Saratoga Picks: Riskaverse S. strategy shores up wager on August 25

Saratoga Springs, the town north of New York's capital is immersed in equine-related activity! The celebrated Meet is into Travers Week, which is the focal point of its season!

NYRA will continue to put forward another major stakes schedule, and with full fields, it should be another exciting go! Travers Week rolls on, and there are some fabulous races scheduled! The peak will be Saturday afternoon, when the Grade 1 Travers, known historically as the "Summer Derby," breaks from the post ...  

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 4: Secret Thunder #5, 9/2):

Trainer Danny Gargan has a sharp-looking filly by Bolt d’Oro coming to the post for her debut. These "firsters" fare well in situations like these, and against a field like this one; it’s a good plan. The choice of Luis Saez is a sound one. A work tab can be a controversial piece of evidence, but there are certain clues that can stand out. I don’t consider 3F attempts to be all that helpful. It is the steadiness of the schedule that will suffice. Not missing a work gives confidence that a conditioner’s plan is rolling out nicely.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Lute Player #4, 6/1):

I am not sure what the price on the tote will be when Peter Brant’s filly by Into Mischief heads to the post. She was a high price back in 2020—$425k. Those Mischiefs do not come cheap. Trainer Chad Brown is sending this filly to the track, and his numbers are strong in spots like these. I would expect this one to be ready to fire. Flavien Prat’s services are welcome too. He has made a strong transition to NYRA tracks, which everyone believed was possible. Here's to hoping that his mount gets overlooked on the board because the M/L price looks excellent.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 1 Mile, Riskaverse S., $135k, 3F):

The Inner Turf will be the playground for these 3-yr-old fillies, as they try to notch their 1st North American stakes win. With a sizable field of 11, it is not a forgone conclusion that tepid M/L favorite Canisy #5 will celebrate in The Spa winner’s circle. The daughter of Point of Entry had her way on the frontend last time out in an OC80kn1x at Saratoga. Christophe Clement watched as jockey Javier Castellano controlled the slow fractions … it was a masterful ride. I am thinking that he is not going to be able to pull that off again, and instead, I much prefer a runner with a strong late turn-of-foot. George Weaver’s Linda’s Gift #4 will be a much better price at 12/1, and the filly by Arrogate can really employ the jets. With Tyler Gaffalione aboard, she has a sizable chance to add to Weaver’s haul. Here is the bet …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 4 w 5

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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 !!!