Saratoga Picks: Meet enters final few weeks on August 17

Saratoga Springs, the town north of New York's capital is reveling in equine-related activity! The celebrated Meet is way past 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 ... the new week 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 Wednesday 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: Kemba #5, 2/1):

Trainer Ray Handal had some magnificent success at The Spa last summer, but this year he has only enjoyed a pair of trips to that hallowed winner’s circle. He might be making another one, if Joel Rosario can do what he does best on the turf … come from off-the-pace. This seasoned mare by Hard Spun has tons of experience at this level, even though she only has 1 career win to her credit. I would like to see Handal enjoy this score. His runner is in-form, and she should be able to “handle” a crowd like this one rather easily.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Mo Rewards #2, 6/1):

I realize that Rudy Rodriguez is not having the best Meet … actually, his outfit has really stunk. However, just because you are 1 for 50, doesn’t mean that you cannot turn it around in an instant. There is much to like about this colt by Uncle Mo, and he has the chance to improve after running 9F at this same level last time. Rudy “Rod” is making a keen decision, and it could pay off. Not only is this 3-yr-old bred for the turf, but he just missed taking a piece of the money … good things to come …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 1 Mile, NY Stallion S., $150k, 3, NY Breds):

Let’s face facts … if you can find a way to beat Danny Gargan’s professional-looking Dakota Gold #8, then you are surely going to be paid handsomely. This colt by Freud is the class of this field, and I am sure that being even money will be the case come post time. Irad Ortiz continues to get over bet over the course of the Meet, and I would expect that to continue. After running nicely in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1), he came back to win one of these “Stallion Series” races at Belmont in June. Next, he lost by a head to Practice Squad in the Violette S. $125k … everyone expected him to win. He will be in the mix late in this race, but I like Barclay Tagg’s Shinsun #3. Not only will this gelding be ridden by Luis Saez, but the son of A Shin Forward has advanced up the class ladder with a pair of good efforts. Tagg’s young runner broke his maiden on debut, then swam in open company in a tough Starter race at The Spa against eventual winner, Catch That Party. Ending up 3rd, it was a game effort, and something to build on. The veteran trainer continues to amaze in races of this caliber, and I like Saez and that aggressive style of his, and you can bet that this one is going to be more than a square price on Wednesday afternoon in the “feature.” Cutting back to a mile should suit too … Here is the bet!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 3 w 8

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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 !!!