by Dustin Fabian
August 30, 2018
There's time for one last big Saturday at Saratoga and the folks at NYRA have pulled out all the stops to make Woodward Day one to remember. This year's Woodward isn't loaded with top-end talent, but it is deep as can be. 14 runners are signed on. The star power comes a bit earlier on the card, as a loaded field is assembled for the best Spinaway Stakes in years.
For those looking to watch the races on TV, coverage starts at 2:30PM ET on Fox Sports 2 and transfers over to the NBC Sports Network at 5:30PM ET. NBCSN coverage includes the Saranac, Spinaway and Woodward (at least all three races are in the slot).
Plus, for those betting on Xpressbet (and why wouldn't you be?), we've got a 1 Million XB Reward Point Split on Saturday at Saratoga. Hit Exactas ($2 base minimum) on four different races to win your share of the Points!
Here are my picks for Saturday at Saratoga, including my Pick 4 horses from each race. Use all of my choices in the Late Pick 4 for a $72 ticket.
Race 9 - Saranac Stakes
Storyline: Three-year-old turfers take center stage in the Saranac, and despite the best in this division (Analyze It, Catholic Boy) having opted for larger prizes elsewhere, this field turned out pretty solid. Intriguing storylines include Free Drop Billy's first try on the lawn (despite questionable turf breeding) and a big jump in class for Therapist, who was incredibly impressive against NY-breds in his latest two starts.
Key Contenders: There are nine horses entered for the Saranac and, depending on how you look at it, there are plenty of potential winners. This is not an easy race to pick a winner in, despite the presence of a Chad Brown-trained, low-priced favorite.
How I'm Betting: I'll use Golden Brown on top of a number of bets as I think he gets the jump on the closers. Raging Bull and Therapist are also on my ticket. I'll try to beat Free Drop Billy and Maraud, unless the turf comes up wet.
Pick 4 Horses I'm Using: Up the Ante, Raging Bull, Golden Brown, Therapist.
Race 10 - Spinaway Stakes
Storyline: The Spinaway is Saratoga's signature race for 2YO fillies but, with the exception of Rachel's Valentina, the recent list of winners would not be confused with a Hall of Fame ballot (and even she's more famous for her breeding than her resume). That could change this year as Bob Baffert has shipped American Pharoah's half-sister, Chasing Yesterday, cross-country for this and Mark Casse sends out Catherinethegreat, who won the G3 Schuylerville earlier in the meet.
Key Contenders: With Baffert, Pletcher, Casse and Desormeaux among the entrants, there really is something for everyone. Here are the top four fillies in the race:
How I'm Betting: Chasing Yesterday is my top horse in here and I'm going to key her on top of some of the logical other horses - Catherinethegreat, Restless Rider - in Exactas and Trifectas. I'll also play a few bets with Restless Rider on top and my hope is to beat Catherinethegreat, despite her strong credentials. It would be great to get a horse like Cassies Dreamer (30/1), Virginia Eloise (10/1) or Love My Honey (12/1) to run third.
Pick 4 Horses I'm Using: Chasing Yesterday (primary), Restless Rider (secondary).
Race 11 - Woodward Stakes
Storyline: The Woodward is one of the premier horse races in New York and its history dates to the 1950's. The initial winners included Sword Dancer, Kelso, Buckpasser and Damascus, and later horses like Spectacular Bid, Forego, Affirmed and Seattle Slew staked their claim. Most recently stars like Ghostzapper, Curlin, Easy Goer, Alysheba, Holy Bull and Cigar took home the Woodward trophy. This year's Woodward isn't loaded with top-end talent - nobody in this bunch is as good as the horses I listed - but it is loaded with depth. This field has 14 runners and it won't be hard to make a case for most of them. Hit the Trifecta or Superfecta and you might pad your bankroll through the Breeders' Cup!
Key Contenders: Despite the 14 entrants, there are just three US Grade 1 winners in the bunch. That's alright, though. This field has combined to win 70 races, including top events like the Belmont Stakes, Turf Classic, Charles Town Classic, Fountain of Youth and Clark. Here's a look at my top five:
How I'm Betting: I'm going to take a hard stand against Tapwrit and tab Seeking the Soul and Yoshida for the top spots, with Gunnevera, Sunny Ridge, Kurilov, Discreet Lover, Leofric and Zanotti underneath. The payouts here will be huge if you're lucky enough to have the winner.
Pick 4 Horses I'm Using: Yoshida, Kurilov, Gunnevera, Seeking the Soul, Sunny Ridge, Term of Art.
Race 12 - Glens Falls Stakes
Storyline: The last race on the card is the Grade 2 Glens Falls and, amazingly, this might be the one turf stakes race in North America that Chad Brown has yet to win. No lie. Well, maybe that's a little overstated. The winners list of the Glens Falls includes Bill Mott (five times), Christophe Clement (four times), Todd Pletcher (twice), Graham Motion (twice), Shug McGaughey and Jonathan Sheppard, but there still is a goose egg next to Chad Brown's name. And not for lack of trying. He's sent out five starters in the last four years.
Key Contenders: Brown's losing streak in the Glens Falls should probably come to an end this year as he sends out three runners - the top three choices on the morning line, nonetheless - and all have a big chance of sealing the deal. Here's a look at the top runners:
How I'm Betting: Santa Monica is the best of the Brown runners and Lady Montdore appears to have a ton of talent. Play those two on top and fill in the other Brown runners, along with Danceland, who loves Saratoga, underneath.
Pick 4 Horses I'm Using: Santa Monica, Onthemoonagain, Lady Montdore.