Saratoga Picks: Drink the Wind tops Thursday's Selections
Wednesday was a bit of a dud for us here at HorseRacing.net HQ with server issues spoiling our day but we are back up and running and JN Campbell is here with his thoughts on the action at Saratoga this Thursday...
Saratoga Picks: Thursday, July 21, 2022
-
Race 1: 1-6-2-3
-
Race 2: 2-6-5-1
-
Race 3: 8(MTO)-6-5-3-2
-
Race 4: 5-1-6-5
-
Race 5: 3-4-6-2
-
Race 6: 2-3-5-8
-
Race 7: 3-6-7-2
-
Race 8: 3-7-1-6
-
Race 9: 4-7-3-5
-
Race 10: 5-2-9-3
-
Most Likely Winner: Drink The Wind #1 (Race: 1)
-
Best Value: V Mart #5 (Race: 4)
Most Likely Winner: (Race 1: Drink the Wind #1, 3/1):
The Kentucky shippers garnered more than just a passing mention on Opening Weekend at The Spa. They really swept up the 2-yr-old stakes races, and it will be interesting to see how they do this time around. Trainer Wayne Catalano knows his business after decades of great wins. He can match-up with the very best, and with so many “firsters” in this spot, expect his gelding to run well. By More Than Ready, the gelding came to “The Catman” from Peter Miller’s stead last year. His pair of MSW120k races at Churchill were good enough to hit-the-board, but he has a chance to break his maiden at Saratoga. The services of Joel Rosario, who takes over the piloting in this Peachtree Stable, will come in handy.
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #1
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 4: V Mart #5, 6/1):
The 2-yr-old races at Saratoga are famous for value, and if you are willing to shop for a price, then the rewards can be sweet. When it comes to a top choice, I am pretty keen on Juan Carlos Avila’s colt by Hard Spun. Owned by former MLB All-Star Victor Martinez (his nickname, V Mart), this freshman is going to roll from the gate. I like the connections, the price, and the presence of rider Carlos Olivero. Martinez made some noise a couple of years back with King Guillermo. Maybe this one has that kind of potential …
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/8th, ALLW95kn1x, F&M 3+):
With weather rolling in, we could see the turf action moved to the dirt. No matter … here is a solid ALLW Co. contest that should be a dandy, no matter the conditions. Going 9-furlongs can be a “bear” because it can test a runner’s mettle, and out of these NY breds, only Jeremiah Englehart’s U Guys Are No Fun #1, Mitch Friedman’s Caragate #3, and Orlando Noda’s Reigning Chick #6 have gone that far. Having said that, both of these haven’t done so in over 6 months. I think the best bet in this race is Friedman’s filly by Arrogate. This sire passed away well before his time in 2020, but his offspring that remain are more than just competitive. This 3-yr-old’s form looks sharp, after a pair of Belmont ALLW Co. efforts that looked promising. Making the transition from running against maidens last year to a class of horses like this is not easy. When you start to face older, more experienced types, even at the state bred level, that is not easy. Javier Castellano gets aboard this speedy router, and if he can track from just off-the-pace, then she has a big chance to score. One other pick that deserves inclusion is Randi Persaud’s Mia Bea Star #7. A mare by Race Day, she has numerous ALLW Co. starts to her credit, and with Junior Alvarado back at a NYRA track, she could be a price play breaking from that outside post. Here is a bet that I will be playing for sure …
Wagering Recommendation: $1 Superfecta Cold, 3/7/1/6
----------------------------------------------
Enjoy some action from the SPA! The tradition at Saratoga Race Course marches on … Be sure to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!