Saratoga Picks

Uncle Mo looks sharp for return in King’s Bishop

August 22, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

Uncle Mo looked like the “next coming” in his Breeders Cup Juvenile triumph. Check out the video of the race above. Seriously, even if you have seen it, watch it again.

Many thought the son of Indian Charlie would take the Kentucky Derby, but it wasn’t meant to be as a GI tract infection kept him from racing. His loss in the Wood Memorial sort of foretold his future troubles. He should have crushed that group so it’s clear that something was amiss that day at Aqueduct.

Todd Pletcher has handled him with kid gloves since then and has steadily prepared him for the Grade 1 King’s Bishop going seven furlongs at Saratoga. If his recent work of :59.95 for five furlongs is any indication, the colt is ready to run a huge race.

The layoff isn’t likely to hinder him much, if at all. Let’s not forget he broke his maiden first out over this track by about 14 lengths. The point being not that he handled a group of horses that hadn’t won, but that he fires fresh. The maiden win rates among the best by any horse ever in that caliber of race.

It’s scary to think how good Uncle Mo could be if he lives up to his potential. Racing really needs a star right now and I’m putting my money behind the Repole owned and Pletcher trained colt. He will be extremely hard to beat in the King’s Bishop.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: king's bishop, king's bishop picks, mike repole, saratoga, saratoga picks, Todd Pletcher, uncle mo, uncle mo king's bishop, uncle mo work, uncle mo work out

Weekend Review (Alabama & Lake Placid Stakes)

August 22, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Grade 1 Alabama Stakes was the most important race on tap this past weekend and it did not disappoint.

The 9 furlong Saratoga race for three-year-old fillies drew a field of only six, but it was one of those rare cases where any one of the six horses had a legitimate chance to win the race. The betting action was very quirky and something none of us expected to happen occurred when Queen’s Plate winner Inglorious opened up as a 4-5 favorite from her 6-1 ML price. She would end up going off at 2-1 with It’s Tricky ending up with slightly more action, but also at 2-1.

Plum Pretty bounced out the gate and set easy fractions on the lead as many expected she would. The Martin Garcia ridden lass carved out a first quarter in 24.54 and a half mile in 49.31. It’s Tricky who had been tracking a length back most of the way pounced at the ¾ pole which was hit in 1:13.12. As they hit the turn for home, CCA Oaks winner It’s Tricky had collared Kentucky Oaks winner and pacesetter Plum Pretty. Neither of them were destined to win though.

It was Royal Delta who had sat just behind both of them most of the way before swinging wide to mid stretch to register a powerful 5 ½ length victory. Once she hit the lead she quickly bounded away and looked very good doing so, stopping the clock in 2:03.13. Royal Delta earned a 97 Beyer Speed Figure for trainer Bill Mott and jockey Jose Lezcano.

It’s Tricky held on for second and 19-1 shot Pinch Pie came on late to steal third from Plum Pretty. It should be noted that Inglorious never looked very comfortable and probably needs to get back on the Poly Track or turf.

Our pick, St. John’s River, had no real excuse.

Royal Delta has always looked like a top filly. She won her debut at Belmont by a whopping 12 lengths before flopping in a minor stakes race after a long layoff at Tampa Bay Downs where she was beaten 15 lengths. After that she took an allowance by three lengths at Keeneland and then won the Black-Eyed Susan by an easy 2 ½ lengths. Her last race before this break through win was a dull third by 7 1/4 lengths in the CCA Oaks. That effort was on a two months rest and it appears that she is best with a recent race in the books.

This group has a bright future. Royal Delta and It’s Tricky will probably head to Parx for the Grade 2 Cotillion Stakes. I expect Baffert to regroup with Plum Pretty and perhaps give her some time off. St. John’s River probably needs easier company, but I wouldn’t hesitate to give her another try at the right price in the Cotillion.

The Grade 2 Lake Placid Stakes was the other big race this weekend from the Spa. The betting public was besides itself with affection for Lake George winner Winter Memories who they sent off as the 1-5 favorite.

