The racing week at Saratoga gets underway with a 9-race card that features the $150,000 Birdstone Stakes. That 1-3/4 miles dirt marathon goes as Race 7 and is part of a late pick 4 that includes split divisions of a turf sprint maiden special weight that really has my attention.

Saratoga | Race 6 | 3:55 pm ET

#10 Great Actress (4-1 morning line odds) exits an important race where the June 29 winner already has come back to run a good third in Monmouth's Colleen Stakes. This filly has had 3 workouts since that start and has been more active in the morning than likley favorite Devlish Grin, who finished just ahead of her last out. Great Actress may have a bigger improvement in store for her. Win bet #10.


Saratoga | Race 9 | 5:44 pm ET

#1 Neshika (10-1 morning line odds) comes out of the same important June 29 race that we think will have a major impact on Race 6. Tab the results of that one to measure some confidence coming into this race. Neshika made a decent middle-move in that race from a rail draw and has that same spot again. But note trainer Mike Maker's barn has been red-hot in recent weeks at Saratoga and expect improvement after a busy workout regimen. Win-place bet #1.