Saratoga Picks: Fillies take to the turf in G1 Oaks on August 7

Saratoga ... known affectionately as "The Spa" ... is a niche ... among the trees in Upstate New York. The celebrated track is about to end its 4th weekend 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, and with full fields, it should be another exciting go! We have a nice Grade 1 race on the card today ... the Saratoga Oaks! The middle leg of the female "Turf Triple" ...

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 1: Certified Loverboy #7, 7/2):

It may not look like it, but Ray Handal’s colt by Mendelssohn has some excellent ability. I like a runner that tries the same company level on the 2nd time out. The West Paces and Twin Sports folks paid $230k for this one, and they wanted Handal to take over the training schedule. That was a shrewd move because the young conditioner has a strong program for success. I like it when Dylan Davis gets aboard this barn’s mounts, and I would expect a much better result this time around. Mendelssohn is a sire for Coolmore that is just getting started. Watch out … what a price!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 9: Plum Ali #4, 6/1):

I am a fan of this filly by First Samurai from way back (as in ’21 at Keeneland’s Spring Meet). Christophe Clement has put her up against the best in the turf mile division, and that has given her some excellent class lines. Even though her last 2 races had less than stellar results, but in her defense, there was nothing easy about the G3 Beaugay S. at Belmont nor the G2 Nassau S. at Woodbine. Coming into this race, she has a real chance to take this opportunity to the bank. Manny Franco is riding well against a colony that is incredibly strong. Michael Dubb and Madaket Stables make for a strong ownership duo …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Turf, 1 3/16ths, Saratoga Oaks Invitational S. (G1), $700k, 3F):

While the “Oaks” did not come up with as full a field as its counterpart, the Saratoga Derby (G1), it still has some betting opportunities. In many ways, this is a re-match race between Chad Brown’s McKulick #2 and Charlie Appleby’s With The Moonlight #3. They went head-to-head in the Belmont Oaks (G1), and the Klaravich red-lettered “KS” ended up on top over the Godolphin homebred. This might be the opportunity to strike back against his rival. Jockey William Buick is in-town to try and right the ship, and he certainly has the ability to get the job done. I am willing to back Appleby, but I also like Brendan Walsh’s New Year’s Eve #1. Here is a filly by the now-deceased Kitten’s Joy that looks the part. Sure, she did not show-up in the “Oaks,” but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have the resume to be in the gate. Tyler Gaffalione is a rider that can transcend his current stats at the Meet. Grass riding is one of his specialties, and I like his chances. Am I bold enough to put him at the top of my ticket … no … but he is going to be a superb price … Here is the wager … it is easy as 1-2-3 …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 1/2/3

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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 !!!