Saratoga Picks: Breeders' Cup ticket up for grabs in Ballerina H. on August 28

Saratoga Springs, the town north of New York's capital is immersed in equine-related activity! The celebrated Meet has now passed Travers Day, and that means we only have roughly a week left before Closing Day arrives. This afternoon the focal point will be the Grade 1 Ballerina Handicap, a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" race that offers entry into the Filly & Mare Sprint (G1)! What a 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 Sunday 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 5: Microphone #4, 2/1):

Throughout this Meet, we have seen Chad Brown’s runners take significant money, but some have fallen through the tote cracks. I am sure this gelding by Siyouni (FR) will be the former, so I want to watch the board and see where the money is flowing. Jose Ortiz doesn’t have his brother’s numbers, but that doesn’t mean he cannot finish well on the turf. His mount is building towards a win, and I want to be ready when it happens. Anything lower than 9/5 is probably not something I want to accept. Get the popcorn out …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Legends Can’t Die #1, 5/1):

I think it is always telling when a trainer makes the decision to “runback” a horse. We just saw George Weaver’s gelding by Valiant Minister score in an OC80kn1x at Saratoga … all on the frontend. The connections are going to keep moving in the right direction, and see if they can capture lightning in a bottle once more. Manny Franco is riding extremely well, and with 20+ wins at the Meet, that speaks to his hot hand. If he can get loose on the lead, and control those fractions … Weaver might be heading to the winner’s circle once again.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #1 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Dirt, 7F, Ballerina H. (G1), $500k, 3+):

The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series rolls on, and the schedule is going to be heating up, since we only have about 2 months until purple reigns. On Sunday afternoon, the horse to beat will be the well-travelled Ce Ce #1. Mike McCarthy is looking to ship his prized daughter of Elusive Quality back to The Spa for another attempt in this race. Last year, she faced Bob Baffert’s Gamine, and ended up 3rd. Of course, that wasn’t a setback because she won the BC F&M Sprint (G1) … what revenge! For her ’22 campaign, she stretched out to win the Azeri (G2) at Oaklawn Park. Most would tend to agree that shorter distances are her specialty. SoCal rider Victor Espinoza hops a flight, returning to Saratoga. I will use McCarthy’s ace, but I really like the look of Brad Cox’s Lady Rocket #4. By Tale of the Cat, I certainly think her early speed can be a weapon. Ricardo Santana rode her effectively at Churchill Downs in the Grade 3 Chicago S., and with a great break, she might be able to wrestle the lead away from others. Frank Fletcher has owned some good ones over the years. Rounding out a ticket, I also like Chad Brown’s Goodnight Olive #7 and Bill Mott’s Obligatory #2. The former is a class climber, while the latter is looking to get back on track after losing the Bed O’ Roses (G2) to rival Bella Sofia #5 (who is drawn in here). That Rudy Rodriguez runner is certainly powerful, but I am not particularly sold on her against this group. What a race we have on tap … the Breeders’ Cup is on the line!

Wagering Recommendation: $.10 Superfecta Wheel, 4 w 1/2/5/7 w 1/2/5/7 w 1/2/5/7

----------------------------------------------

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