Here are the comprehensive picks and predictions for Saturday’s races at Saratoga Race Course, featuring two major graded stakes races. Don’t forget to check our AI Picks and a free sample of our exclusive Pick Pony Past Performance Sheet (Racing Form).
Featured Stakes Races
Race 9: Saratoga Oaks (G2) – Post Time 5:07 PM Eastern
Top Contenders:
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#1 Opulent Restraint (2/1) – Gets the rail in this six-horse field and is the only horse who really likes to lead early, making her difficult to catch
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#6 Laurelin (9/5) – Undefeated in four starts and won the Pennsylvania Oaks in June. Expected as the betting favorite
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#5 Totally Justified (6/1) – Top value pick offering good betting odds
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#2 Sigh No More – Improved since importing from Europe and won the Boiling Springs Stakes at Monmouth
Recommended Plays:
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Opulent Restraint for win, exacta boxes with Sigh No More and Laurelin
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Totally Justified as value play with Opulent Restraint and Laurelin as backup options
Race 10: Sword Dancer (G1) – Turf Stakes
Top Contenders:
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#6 Far Bridge (9/5) – The favorite
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El Cordobes and Nations Pride – Both strong contenders from Charlie Appleby
Race 8: Allowance Optional Claiming – Post Time 4:31 PM Eastern
This race presents good betting opportunities as the 2-1 favorite Damon’s Mound is considered vulnerable after being away from races for 13 months.
Top Contenders:
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#8 Surveillance – Drops from stakes to allowance level and won last time at this level with a 114 Equibase Speed Figure
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#6 Little Ni – Strong contender
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#4 Light the Way – Trained by Linda Rice and has been running well in sprints
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#3 Maximus Meridius – Listed among top win contenders
Alternative Strategy: Damon’s Mound could still win despite concerns, followed by Little Ni and Surveillance.
Race 11: Late in the Card
Top Contenders:
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#7 Street View (15/1) – Opening at attractive odds after winning on June 12 as the 9-5 favorite
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#3 Practical Lov – Won easily at Saratoga last month to break her maiden
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Whocouldaskformo – Among top three contenders
