HORSE RACING

​Saratoga Horse Racing Picks for Sunday 8/9/20

Saratoga has 10 races Sunday. Which horses should you bet on at FanDuel Racing?

It's a great time to dive into horse racing, and FanDuel Racing gives you the chance to do just that.

Starting at 1:10 p.m. EST, we have 10 races at Saratoga. Using our numberFire 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.)

Seasons, Race 2

FanDuel Racing Odds: 9/5

Race 2 is a Maiden Special Weight for 2-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Seven challengers in here and a special juvenile Seasons (9/5) that can develop into a potential Grade 1 runner for her sire Tapit. She's a big, strong and stunning-looking horse and will get bet with multiple bullet works in the morning in place and Jose Ortiz riding.

Frankel on Ascot (7/2) is a French bred who finished third on debut a month ago, losing to the favorite. A better try expected as the top pick of numberFire. Classic Colors (10/1) had no offering last month at a lower price but has Saturday’s Travers winning rider Manny Franco returning for an improved effort.

Say Moi, Race 3

FanDuel Racing Odds: EVEN

Race 3 is an Allowance race with five fillies and mares running a route at 1 1/8 miles. A single as chalk again with Say Moi (EVEN) in much easier than her last race, when she finished second and posted a 99 speed figure, losing to the heavy favorite. She’s bred to run longer and will be tough for the others to handle with Joel Rosario riding for respected trainer Bill Mott.

Smooth With a Kick (3/1) is the top choice of Daily Horse Picks with EPO trainer Chad Brown’s specialty going long on the turf. Brown is falling down the trainer standings with less winners and runners in recent weeks with the FBI around the Saratoga stables. She’s 1-for-9 and running second off a layoff, having missed the money last out in June. Unfortunately, a jockey change to Javier Castellano, and if you saw his ride in the Ballerina (G1) Saturday when his poor decision in the stretch running into others cost his horse a place, then it’s easy to understand why he’s falling off in the jockey standings. Daily Horse Picks rates Smooth With a Kick tops in Class but gives Speed and Pace advantage to Say Moi.

Wild Love (8/1) is also bred to go longer as a sire of Candy Ride. She broke her maiden in her third start in June with an 11-length win for trainer Steve Asmussen

Timely Tradition and Escape Fund Race 6

FanDuel Racing Odds: 3/1 and 10/1

Race 6 is an Allowance race for 10 fillies and mares going 6 1/2 furlongs. The top pick at numberFire is Pop a Choc (7/2) followed by Escape Fund (10/1). Pop a Choc broke her maiden a month ago, winning easily on the front end at 13/1 odds. Jockey Johnny V rides again.

Timely Tradition (3/1) has won 10-of-26 starts, including three in a row while hitting a speed figure of 106 in March. Top Race Reports notes her veratile and hard-running style with great action and can run from various positions in a race. Strong stretch rider Joel Rosario had her up front for the last two wins.

Let’s add a price and a runner off the pace with Escape Fund (10/1). She won on debut at 34/1, pulling away against a decent group three weeks ago. A bullet morning work three days ago and she can move forward in her second start.

Primacy (9/2) will get bet with leading jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding for trainer Chad Brown. She won easily at this distance in June in her third start.