The racing action in New York continues on Thursday afternoon at Saratoga with an eight-race card that commences at the normal 1:10 PM eastern start time. The day is headlined by the $150k NYSS Cab Calloway Division for 3YOs at one-mile over the Inner Turf. Here are the horses I like most on the afternoon.


Race 4:
The wagering on this state-bred MSW event is likely based on the morning line to go through a pair of first-time starters. #2 Dry Drastic debuts for George Weaver, while #4 Cash Burn for the powerful tandem of Chad Brown and Klaravich Stables. Both clearly are capable of getting to the wire first in their initial start, but I prefer the value of second-timer #5 Secret Connection. The $90k OBS March ’26 purchase returns to the races after being beaten out of the gate and between rivals early before tiring late to finish a disappointing eighth at odds of 7-2. Given the smaller field, move to an outside draw, and racing experience under the Connect filly’s belt, I like her chances to take a big step forward in career start number two. Manny Franco will take over riding duties on the stretch out from 5.5 to 6.5-furlongs.

Play: #5 Secret Connection (5-1 ML)
Picks: 5-4-2


Race 5:
This $55k maiden claimer at 5.5-furlongs over the grass kicks off the late Pick 4 and includes a strong uncoupled Wesley Ward entry. #7 Deported is set to make his Stateside debut and was made the 8-5-choice by oddsmaker David Aragona, while #4 Ink Lies hopes to earn his first win in career start number six. Both can win, but so can my top choice #5 Escapades. The son of Into Mischief raced twice down at Gulfstream Park over their all-weather surface as a 3YO before heading to the sidelines until his return on Thursday. He comes in off a steady series of drills for trainer Miguel Clement and lands Flavien Prat. He will not have to be much to best this bunch and earn the first victory of his career.

Play: #5 Escapades (2-1 ML)
Picks: 5-1-7


Race 7: NYSS Cab Calloway
The featured event for 3YOs is relatively competitive and led by 5-2-ML favorite #7 Jaxer. The Head of Plains homebred makes his first start since last November for trainer Graham Motion. Motion has been hot throughout the country of late, so I am expecting this son of Slumber to fire fresh, but I slightly prefer #3 A Little At First. The son of War Dancer makes his second start of the meet after a third-place finish in the Richard Violette on July 24. The Horacio De Paz trainee ran better than looks that day given the fact he was three-wide into the first turn. I expect A Little At First to appreciate the slight cutback to eight-furlongs as well as the move to an inside draw. Javier Castellano jumps back in the saddle after being unavailable for her effort last month.

Play: #3 A Little At First (3-1 ML)
Picks: 3-7-6