Saratoga and Del Mar Picks:
Well, Thursday was a frustrating day with the horses. We had one horse scratch out late; another one got way overbet and just missed the order of the feature at Del Mar. The beauty of racing is there is always a tomorrow, and yesterday’s tomorrow is today! Let’s look at Friday’s Saratoga and Del Mar picks.
$62k Allowance N2X, Saratoga, Race #8
Let’s take on a nice turf sprint for our race of the day at Saratoga. When playing here, you must pay attention to horses who like the track. That leads me to #2 Run Curtis Run who has two seconds over this turf course. One of them is his best career race, and the other was a loss to Big Invasion when Big Invasion was not losing to anyone. He has tactical speed, which is required on this turf course and has shown the ability to pass horses. Let us hope to get that 7/2 morning line price.
#9 Runningwscissors rejuvenated his career over the winter by stretching out to a mile and a sixteenth, so it is interesting seeing him shorten back up here. If he can run back to his turf sprint efforts, he is a player, and the price is decent enough to take a chance at 9/2.
#1 Clear the Air has really rounded into form in his last four starts, which happen to be all turf sprinting. He has excuses in his last two. The trip two back was awful, and he should be able to save ground and make a kick coming for home. He will need to work out a trip from the rail.
#10 Let It Ride is an interesting case study. The horse has won twice on dirt, but the trainer keeps trying to get it on turf. The last time was a rainout. With better weather today, you will see a much-improved performance over the grass.
Saratoga Picks: 2-9-1-10
Bets: $50 Win #2
Fleet Treat Stakes, Del Mar, Race #7
These races can often be a mess. It is highly likely with these younger horses who are state-bred that someone takes a big step forward. As they get older, you will generally see one horse dominate a division. Since these are younger, we are going to take a shot here. #9 Pushiness returned to the track in 2024 and did everything but win. She fended off challenges before conceding late and should be better today. She was the best in this division at two years old; we will see if she can keep it going at three.
The problem is she is not and will not be a price, so let’s look to #1 Loretta Lynn for some value. The price is right at 15-1 and she showed talent coming from just off the pace in multiple starts at two. The seven-furlong distance is perfect for her return after being able to handle longer last season.
#7 Grand Slam Smile danced all the dances at two in this division and was very successful. She has won at today’s distance and ran well against open company. Her price will be short, but she is a player.
#4 Andiamo Raggaza is another price that can mix it up with these. She’s 12-1 on the morning line and was sneaky good last time out. Yes, she quit, but she also missed the break and rushed to the front. That takes a lot out of a horse, especially first time off the layoff. She should be quite a bit sharper for trainer Peter Miller.
Del Mar Picks: 9-1-7-4
Bets: $50 Win #1
Spot Plays:
Saratoga, Race #10, $50 Win #4
Del Mar, Race #6. $50 Win #4