Lake George runner up Bellamy Star led the field through extremely easy fractions of 26.07, 51.91 and 1.17.18. Not long after the stretch drive began she was overtaken by Rachel Alexandra winner Kathmanblu. Winter Memories tried to make a move, but was caught in traffic and ultimately ended up on the rail where she could no produce the kick that she showed last out. Instead, it was Hungry Island who blasted off for an easy 2 ½ length triumph over runner up Kathmanblu. Winter Memories was beaten a neck for third by Dynamic Holiday.

My top pick for the Lake Placid was the winner, Hungry Island. She was somehow allowed to pay $21.40. This makes no sense in my mind as she was clearly a top contender and should have been no more than 4-1. Finding an overlay like this is rare. Our second choice for the race was the second place finisher Kathmanblu thus making for a $136.50 exacta. You can read what we had to say here.

Our Free Horse Racing Picks page was stocked with four races this weekend and included one scratch and two winners ($8.20, $21.40). Be sure to bookmark that page as well as our Saratoga Picks page to get the best picks on the internet.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: alabama stakes, dynamic holiday, hungry island, inglorious, it's tricky, kathmanblu, lake placid stakes, pinch pie, plum pretty, royal delta, saratoga picks, st. john's river, winter memories

2011 Lake Placid Stakes Preview

August 19, 2011 By Ryan Patterson 3 Comments

The Lake Placid Stakes is a Grade 2 race worth $150,000 for three-year-old fillies going 9 furlongs on the grass at Saratoga. The race has been strong in recent years with good winners like Shared Account, Backseat Rhythm and Wait a While.

This year’s field is strong and features the sensational filly Winter Memories (El Prado x Memories of Silver by Silver Hawk). She looked like a machine last out when she won the Lake George by 4 ½ lengths over Bellamy Star and Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner More Than Real. It was a sweet win for trainer James Toner because the latter filly is the only one to ever deal a loss to Winter Memories. The lass had a very rough trip and did everything she could to lose, but still crushed her foes.

Winter Memories will have to deal with an extra half furlong this time as well as a few new shooters, but she is clearly the one to beat a 4-5. Regular rider Jose Lezcano is set to pilot the rising star.

Defeating the chalk here will be far from easy, but if someone is going to do it then that someone is likely to be Hungry Island (More Than Ready x Flying Passage by AP Indy). It took her five tries to break the maiden, but since doing so she hasn’t lost with wins in an allowance race and in the $60k Recording Stakes from Belmont Park. She looks like a filly on the rise and trainer Shug McGaughey believes she will move forward here. He says the only question is whether or not she is good enough. I say she is and will call for her to get the upset victory. Alex Solis is listed to ride.

Ken McPeek’s Kathmanblu (Bluegrass Cat x Abba by Devil’s Bag) is also worth a look. She exits the Regret Stakes where she could only manage a fourth place finish, but the lass has had some rest since then. She could be ready to show the form that allowed her to win the Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra earlier this year as well as the Grade 2 Golden Rod Stakes last year.

Bellamy Star, Trac N Jam, Wyomia and Dynamic Holiday are also set to compete. Believe In AP, Indian Tale and Tiz The Argument are main track only entries.

To get our the rest of our picks for Sunday’s races check out our Saratoga Picks page. Also, check out our Horse Betting page to learn more about betting the Lake Placid Stakes on the internet.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: believe in ap, bellamy star, dynamic holiday, free saratoga picks, horse betting, hungry island, indian tale, kathmanblu, lake placid stakes, online horse betting, saratoga picks, tiz the argument, trac n jam, winter memories, wyomia

2011 Alabama Stakes betting preview

August 18, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Grade 1 Alabama Stakes is one of the most prestigious races for a filly in the United States. The final leg of the Triple Tiara presents a unique challenge in the form of the 10 furlongs distance. Those to claim the race in the past include Shuvee, Life’s Magic, Go For Ward, Sky Beauty, Silverbulletday and Blind Luck.

It’s Tricky (Mineshaft x Catboat by Tale of the Cat), winner of the Acorn and CCA Oaks in her last two outings, will be the favorite. The filly is a perfect 4 for 4 with Eddie Castro up and 5 of 6 lifetime. I had her as my top pick in the last out in the CCA Oaks where she was a crazy good price of 4.30-1 in a five horse field. I’m going to look a different direction today as I think the extra furlong could get to her and I don’t believe the set up will be as good for her this time.

