Saratoga Picks: Thomas' Empress Tigress defends perfect record on August 11

Saratoga Springs, the town north of New York's capital is teaming with equine-related activity ... and yes, the Clydesdales are in-town! The celebrated Meet is already at the half-way point, but that only means that the best is yet to come ...

NYRA will continue to put forward another major stakes schedule, and with full fields, it should be another exciting go! Travers Day is coming, along with so many betting opportunities. Wait for it ... Week 5 is moving!

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 Thursday 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: Catching Cupid #6, 5/2):

Trainer Charlie Baker has a good one headed to the Saratoga MT, and with Joel Rosario aboard, he has a great shot to reach the winner’s circle. With the old angle of 3rd start in the cycle, this gelding by Cupid is in for a tag. This runner’s best skill is coming from off-the-pace, and let’s face it, with a jockey like this, he looks like a bet at 5/2.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: The Sleepychipmunck #1, 6/1):

I backed this gelding of Chad Summers last time out at this level when he raced on the turf at Belmont before their Meet closed in July. The son of Looking At Lucky was 3rd at boxcar odds of 20/1 … that will not be the case today. I like his chances, and hope that the rider change to Luis Saez does the trick … what an upgrade. Summers is a solid conditioner, and he is looking for his 1st win of the Saratoga Meet. Here’s to hoping that he remains around 6/1.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 5½F, Galway Stakes, $150k, 3F):

Some sophomore fillies will be contesting this turf sprint, and many of them are looking to notch their 1st stakes win of their careers. The advantage in this race goes to Jonathan Thomas’ Empress Tigress #7, especially considering that she is a perfect 2/2. She won earlier in the Meet in a “Non-G” on the grass, at this distance, and Augustin Stable is certainly liking how their $410k purchase at the OBS Spring ’21 Sale is panning out. With HOF John Velazquez aboard, we can expect her to take money. If you are like me, you want to try and beat this runner because there is a ton of value to be had elsewhere in this lawn jaunt. I am going to be betting on Christophe Clement’s Derrynane #10. The homebred by Quality Road has continued to knock on the stakes door, and she is coming through to announce her presence with authority. Joel Rosario gets the call once again, and I think his mount deserves one more chance. She might end up being a tidy price … 4/1 or 5/1? Yes please … Let’s include the other half of Clement’s uncoupled entry, Breeze Easy #6 with Flavien Prat, and also Bill Mott’s Poppy Flower #1 … they look like they have the ability to get to the wire in-time. Here is the wager I have constructed …

Wagering Recommendation: $1 Superfecta Wheel, 10 w 1/6/7 w 1/6/7 w 1/6/7

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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 !!!