Saratoga Saturday Picks & Plays Sept. 5, 2015

Saratoga Saturday Picks & Plays Sept. 5, 2015: Sometimes it is okay to take a break every now and then from handicapping, and that break certainly had a great effect since we hit some races last week.

This weekend, Saratoga continues offering excellent cards with the Woodward Stakes (GI) as the main event. Also, a lot of Rachel Alexandra’s fans will enjoy watching her daughter Rachel Valentina in the Spinaway (GI). This weekend, we’re analyzing all the stakes of the card, and making some cheap plays.

Saranac GIII

8) 5, 8, 3

Go Around is trying graded stakes company for the first time. However, he showed talent in his last race, winning easily. Jose Lezcano repeats the mount, which indicates a sign of confidence. Nonna’s Boy impressed in his first attempt on the grass, winning gate-to-wire by 3½ lengths. He will try to win this race in gate-to-wire style again. The level is tougher, but he has been considered a very nice horse since his debut. I’m adding the favorite, Takeover Target, a horse who is ready to stalk the pace if it turns hot. He is definitely the class of the field, so we can’t miss a play with him.

Spinaway GI

9) 6, 3

This is a race where we can hit a horse who should offer good value since Rachel’s Valentina will take a lot of money. In this race, I’m using just two fillies. Banree finished second in the Schuylerville Stakes (GIII), 3¼ lengths behind the promising Off The Tracks. In that race she easily beat the rest of the field, so she deserves a shot in this race. I’m also using Tonasah, the main speed of the race. She was the beaten favorite in her last race, but, in my opinion, she can bounce back and win.

Woodward Stakes GI

10) 2, 1

Liam’s Map demanded fast fractions in the Whitney and was only caught by Honor Code. Now, Javier Castellano is in the saddle, and if we see him in the lead with some lengths turning into the stretch, the race is over. I expect a fast pace again, so I’m including Wicked Strong, a horse who is able to stalk the pace and make his move. Liam’s Map beat him easily in the Whitney, but all races are different. If Bay of Plenty and Coach Inge press duel with Liam’s Map in the lead, Wicked Strong can steal the Woodward Stakes at Saratoga.

Glen Falls Stakes GIII

11) 6

Goldy Espony is the likely winner of this race since she has been winning very easily in the U.S. She’s going to take the lead and never look back. The field she’s facing is weak, so I’m using her as a single in my plays.

12) 2, 8

Usually South American horses take some time to acclimate, needing two or three races to bring their “A” game. However, Take the Stand (ARG) ran a very good race in his first attempt in America, finishing just two lengths back from the winner. He can improve in his second start since the layoff to take this race. Also, the added blinkers should help a lot. Front faced tougher horses in the past and now looks like the class of the field. In my opinion, he’s the main rival of Take The Stand.

Plays
Pick 3
9) 6, 3
10) 2, 1
11) 6
Exacta box race #8: 5, 8, 3