The Andrew Leggio trainee St. John’s River (Include x Adventurous Di by Private Account) is an interesting option. The lass broke poorly from the 13 gate in the Kentucky Oaks two races back, but still closed like a freight train to be second beaten only a head. After that she ran a bang up race to get up on the wire in the Delaware Oaks. She’s plenty good enough to beat this group and will be a generous price compared to her rivals. Robby Albarado gets the call to ride.

Bob Baffert and Martin Garcia are back with Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty (Medaglia D’oro x Liszy by AP Indy) who was second behind the aforementioned It’s Tricky in the CCA Oaks last out. Bafffert is a master of strategy and figures to change things up this time. Don’t be surprised if Garcia doesn’t end up on the lead. I think (and maybe Baffert does too) that she runs better with a target in front of her. The Peachtree Stable owned filly is much more suited for 10 furlongs than It’s Tricky so it should come as no surprise if she turns the tables on her in the Alabama Stakes.

Inglorious (Hennessy x Noble Strike) could be the “x” factor for this race. She was last seen sweeping past her rivals in the Queen’s Plate (a race which we CRUSHED!) to post a 2 ½ length win. Before that she won the Woodbine Oaks. This isn’t trainer Josie Carroll’s first rodeo either. She won the Alabama in 2009 with Careless Jewel. I like her, but the fact that 4 of her 5 lifetime wins have been against Canadian breds makes me wonder if she can handle this group. Luis Contreras is in to ride.

Jose Lezcano rode St. John’s River last out, but winds up on Royal Delta (Empire Maker x Delta Princess by AP Indy) in this race. She scored in the Black-Eyed Susan two back, but flopped last out in the CCA Oaks where she was third beaten 7 ¼ lengths. She is working very well for trainer Bill Mott and we know she will go the distance. She looks live, but the only problem with that is everyone else does too.

Tony Dutrow and John Velazquez hook up to bring Pinch Pie (Victory Gallop x Romp And Stomp by Olympio). She has won two races in a row, but looks like a fringe contender here. This group is just too classy for her to win.

My top pick to win the wide open 2011 Alabama Stakes from Saratoga is St. John’s River. The filly is still getting better and brings a massive closing kick to the table. That along with the clear ability to go the distance makes her an attractive option at 5-1.

For information on where to bet the race check out our Horse Betting page. Also, check out our Saratoga Picks page to get our selections for the rest of the action at the Spa. For a limited time you will also get picks for Del Mar that same day. Don’t miss out!

The Alabama Stakes at HRP is also a competitive field of six. Will it be Belmont Stakes runner up Mai Mia Bambina or Acorn Stakes winner Blow Me To The Moon? Check out our Horse Racing Games page to learn more.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: alabama stakes, alabama stakes betting, alabama stakes picks, bob baffert kiaran mclaughlin, inglorious, it's tricky, pince pie, plum pretty, royal delta, saratoga betting, saratoga picks, st. john's river

2011 Adirondack Stakes Preview

August 12, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Adirondack Stakes is for two-year-old fillies going 6 ½ furlongs on the dirt at Saratoga. Last year’s winner Position Limit looked like a future monster, but due to an injury her career ended after that race. The most notable recent winner of the Adirondack is Octave who went on to win the Mother Goose and CCA Oaks as a three-year-old.

New Wave (Tale Of The Cat x Ecology by Unbridled’s Song) will break from the rail for trainer Rusty Arnold. The lass broke her maiden at first asking over the Poly Track at Arlington. The time wasn’t very fast, but the the top three were clearly best as only 2 ½ lengths separated them while it was 10 ½ back to fourth. She could be any kind, but others rate higher.

Bellecourt (Lion Heart x Gold Court by Strike The Gold) did a total 180 last out when she won by 6 ¼ lengths against statebred maidens over this track. Just like the rail horse, this filly could be anything. Eddie Castro is back up. Can’t criticize anyone for taking her, but I’ll go another way.

Mark Casse brings the speedy Funny Proposition (Medaglia D’oro x Humorous Miss by Distorted Humor) to this graded race. The filly scored wire to wire first out at Churchill Downs. She scorched the first fraction going in :21 1/5 and then :45 1/5 for the half mile before ending in 1:10 3/5 for six furlongs. She figures to be on the muscle from the beginning for jockey Shaun Bridgmahon.

