Saratoga Horse Racing Picks for Wednesday 8/5/20
Starting at 12:50 p.m. EST, we have nine thoroughbred races at Saratoga. Using numberFire's projections as a guide, here are some of the best bets.
As always, check the program for scratches and changes, and check the weather and track conditions.
(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions).
Bossy Bride and Bellera, Race 4
FanDuel Racing Odds: 30/1 and 9/5
Race 4 is the minor $85K Summer Colony Stakes for older fillies and mares racing 1 1/8 miles. A short field of five runners and EPO trainer Todd Pletcher has three of them, including Bellera (9/5) and Nonna Madeline (2/1). numberFire has those two hitting the board, but picks the favorite Golden Award (6/5) on top for trainer Bill Mott.
Golden Award raced seven weeks ago in the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps but was eased up and fell back with a physical issue halfway through the race. She’s come back with a solid morning work recently, but not worth the risk/reward at odds on price.
Bellera dug in gamely last race after losing the lead to finish third three weeks ago. She won two races in December and January over similar surface at Aqueduct in stakes company and posted a pair of triple-digit speed figures. Front-running in this race and can relax better with positive jockey change to John Velazquez.
Longshot Bossy Bride (30/1) moves up in class but can stride well for new EPO trainer Rob Altas and his new regime. She was entered in last weekend’s Grade 1 Personal Ensign, but Altras gives her a better shot here with good risk/reward in place.
Dunph Race 8
FanDuel Racing Odds: 5/1
Race 8 is a Claiming race with a $50K tag. This 1 1/8 mile test has a competitive field of seven runners after Zoomer (12/1) was scratched. The top pick at numberFire is Han Sense (9/2), followed by Super Dude (7/2).
Super Dude has a pair of show finishes with triple-digit speed figures in two recent races. Leading jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. rides for EPO trainer Mike Maker. In the recent race, Super Dude finished a half-length behind runner-up Han Sense at shorter odds but made up three lengths in the stretch.
Intrepid Heart (3/1) drops down off a win for EPO trainer Todd Pletcher, but something's not right and not worth risk/reward.
Dunph (5/1) has his own boost from EPO trainer Robertino Diodoro. Top Race Reports notes he’s responding well to the new regime after being claimed and winning a pair of races, before moving up to graded stakes to finish fourth last out. Can’t do that without proper "care," and trainer's "go-to" rider David Cohen able to take him longer. Include in Exacta and Trifecta wagering and late Pick 3.
Winston’s Chance (8/1) has some value following an off-track win over a sloppy track but better going longer. Stringing races together similar to last summer at this time when he hit the board in three straight races, including at Saratoga, with a pair of triple-digit speed figures and a win.
