Saratoga Picks: Turf edition begins new week on August 3

Saratoga ... known affectionately as "The Spa" ... is situated among the trees in Upstate New York. The celebrated track is poised to begin 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 Stakes ... 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 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: Adelaide Miss #4, 5/2):

The Mid-Atlantic exploits of trainer Brittany Russell are quite well-known, but when she ventures up to NYRA tracks, it is less so. Her ability should not be underestimated, and I like that her filly by Vancouver (AUS) is moving from Belmont to Saratoga. I am sure that Russell is prepared to lose her runner, since she is in for a tag of $25k. The class drop looks to be a good move, but this filly would make for a steady presence in any outfit. If Luis Saez does his job, like always, then she should be visiting the winner’s circle, and a groom from another stable will be waiting. If you get 5/2 on this one, consider it a gift.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Amanda’s Folly #1, 8/1):

Against a group of green 1st time starters on the grass, you always want to take a long look at runners that have a race under them. I have been waiting for trainer Rudy Rodriguez to break through with his 1st winner at The Spa, and this could be it. The filly by Mendelssohn raced at Belmont last month on debut, and even though she was well-back during that contest, she gained some key experience. You can learn much, and your 2nd time out can be a great experience. I like this one’s price on the M/L, and hopefully Trevor McCarthy can take her to the winner’s circle for Rudy Rod!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #1 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 1 1/16th, OC62.5kn2x, F&M 3+):

Horseplayers … if you can find a winner, other than Chad Brown’s coupled entry, then you are going to get paid with a nice-looking “Win” bet. Of course, when it comes to the turf, especially at a route, Brown rules supreme. I am sure that either Peter Brant’s Rocky Sky #1 and/or American Bridge #1A will take the prize for the top spot on the tote. They will get over bet, and that gives us a chance to take on super jockeys Flavien Prat and Irad Ortiz. Brad Cox’s Juddmonte homebred, Angel Palm (GB) #2, is a likely alternative. The 4-yr-old filly by Dark Angel (IRE) didn’t exactly “wow” at Belmont last time out when she didn’t even hit-the-board against Giggle Factory and Evvie Jets. Manny Franco has his work cut out for him, and I am not sure I trust this former Irish turfer that he is aboard. Instead, I am going to the outside, and I am backing the Dini Barn’s Bramble Bay #6. A mare by Bullet Train (GB), she is coming back to Saratoga for the 2nd time in her career. Her Tampa trials back in the spring were not half bad, and she really showed something with that rally she displayed in her last race at Monmouth. Running back on the grass after a couple of dirt races proved she liked the surface switch. I think her class will shine through, and Jose Lezcano’s ability to pilot on the lawn is always overlooked. Dini would not make a trip like this one, if he did not think his charge could do just that … down the lane. Here is the bet …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Cold, 6/1-1A/2

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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 !!!