Welcome welcome welcome !
To another exciting week of Saratoga racing. It looks like most of the rain is out of the way so we’re set to begin Travers week. Of course the Travers is the crown jewel of Saratoga’s rich and storied meet. Here’s a history of the Travers Stakes for those interested in learning more about the race: For the time being we’ve got a sunny Wednesday card to look forward to. Let’s get to work:
Wednesday picks for Saratoga:
Race 1: Point of Humor - 1 pt win (US Morning Line Odds: 6/1)
With Rudy Rod running a game second in the final race on Sunday’s card at Saratoga, I’m guessing he’ll scratch here and with the rail horse coming off a two-year layoff he’s got a right to be a little rusty. I’ll take my chances with Point of Humor who possesses the best early speed for top rider Luis Saez. Point of Humor has coughed up some leads in his last few starts but shouldn’t face the same type of pace pressure here and could be long gone.
Race 3: Pocket Square - 2 pts win - BEST BET (US Morning Line Odds: 2/5)
Allowance runners take to the turf here and Pocket Square comes from the powerhouse Juddmonte barn for trainer Chad Brown. This one won first time off the boat at Keeneland and was subsequently thrown to the wolves in two straight Grade 1 races (one where she was favored) and she didn’t run terribly but she didn’t hit the board. She gets class relief here and she looks too good for these. Her worst speed figures are better than the best in here.
Readers of Bettors Insider are getting a bonus preview of my day’s selections. To sign up for daily emails with the day’s FULL selections and weekly Saturday videos, click here.
Race 4: Shasta Star - 1 pt win (US Morning Line Odds: 5/1)
Sprinters line up here and this is a group of claimers with a few speed and a few stalkers. Shasta Star fits right in the middle with her best races coming from on or near the lead. She races for trainer Robertino Diodoro who’s winning at a 19% rate and despite her running lines showing more early speed, she actually packs a pretty decent late lunch as well. 5/1 or higher is good value here.
Race 9: Ry’s the Guy - 1 pt win (US Morning Line Odds: 6/1)
Turf marathoners navigate a mile and 5/8 here and it’s pretty typical for these turf races to have entries without much early speed. Oftentimes these races are stolen on the front end by a rider who decided to get aggressive. Luis Saez is the meet’s leading rider and he gets the mount on Ry’s the Guy. This runner’s form is muddied up with all his dirt races but he’s been successful on turf too. He’s got the early speed we’re looking for and may be tough to reel in at crunch time.
As always, I want to wish our members the very best of luck and thanks for your support.