Saratoga Picks: Clement's Big Invasion dauntless in Quick Call S. on July 17

The sparkle and historic charm 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 day as Opening Weekend ends its run!

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 9: Fortin Hill #5, 3/1):

By Mucho Macho Man, this Indiana bred and Bill Mott trainee is all-class. A 6-yr-old, he doesn’t have that many races to his credit, but I like this spot because he comes back to Saratoga after a quality start at Belmont in a similar OC80kn3x. I realize he was favored against the likes of Mr. Phil, who won … but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a superb runner that cannot win here. The odds should be right at 3/1 … anything above that is an overlay. I will be watching the tote closely, and with Jose Ortiz back aboard, he should be able to get the job done for his HOF conditioner.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: I’m Fine #1, 8/1):

The good folks at Highlander Training Center in Texas own this mare by Blame, and even though she has won only once out of 19 tries, that doesn’t mean she cannot score in this spot. Looking over her form, there is actually much-to-like. Trainer Joe Sharp entered her on 3 occasions at Belmont, and the results were solid. She will be getting a major rider upgrade with Luis Saez, and that could prove decisive. When it comes to the turf, he is aggressive, and ready for action! The price will be right too at 8/1 or maybe even higher.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 5½F, Quick Call S., $175k, 3):

It is time to go sprinting on the grass at The SPA, and we call know what that means … anything can happen. Having made such a statement … let’s face facts … trainer Christophe Clement has a “deserving favorite” in Big Invasion #8. A son of Declaration of War, the colt has 4 wins in 5 starts, which is nothing short of impressive. He doesn’t necessarily have to break well, and make-the-lead. Rating is his game, and if Joel Rosario is anywhere close to the frontend, then he has a major chance. I am going to take a stand against this one, which isn’t ill-advised, especially considering that we do not exactly know how the Mellon Turf Course is playing. Tendencies early-on in a meet are always difficult to figure out for horseplayers, but that translates to opportunity. I am much more interested in one of Larry Rivelli’s entries (he has a pair). Nobals #4 is a gelding by Noble Mission (GB) with all sorts of potential. His conditioner is an expert when it comes to shipping into tough spots, and this one has already competed at Arlington (now defunct), Kentucky Downs, Presque Isle, Del Mar, Turfway, Woodbine, and Churchill Downs. That’s quite a tab, especially considering this one’s age. Plus, he is coming to Saratoga with a 4-race win streak. Getting Irad Ortiz’s services is a major coup, and expect this one to make a splash. One other entry that I wouldn’t leave out is Wesley Ward’s former Euro sprinter, Asymmetric #7. It is pretty cool that jcokey Jamie Spencer is hanging around to ride this son of Showcasing (GB), and expect him to be in-the-mix early in the game. Ward tried to get this one ready to face Clement’s ace last time in the Paradise Creek $100k, but he got the best of his entry. A rematch should be a welcome sight for us all. Nothing like a turf sprint stakes race to get the blood pumping! Here is the wager …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Cold, 4/7/8

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

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