John Velazquez put a great ride on Millionreasonswhy (Grand Slam x In Secure by AP Indy) to win the Matron last out. He dropped back to last and the filly made a furious rally to win by 2 lengths. Before that she broke her maiden from off the pace in a maiden race over a sloppy track at Colonial. The Sagamore Farm owned filly will get plenty of pace to chase and should be tough to hold off in the lane.

Steve Asmussen brings My Miss Aurelia (Smart Strike x My Miss Storm Cat by Sea Of Secrets). She looked like a push button horse in her debut over this track, sitting in second before taking over to win by a length when Julien Leperoux asked for her best run. Her win came against a good field and she could sit a perfect trip in this race. George Bolton and Stonestreet Stable have a serious runner on their hands with this lass.

Anna Sophia (Oasis Dream x Devout by Dehere) won by 3 in her debut at Belmont after a shaky beginning where she veered out at the break with Jose Lezcano in the irons. I’m not going to back her, but I will say she is better than she looks. She could be a nice value pick.

My top pick in the Adirondack Stakes will be My Miss Aurelia. I like that she has a win over the track and she should get first run on Funny Proposition. Hopefully money will come in on the Matron winner thus giving us a better price. For more Saratoga Picks click the link. Also, check out our Free Horse Racing Picks page.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: adirondack stakes, anna sophia, bellecourt, free horse racing picks, funny proposition, millionreasonswhy, my miss aurelia, new wave, saratoga picks

Grade 1 Sword Dancer Invitational Preview

August 10, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Sword Dancer Invitational is a Grade 1 race for three-year-olds and upward going 12 furlongs on the inner turf at Saratoga. The last two editions of the race have been taken by lovable long shot Telling. The gelding has not been entered this year. Before him Grand Couturier won the race twice in a row. John Henry who won in 1981 is the most notable among a laundry list of super star runners to cross the line first in the Sword Dancer.

Drosselmeyer (Distorted Humor x Golden Ballet by Moscow Ballet): The 2010 Belmont Stakes winner doesn’t seem to get cranked up until they hit the turn for home. Among his four wins he has won going 9, 10 and 12 furlongs. This race will be his third try on the grass and first since breaking his maiden. The classic winner fired a :59 B five furlong work over this turf course on August 8. I’m honestly not sure what to make of him, but I will lean against him running big here.

Grassy (El Prado x High Savannah by Rousillon) Last year’s seventh place finisher in this race seems to be a perennial underachiever. He might finally be able to get his break through victory here though. He was last seen finishing a close second in the Singspeil at Woodbine for trainer Christophe Clement. Jockey Garrett Gomez had him a tad bit closer that day and it seems to have helped him. JJ Castellano gets the mount for this race and it will be interesting to see if he employs similar tactics.

Rahy’s Attorney (Crown Attorney x Rahy’s Hope by Rahy) Hard knocking old gelding won the prestigious Woodbine Mile in 2008. He has held together nicely since then and the connections have opted to try longer races. It paid off when he scored in the 12 furlong Pan American at Gulfstream. The gelding is more effective at a shorter trip, but he can compete with this group going long. He could end up on a loose lead.

Bim Bam (Deputy Wildcat x Laurel Light by Colony Light) It looks like he is finally back to that strong form he showed early on as a three-year-old. The Ron Moquett trainee was second in the Manhattan two races back and last out finished second beaten just a neck in the Sussex at Delaware. His works look strong and David Cohen retains the mount. I’ll look elsewhere, but recognize him as a win threat.

Boisterous (Distorted Humor x Emmanating by Cox’s Ridge) Had his first try against top notch competition last out in the Man O’ War where he finished third out kicked behind Cape Blanco and Gio Ponti.Shug McGaughey knows how to bring them along slowly, but surely and it looks like he has a colt with a big future. This star in the making is owned by Phipps Stable (shocking, right?) and he likes to race mid pack for jockey John Velazquez. If he moves forward he is as capable of winning this as any horse in the race.

Al Khali (Medaglia D’oro x Maya by Capote) This colt will be ridden by the ice cold Alan Garcia who only just won his first race at Saratoga in over 40 tries on Wednesday. Last year he was third in this race while racing near the pace. Since then they have dropped that running style in favor of closing from well behind the pace. Bill Mott, if you’re reading, please put this colt on or near the lead. If he does that, he could win this race. Don’t count on it happening though.

