Saratoga Picks: Travers Week off and running on August 24

Saratoga Springs, the town north of New York's capital is immersed in equine-related activity! The celebrated Meet is about to start 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 begins in earnest, 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 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 8: Crypto Cash #2, 5/2):

Who doesn’t like a wager on Kendrick Carmouche? If you are a “jockey” handicapper, then this fellow is a good bet. Sure, he doesn’t quite have the numbers of an Irad Ortiz or Javier Castellano at Saratoga, but he still makes a ton of sense to back, especially when it comes to sprints on the dirt. His mount has never plied his trade upstate, but I think he can handle this class level. Even though he is frequently claimed, it is gratifying to see barns stick with Carmouche. New trainer Michelle Giangiulio does have a win at the celebrated meeting, and she could add another one, if this gelding by Majesticperfection runs to form.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #2

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Good Culture #3, 5/1):

This condition dictates that some will be facing winners for the first time, while others might be dropping in for a tag. Although Gustavo Rodriguez’s gelding by Anchor Down will be up against a pair of tough foes that are drawn to his outside, I like this one’s chances. Ridden by Jose Lezcano, who knows his mount’s tendencies, he comes back to The Spa post with a ton of promise. Last out at this level, he was forced wide, but improved down the lane with some positive energy. That is not easy to do, and this could be his chance to get back to the winner’s circle at a square price—5/1.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #3 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 1 5/8ths, John’s Call S. $135k, 4+):

With rain earlier in the week, it will be interesting to see how the Mellon Turf Course plays. The top of the tote will probably belong to a former Mike Maker runner that is now trained by Tom Morley. Flying P is an excellent owner, and they grabbed quite a gem with Tide of the Sea #3. The 6-yr-old gelding by the great English Channel is getting back on the grass after an off-track experience at Saratoga in late July. Adding Javier Castellano is a plus … he has brought some well-priced winners home over the course of this Meet. I am going to try and beat this band, with one of Maker’s 2 entries. Girl Dad #1 (8/1 on the M/L) and Bluegrass Parkway #2 (3/1 on the M/L) look intriguing for very different reasons. The former used to be with George Weaver, and the gelding by Malibu Moon will be jumping into stakes company after running in high-level claiming races. That makes him a long shot, but I wouldn’t write him off. Luis Saez is super in longer grass races, and you never know how a race like this one will unfold. The more likely winner from Maker’s keep is the 6-yr-old by Quality Road. As of last year, he continues to face stakes turf competition in this division. When you are against the likes of Abaan, Dynadrive, and Red Knight, you are not messing around. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione gets the call, and we know what kind of patience he can exhibit in the irons. Here is the bet …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Cold, 2 w 3 w 1

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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 !!!