Strong Card Set for Saratoga as Weather Threatens to Alter Track Conditions
Racing returns to Saratoga Race Course today under the shadow of unsettled weather, with handicappers keeping a close eye on changing conditions throughout the afternoon. The track has scheduled a full 10-race card on Thursday, August 14, featuring Military Appreciation Day festivities and highlighted by the $150,000 NY Stallion Series Stakes. Post time for the opening race is 1:10 PM ET with sunny skies and temperatures reaching the 80s providing ideal racing conditions.
Weather Conditions and Track Report
Forecasts for Saratoga Springs call for a high near 90°F with humidity and a 40% chance of rain during racing hours. Such conditions could produce a fast main track for early races, with potential for a good or even yielding turf should the rain intensify as the day progresses. Handicappers warn all players to monitor late scratches and pay attention to posted track updates throughout the card.
Important Race Day Reminders
As thunderstorms, humidity, and changing wind patterns threaten the greater Saratoga region, trainers, jockeys, and bettors are reminded to stay aware of live condition updates and any last-minute adjustments to the race order or surfaces.
Jockey Battle Heats Up
The jockey colony at Saratoga continues to showcase exceptional talent, with Irad Ortiz Jr. leading the standings with 42 wins from 182 starts (23.1% win rate), followed closely by his brother Jose L. Ortiz with 39 victories from 176 mounts (22.2%). Flavien Prat sits third with 26 wins and an impressive 57.2% in-the-money percentage, while Ricardo Santana Jr. rounds out the top four with 23 victories.
Notably, there has been confusion regarding Irad Ortiz Jr.’s expected suspension, as he was originally scheduled to serve three days off but continues to ride and is carded for multiple mounts today.
Race 1: $100,000 Maiden Special Weight (1:10 PM)
Distance: 1⅛ miles on dirt
Field: Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
TOP SELECTIONS:
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#3 Danzit (9-5 ML): The $1 million filly makes her third career start for elite trainer Todd Pletcher with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard. This powerful combination has proven successful throughout the meet.
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#5 Greenobs (5-1 ML): Switches to leading trainer Chad Brown and picks up Manny Franco, who despite a recent cold streak, brings experience to this promising runner that has always trained like a quality horse.
ANALYSIS: Both fillies represent powerhouse connections. Danzit’s breeding and Pletcher’s 23.1% strike rate with maidens make her the logical favorite, while Green Jobs offers value switching to dirt where she’s trained exclusively.
Race 2: $75,000 Optional Claiming (1:44 PM)
Distance: 1 1/16 miles on turf
Field: 3-year-olds and up
TOP SELECTIONS:
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#6 Heavyweighthamps: Drops in class and possesses a significant pace advantage in this spot. If jockey Romero Maragh can moderate fractions, he’ll be tough to catch late.
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#3 Enlight (9-5 ML): Teams trainer Tom Morley with hot rider Ricardo Santana Jr.
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#7 Steaast Resolve (7-2): The excellent combination of George Weaver and Irad Ortiz Jr. makes this a live longshot
Race 3: Stakes Action
TOP SELECTION:
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#4 Our Starry NightShortens up in distance for Phil Bauer, whose 35% strike rate at Saratoga over the past five years demands respect. The speed figures he’s posted in his first two starts were impressive, and the cutback in distance should suit his running style.
Race 6: Two-Year-Old Turf Sprint (9:02 PM)
Distance: 5½ furlongs on turf
Purse: $63,000
FEATURED RUNNERS:
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#7 Augustian: Dylan Davis rides for Mark Casse
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#2 BelgianJavier Castellano** aboard for George Weaver
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#1 Donegal NowIrad Ortiz Jr.** teams with Todd Pletcher
The juvenile turf division continues to provide competitive action with this field of 13 runners.
Race 7: $150,000 NY Stallion Series Stakes
Distance: Turf
TOP CONTENDERS:
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#5 Georgeriggs (8-5 ML): Coming off a stakes effort against stiffer competition, gets the services of Irad Ortiz Jr. The pace scenario should set up favorably.
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#3 Friend of the Devil7-5): Stretches out in distance but maintains an undefeated record on turf with three wins from three starts.
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#2 Butt (12-1): Offers value despite limited turf experience, with speed figures that suggest competitiveness.
Trainer Trends
Chad Brown continues his dominance at the Spa, building on his 2024 meet-leading 45 victories. The five-time Eclipse Award winner’s horses should be given extra consideration, particularly when paired with top jockeys.
Todd Pletcher remains dangerous with his seasoned approach, while Phil Bauer’s 35% strike rate over recent Saratoga meets makes him a trainer to follow.
Best Bets of the Day
SINGLE: Race 1 – #3 Danzit represents the strongest win bet of the card with Pletcher and Irad Ortiz Jr. combining on a well-bred, improving filly.
VALUE PLAY: Race 3 – #4 Our Starry Night offers solid return potential with Bauer’s strong Saratoga record.
EXOTIC FOCUS: The early Daily Double connecting Races 1-2 with #3 Danzit and #6 Heavyweight Champs provides an attractive wagering opportunity.