Teaks North (Northern Afleet x Teaskberry Road by High Honors) The gelding shocked a lot of people last out when he won Monmouth Park’s United Nations at odds of 7-1. Before that he won the Monmouth Stakes at 9/2. He runs a lot of bad races in between good ones so it is encouraging that he won back to back stakes races. Justin Sallusto may have him right for jockey Eddie Castro. Yet another horse with a shot at winning.

Winchester (Theatrical x Rum Charger by Spectrum) Winner of the 2010 Manhattan and Turf Classic Invitational looks to be back in his best form for trainer Chistophe Clement. Last out he closed from the clouds to be second in the Stars and Stripes at Arlington. The race came off the turf. Jockey Cornelio Velasquez is riding well so that works in his favor. With a favorable pace scenario he could be the horse to beat. On his best day he is the best horse in the race, but will we see his best? Only one way to find out.

My top pick to win the 2011 Sword Dancer Invitational is Winchester. Many in this race are unproven, but he is a proven commodity with a pair of Grade 1 wins and and a respectable fourth place finish in the Breeders Cup Turf. You can bet Winchester at Twin Spires where new players get a $100 sign up bonus. Give them a try and also check out our Saratoga Picks.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: al khali, bim bam, boisterous, drosselmeyer, grassy, rahy's attorney, saratoga picks, sword dancer invitational, teaks north, winchester

2011 Whitney Invitational Handicap Preview

August 4, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Whitney Handicap is the premier race of the Saratoga meeting for older horses. The 1 ⅛ miles race is a grueling test which includes the likes of Alydar, Personal Ensign, Easy Goer, Awesome Again, Lemon Drop Kid, Invasor and Lawyer Ron among its winners.

Last year we nailed Blame ($8.80) as our top selection on the way to a $2,564 Pick 4. We also had Commentator ($10.80) as our top selection and play of the day when he won in 2008.

The 2011 edition of the Whitney looks very strong and could provide a lucrative payoff if you back the right racehorse. Let’s take a look at the field.

Flat Out (Flatter x Cresta Lil by Cresta Rider): We had this tough runner as our top pick in each of his last two races. The first of those events was the Stephen Foster Handicap where he tried to make a move up the rail, but failed to close effectively at odds of 18-1. After that we backed him again in the Suburban. It turned out to be the right move as he romped home at odds of nearly 14-1. Alex Solis was aboard for the first time that day and elects to stay aboard even though he had options here. Now that everyone else is ready to jump on the train I am ready to hop off. While I like the horse he was a much more appealing prospect at double digit odds. He gets the rail today and has never won going two turns. I’ll pass at 4-1, but recognize that he could win this race.

Friend or Foe (Friends Lake x Unbridled Star by Unbridled) I’m bullish on this colt in the long term, but I don’t like that he has just won race this year. Even though it was a good race in which he defeated Rail Trip by a head, I wish he had a bit more seasoning. On the bright side he proved how talented he is by winning the Empire Classic Handicap by five lengths in his penultimate race last year. I’m confident that he will score a break through win soon, but I don’t know if it will be in the Whitney at 8-1. Jose Lezcano picks up the mount from Alex Solis.

Morning Line (Tiznow x Indian Snow by AP Indy) The Nick Zito trainee scored his best lifetime win over this distance when he won the Pennsylvania Derby last year. Since then he has become a Grade 1 winner by taking the Carter Handicap and was involved in a very close finish in the Breeders Cups Dirt Mile. I’m willing to excuse his last out effort in the Salvator Mile where he ended up fifth. Regular jockey John Velazquez was gone that day and the first three finishers came back to run well with Soaring Empire winning, Kensei finishing behind him and Rule taking a minor stakes race at Saratoga. Things could get heated up front so I expect Johnny V to try and get him to relax behind a few horses. He is as good as any horse in this race and deserves consideration at odds of 10-1.

