Saratoga Picks: Art Collector makes bid in Alydar S. on August 4

Saratoga ... known affectionately as "The Spa" ... is situated among the trees in Upstate New York. The celebrated track is poised to continue its 4th week 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! As we point towards the weekend, there are a bevy of Grade 1 races coming ... like the Test Stakes, the Saratoga Derby, and of course, the Whitney Handicap ... what a line-up!

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 5: Nordic Light #6, 4/1):

Here is a Christophe Clement runner that is coming down from the class mountain. This is a much more breathable spot. The colt by Mastery was a big-ticket purchase at the Keeneland September Sale in 2020 to the tune of $310k. With Dylan Davis aboard once again, even though his mount is going to be asked to go longer (9-furlongs), I still think the “drop” will greatly assist. Clement has a strong barn, and when he and Davis get together, they can do some damage. There is a major difference between a MC50k and a MC20k …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 3: Millefeuille #4, 6/1):

Here is a Bill Mott-trainee that could get overlooked by horseplayers. There is much to like about this filly by Curlin, and it’s not just the fact that she is a Juddmonte homebred. Blessed with early speed, as long as she exits the gate in good order, she has a major chance. Joel Rosario was on fire last weekend, and expect that to continue. This horse has some nice back class, after running in the KYOaks in ’21 and ALLW Co. at Keeneland and Churchill. Time to go to the new Wilson Chute … what a fun price too!

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/8th, Alydar S., $135k, 4+):

Named for as famed a racehorse as you can find … this year’s edition of the Alydar Stakes has a strong field of 6 going forward. Of course, the “highlight” runner in this spot is Bruce Lunsford’s own Art Collector #5. Remember when this son of Bernardini scored for Tom Drury in the summer running of the Blue Grass Stakes (G2) at Keeneland in 2020? That seems like a lifetime ago … Bill Mott became this one’s trainer last year at Saratoga, and he did not disappoint winning this race, and then a pair of Grade 1s. Shipping to Saudi Arabia for their Cup (G1) did not appear to be a stretch, but the result of 12th was significantly less than impressive. He is going to be a short price Thursday, and even with Luis Saez aboard, I want nothing to do with him on top. Instead of backing the defending champ, I am much more interested in the exploits of Chad Brown’s Mystic Night #1. You are going to have to watch the tote board when it comes to this gelding by Into Mischief. Irad Ortiz and Brown get slammed at the windows, and their horses reflect that when it comes to the odds. There is no question that this one co-owned by Peter Brant and Three Chimneys Farm looks smart. He should be ready to jump back into the “Non-G” Co. here. Let’s key him over the rest of the field, and then put Mott’s short-priced entry in the “Show” position. Looks like a nice Trifecta Wheel to me …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 1 w 2/3/4/6 w 5

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

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