Gun Runner is back and a heavy favorite in the G1 Woodward Stakes Saturday at Saratoga, and once again, he’s a single, at least on this ticket.

And why not? There are many observers who make a compelling case for Gun Runner as the best horse in training. Of course, Arrogate and Winx fans will put up an argument, but when it comes to running at Saratoga, Gun Runner is close to being free money. His propensity of getting to the front end without much effort makes him the one to beat in nearly every spot.

That being said, the Pick 4 is much more than Gun Runner, although he’s a standout in the 11th.

Pure Silver and Separationofpowers look like they’re in for a potential neck-and-neck thrown-down in the Spinster, but the two remaining races have a host of runners capable of winning.

The start of the Pick 4, there are five in the 9th race that have a legit chance to take home the prize.

Bricks and Mortar is unbeaten in four starts and carries the flag as the 8-to-5 favorite in the G3 Saranac. However, it won’t be easy and several upstarts are in the fold, including Mr Havercamp, in from Woodbine; Hall of Fame runner-up Yoshida; Mo Maverick, winner of the Lamplighter at Monmouth; and lightly raced Rocketry, winner of a local route race. They warrant consideration in this nine-furlong grass affair.

After the Spinaway and Woodward, the card ends with the 1 3-8-mile, G3 Glen Falls. Again, there are plenty of options, including the H. Graham Motion non-coupled and capable pair Happyness and Lottie, along with Monmouth winner War Flag, G3 Waya winner Estrechada and Sarandia, who was unplaced in Arlington’s Beverly D. in her 1st U.S. start. She had been based in Germany prior to her trip to Chicago.

Harmonize is among those with a great chance as she steps down from mostly Grade 1 and Grade 2 races. The Bill Mott charge was a closing 4th behind Lady Eli in the G1 Diana.
 
Here’s the suggested Pick 4 ticket:

Race 9: #2 Yoshida, #1 Mr Havercamp, #4 Bricks and Mortar, #7 Mo Maverick, #9 Rocketry (2-1-4-7-9).

Race 10: #4 Pure Silver, #1 Separationofpowers. (4-1).

Race 11: #2 Gun Runner (2).

Race 12: #8 Harmonize, #1 Happyness, #2 Lottie, #4 War Flag, #6 Estrechada, #7 Sarandia (8-1-2-4-6-7).

50-cent Pick 4: 2-1-4-7-9 with 4-1 with 2 with 8-1-2-4-6-7. ($30)