Giant Oak (Giant’s Causeway x Crafty Oak by Crafty Prospector) The first thing I notice when I look at this horse is the shiny :58 4/5 five furlong breezing bullet he fired over the Saratoga track on July 31. The Donn Handicap winner is clearly getting better as he gets older. His last two races have seen him make two furious charges down the lane only to come up short. The pace wasn’t particularly hot in either of those races, but it could be torrid in this one. That means he will have a big shot at winning. The only bad thing I can see for him is that he will have Shaun Bridgmahon riding. Nothing against the guy, but he is ice cold right now. It is very clear to me that this is a horse that is doing well and thriving at Saratoga and if not for this being a highly contentious field he might be my pick.

Tizway (Tiznow x Bethany by Dajyur) We had this great colt as our top selection in the Metropolitan Mile last out where he cruised to an easy win smashing the clock in 1:32 4/5 at odds of 4-1. Many will be hot to bet him after such an amazing performance, but I will encourage caution before doing so. First, we must consider that that win came over what is clearly his favorite track. Tizway has dominated at Belmont Park with a win in the Kelso and third place finishes in the 2009 Jockey Club Gold Cup and 2010 Met Mile. Furthermore, this colt has proven that his optimal distance is one mile. I’m not saying Tizway can’t or wont win, but the price will not be generous enough as I expect him to be bet well below his morning line odds of 6-1. Rajiv Maragh gets the call to ride.

Mission Impazible (Unbridled’s Song x La Paz by Hold Your Peace) The Todd Pletcher trainee raced near a very soft pace last out in the Stephen Foster Handicap and just missed holding on while finishing second beaten a neck to upset winner Pool Play. His last win came at Fair Grounds in the New Orleans Handicap where he beat Apart and Giant Oak. His record at the distance is incredible with 2 wins from 3 starts. I know it’s only 2 wins, but when you consider that those wins were the aforementioned New Orleans Handicap and Louisiana Derby that record sounds much better. In the end he rates below my top few horses in here, but would be no surprise for top notch connections. JJ Castellano rides back after boarding him for the first time last out.

Rail Trip (Jump Start x Sweet Trip by Carson City) It’s been a long road to redemption for the 2009 Hollywood Gold Cup winner, but it appears he is back in top form for Jay Em Ess Stable and trainer Richard Dutrow. His first race in over six months came on June 5 in the Easy Goer Stakes at Belmont Park where he set a very rapid pace and was only narrowly defeated by Friend Or Foe. Clearly that is a strong race for a gelding that hadn’t been out in so long. Rail Trip races best near the front and I will look for Ramon Dominguez to put him on the lead. If he is fit enough he could take them all the way at a juicy price of 12-1.

Headache (Tapit x Pamric by Woodman) As horse bettors it is our job to look for the horses that are getting better and capitalize at a big price. We picked Headache to win the Cornhusker Handicap last out and he came through at odds of 9/2. That was a big effort as Miguel Mena angled him outside and he roared past Grade 1 winner Awesome Gem for a 2 ½ length victory. Trainer Mike Maker is no spring chicken and if you don’t know who he is then you should check him out on Google ASAP. The closer will get a big pace to chase and it looks like he is in great form right now. I highly encourage including him on Pick 4 tickets at odds of 20-1. He would come as no surprise if he were to win the Whitney. Ken and Sarah Ramsey might have a big time runner in this former claimer.

Rodman (Malibu Moon x Crystal Gem) It seems like we have hit every horse in this race at some point and Rodman is no exception. He was our big price horse in the Met Mile as we nailed the $378 exacta cold with Rodman second at huge odds of 36-1. He had no business being such a big price in there as the horse has proven he can run with the best of ‘em by easily winning the Irish Tower in his previous start. Rodman was a distant third in the Suburban last out where JJ Castellano put him on the lead and he set fast fractions. While this guy can be effective on the front he is clearly better when closing. His second place finish in the Met happened with him rallying from as far back as ninth. I’m a little worried this isn’t his best distance, but with a perfect 2 for 2 record at Saratoga and a boat load of talent this isn’t a horse you want to leave off your Pick 4 ticket. Edgar Prado gets the mount back for the first time since 2009. I’ll make him the top pick at 20-1.

Apart (Flatter x Detach by Unbridled) Last year’s Super Derby winner comes to Saratoga in search of his first Grade 1 win after finishing third in the Stephen Foster last out. He races for Al Stall and will have Julien Leparoux up for the second time. The closer will get a very fast pace to chase in here, but I’m just not sold that he is good enough to even hit the board in this race. I’m going to pass odds of 6-1 which I consider to be a huge underlay.

