished just off-the-board in the Perfect Sting $100 earlier this month at Belmont … she just couldn’t get to Jouster in the end. Javier Castellano will be in the irons, and this stalker can make some noise, if she can get the right trip. I am going to spurn both these aforementioned turfers, and instead go with one of Mike Maker’s entries. I did back Amalfi Princess #4 at Belmont in mid-May, and she paid a handsome price in that sprint win. However, this time around I actually like a homebred named Phantom Vision #3. Not only will this filly by Declaration of War be double-digits when this thing goes off, but she gets Tyler Gaffalione. Her KY-based conditioner had her sprinting at Gulfstream before shipping to Keeneland in April. That turf sprint at 5-furlongs, and running in The Very One S. $100k at Pimlico were not great efforts. Stretching out here, plus the rest she has received could be the recipe for success. Gaffalione needs to get her moving early, and I know he has the chops to get the job done. A forward position would be ideal, and that looks like the “key” to success. What a nice Wednesday blade run this is going to be … here is the play!

Wagering Recommendation: $1 Trifecta Cold, 3/5/1

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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 !!!