Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Saratoga Race Course – Racing News and Analysis for July 24, 2026


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Saratoga Race Course — Friday, July 24, 2026

Fast main track, firm turf. Modest inside bias on dirt; mid-pack closers favored on turf. Chad Brown and Brad Cox dominate the barns; Irad Ortiz Jr. and Flavien Prat carry the strongest books.

Race 1 — 6.5f Dirt | Maiden Claiming $20,000

Two By Two By Two (7) is the clear top choice at 2-1 with elite connections. Oath (8) at 3-1 is the main danger, with Babcie (2) at 4-1 as a reasonable show option.

Race 2 — 7f Turf | Maiden Special Weight

Just Peachy (7) at 2-1 is the public choice with a top rider in a large field. Conflict (3) and Mandy Steph (2) are the best of the 4-1 cluster; Celebrate (8) at 8-1 is the standout value play.

Race 3 — 1m Dirt | Optional Claimer $55,000

My Gun's Loaded (6) at 1-1 is the single here — short for win wagering but ideal for multi-race sequences. Nycon (3) at 5-1 is the value alternative; Bow Draw (8) at 8-1 rounds out the trifecta.

Race 4 — 1m Dirt | Claiming $20,000

Glen Airy (1) at 2-1 controls from the rail with a top-tier rider and trainer combination. Neon Bordeaux (8) and Rungius (7), both at 4-1, are the primary exacta partners.

Race 5 — 6f Dirt | Claiming $20,000 (NW2L)

Swaging (10) and Tedder (11) share co-favorite status at 4-1 in a large, fast sprint. Rumblyoungmanrumbl (8) at 8-1 with Ortiz Jr. is the best value play; Salming (1) at 5-1 from the rail is the pace-control angle.

Race 6 — 5f Turf | Maiden Special Weight

Without Hesitation (13) at 2-1 is the Ward speed angle despite the wide draw. Girls Wear Pearls (9) at 4-1 and Dazzling (2) at 6-1 offer better post positions at fair prices; Breaker (6) at 6-1 is a classic Pletcher overlay.

Race 7 — 1⅛m Turf | Optional Claimer $45,000

Mommy's Turn (8) at 3-1 is the top pick, leading a Brown double that also includes Nonna Lynne (4) at 4-1. Boxed Wine (10) at 2-1 is the morning line favorite and belongs in exactas; Higher Force (11) at 3-1 adds depth.

Race 8 — 9f Dirt | Grade II Shuvee Stakes

Scottish Lassie (4) at 2-1 is the top selection in the feature with Fully Subscribed (3) at 2-1 the likeliest threat. Bless The Broken (5) at 4-1 is a serious upset threat; Eunomia (6) at 8-1 is the best overlay in the race.

Race 9 — 1⅛m Turf | R. Violette Jr. Breeders’ Cup Stakes

A Little At First (6) at 2-1 is the anchor of any multi-race sequence. Caroline St. Beat (7) at 3-1 is the primary exacta partner; confirm the jockey assignment on Max Money (10) at 2-1 before committing.

Race 10 — 1½m Turf | Maiden Special Weight (Best Bet)

Gold Sovereign (4) at 4-1 with Brown and Prat is the card's top single. Instantly (5) at 4-1 is the co-favorite from an adjacent ideal post; Lahainaluna (1) at 8-1 from the rail is the best overlay on the card.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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