Duke Of Mischief (Graeme Hall x My Lady Amelia by Real Courage) He defeated one of the deepest field of handicap horses we have seen in a very long time two back in the Charles Town Classic. On his best day this horse can win this, but he is sort of like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. You never know which one you will get. He closed well last out in the Stephen Foster even after having a very slow pace in front of him and even led at one point before ending up fourth. He has a sharp four furlong work in :46 4/6 B over the track which rated first of 95 moves. I’m bullish at 8-1 and look for him to be finishing very well under Joe Bravo.

In summation my top selection to win the Whitney Invitational Handicap from Saratoga is Rodman (20-1). I love that he is a perfect 2 for 2 at Saratoga and he should race from off the pace with Edgar Prado back up. He showed us in the Metropolitan Mile that he is still a highly talented individual and over looking him at such a big price is a huge mistake. Horses to include on the Pick 4 other than my top selection are Giant Oak, Headache and Duke of Mischief. If you feel like going very deep I would also throw in Morning Line and Rail Trip.

To get our full card picks for all of the horse racing action at Saratoga check out our Saratoga Picks page.

Betting online for the Whitney Handicap is convenient and easy. Just head over to Twin Spires or TVG where new players get a $100+ sign up bonus!

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: apart, duke of mischief, flat out, friend or foe, giant oak, headache, horse betting, horse racing picks, mission impazible, morning line, rail rip, rodman, saratoga, saratoga picks, tizway, whitney handicap, whitney invitational handicap, whitney picks

2011 Test Stakes Preview

August 4, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Grade 1 Test Stakes is for three-year-old fillies at the challenging distance of seven furlongs over the main track at Saratoga for a purse of $250,000. Notable past winners include Go For Wand, Safely Kept and Lady’s Secret.

Dual Grade 1 winning filly Turbulent Descent figures to be a heavy favorite in this spot after finishing second beaten 3 ¾ lengths behind next out CCA Oaks winner It’s Tricky in the Acorn at Belmont Park. The muddy track may have contributed to her defeat, but after seeing It’s Tricky’s next race it is very likely that she just got beat by a better filly. That is no insult to this daughter of Congrats who has proven to be a one of a kind racehorse herself. David Flores keeps the mount.

Bob Baffert’s filly American Lady ships in after a win at Hollywood Park. She has been working sharply and posted a :58 3/5 H move at Del Mar on August 1. Bob Baffert is deadly when shipping and this filly will be in the mix. Martin Garcia is in from California to ride her.

Coax Liberty has been a second stringer for the most part this year, but could break through here with a win. The James Lawrence trainee took a minor stakes at Belmont last out and before that was on the board in two graded stakes races. Eddie Castro will be the pilot.

Savvy Supreme for Todd Pletcher and Roman Treasure for Michael Hushion will ensure a fast pace. These fillies are what we call “Need The Lead” types. The only way they know how to do it is on the front end and if they don’t make it to the lead they probably can’t win. Look for them to hook up and ensure that it’s fast early on.

My pick for the upset is Pomeroy’s Pistol. The daughter of Pomery was last seen closing very strongly be second beaten just a half lengths in the Prioress Stakes by Her Smile. That filly is also entered here, but I’m confident that Pomeroy’s Pistol can turn the tables thanks to the extra furlong. The Amy Tarrant owned/trained filly will be ridden by John Velazquez this time. She won the Grade 2 Forward Gal earlier this year at today’s distance.

Pomeroy’s Pistol will be a great price at 8-1. Click the banner to open account with Twin Spires the safest place to bet horses online. They are a NASDAQ listed company and are currently offering a $100 sign up bonus for new players!

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: american lady, coax liberty, pomeroys pistol, roman treasure, saratoga picks, savvy supreme, test stakes, turbulent descent

2011 Jim Dandy Stakes betting preview

July 28, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

Jim Dandy Stakes, Saratoga/Saturday @ 5:45 PM EST

The Jim Dandy Stakes from Saratoga is a stepping stone to the Travers Stakes later in the meet. Notable recent winners include Flower Alley, Bernardini and Street Sense. All three went on to take the Travers in their next start.

This crop of three-year-old has proved weak thus far and a clear leader does not exist. The winner of this race as well as the winner of the Haskell Invitational will emerge from the crowd with an edge on the rest of the competition.

Both will also compete with two-year-old champ Uncle Mo who currently lurks in the shadows as he prepares to return in the King’s Bishop later in the meet.

Stay Thirsty (Bernardini x Marozia by Storm Bird) figures to get plenty of action for trainer Todd Pletcher after finishing second in the Belmont Stakes last out. That was a weird race and I’m going to have to see him run well again before I jump aboard. Javier Castellano stays in the irons.

Brilliant Speed (Dynaformer x Speed Succeeds by Gone West) was third in the Belmont Stakes last out, but like I already said that was an odd race. I still don’t think the Bluegrass Stakes winner wants to race on dirt. That means I can’t back him here.

The favorite in this race should be Steve Asmussen’s speedy son of Smart Strike, Dominus (Distorted Humor x Cuando by Lord at War). The colt was last seen taking the Dwyer over top miler Adios Charlie. Before that he just missed in the Derby Trial where it appeared jockey Julien Leparoux went to sleep before they reached the wire. The extra distance here won’t hurt him and he should find himself on the front. He’s going to be tough.

I’m going another way with my top selection. In fact I’ll go as far as to say this colt is the best three-year-old in training not named Uncle Mo. I’m talking about Peter Pan Stakes winner Alternation (Distorted Humor x Alternate by Seattle Slew). He is a winner of four races from six starts for owner Pin Oak Stable.

Trainer Donnie Von Hemel made a good decision to freshen him up for this race instead of tackling the Belmont Stakes. Alternation has a huge turn of foot and will be moving fast late in the race. I love his chances to add the Jim Dandy Stakes to his list of wins.

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If you want more picks from Saratoga check out our Saratoga Picks page where we will be offering full card selections from the Spa each and every day.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: alternation, brilliant speed, dominus, jim dandy stakes, saratoga picks, stay thirsty

Saratoga Picks for 7/28/2011

July 27, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

Today present many great betting opportunities at Saratoga. You’re in luck because today’s sheet is on the house. If you like what you see and do well with them consider buying tomorrow’s picks by visiting our Saratoga Picks page!

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Race 2

Ha Ha Tonka: Hoping she will sit behind the speed and pounce for her new connections. Trainer Donnie Von Hemel scores at 21% with horses making their first start in his barn. Works look sharp.

Pick 4: 1,5/2,5,8,10/2,4/1,2,8

Race 3

Lady of the Forest: Back at a level where she fits after failing against starter allowance horses last out. Should make the lead and will be tough to catch for trainer Chris Englehart and jockey Cornelio Velasquez.

Race 4

Exhi: Not sure what happened to him last out, but the son of Maria’s Mon is a top notch horse. He should rate just behind the speed amd make a big move turning for home to get his first grass win. Stable mate Loup Breton is his most threatening foe.

Race 5

Vapour Musing: Team Valor charge races for strong first out trainer Graham Motion who scores at 17% with turf debuters. Motion has won 6 of 10 starts with jockey Eddie Castro.

Race 6

Shoutout: Could wind up on the lead stretching from a sprint to route. Trainer John Terranova wins 16% of the time when making that sort of move. The son of Indian Charlie is also making a class drop from maiden special weight company.

Race 7

Fastest Magician: Toss that last race. Since that poor effort he has fired a sharp 1/47 four furlong bullet over the Saratoga main track. He gets plenty of pace to chase in here and should be tough to hold off in the lane at a juicy price.

Pick 4: 2,3,4,7,11/8/4,5,6/5,7,10

Race 8

Nimue: I usually dont go for horses like this filly, but I really think this is a weak field. She is working well over the track and has the breeding to score in her first dirt effort. She last raced at Haydock in Great Britain where she was up the track, but won two back at Leicester. I’ll take my chances.

Race 9

Kinda Spicy: I’m really not wild at all about this race, but this filly gets my check mark. She was ridden out to win by nearly 7 lengths in her debut. She might be something special.

Race 10

Grace and Courage: Races third off the shelf for trainer Thomas Bush. Looks like a peak effort is in order and the addition of blinkers should move her up as well.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: exhi, fastest magician, grace and courage, ha ha tonka, kinda spicy, lady of the forest, nimue, saratoga picks, shoutout, vapour musing