Saratoga, Del Mar Feature 10 Graded Stakes Throughout Week

This weekend promises to be an exciting one for horse racing fans as several prestigious races take center stage at various tracks across the US including Saratoga and Del Mar.

From turf to dirt, from graded stakes to prestigious invitational races, these events will showcase top-tier thoroughbreds battling it out for fame, and fortune. In two of the races the stakes are even higher as a part of the “Win and You’re In” series for the illustrious Breeders’ Cup. Let’s take a closer look at the big races scheduled for this weekend.

Weekend Stakes Preview

Thursday

1. Glens Falls (G2T)

• Track:Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
• Distance: 1 3/8 miles
• Surface:Turf
• Purse: $250,000
• Graded Status: Grade 2

Friday

2. Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational (G3T)

• Track: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
• Distance: 1 3/16 miles
• Surface: Turf
• Purse: $700,000
• Graded Status: Grade 3

3. National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame (G2T)

• Track:Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
• Distance: 1 mile
• Surface:Turf
• Purse: $200,000
• Graded Status: Grade 2

Saturday

4. Clement L. Hirsch S (G1)

• Track:Del Mar Racetrack, Del Mar, CA
• Distance: 1 1/16 miles
• Surface:Dirt
• Purse: $300,000
• Graded Status: Grade 1
• Breeders’ Cup Challenge: Yes. The Clement L. Hirsch Stakes is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff division, offering the winner an automatic berth in the prestigious year-end championship.

5. Saratoga Derby Invitational (G1T)

• Track:Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
• Distance: 1 3/16 miles
• Surface:Turf
• Purse: $1,000,000
• Graded Status: Grade 1

6. Test S (G1)

• Track:Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
• Distance: 7 furlongs
• Surface:Dirt
• Purse: $500,000
• Graded Status: Grade 1

7. Troy S (G3T)

• Track:Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
• Distance: 5 1/2 furlongs
• Surface:Turf
• Purse: $200,000
• Graded Status: Grade 3

8. Whitney S (G1)

• Track:Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
• Distance: 1 1/8 miles
• Surface:Dirt
• Purse: $1,000,000
• Graded Status: Grade 1
• Breeders’ Cup Challenge: Yes. The Whitney Stakes is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic division, ensuring the winner a spot in the prestigious year-end championship.

Sunday

9. La Jolla H (G3T)

• Track:Del Mar Racetrack, Del Mar, CA
• Distance: 1 1/16 miles
• Surface:Turf
• Purse: $150,000
• Graded Status: Grade 3

10. Adirondack S (G3)

1. Track:Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
2. Distance: 6 1/2 furlongs
3. Surface:Dirt
4. Purse: $200,000
5. Graded Status: Grade 3

Watch and Wager

You can catch all the action this weekend from around the country. Betting News will provide in depth analysis of the races on Saturday and Sunday from Del Mar and Saratoga along with the handicapping tools and picks that are offered for tracks around the country.

As always you can watch and wager by signing up for a reputable online racing book. Check out the various signup bonuses that can make your wagering dollar go farther. Many of these sites will also offer free streaming of the races to save you the headache of channel surfing to find the right racing coverage.

Wednesday Full Card Analysis

Saratoga Race Course- Race 1

Post: 1:10 PM ET; $75k Jonathan Kiser Novice S. going 2 1/16 miles on hurdle; Entries: 8

This race is part of the hurdles race meet at Saratoga and is an exhilarating showcase of skill and athleticism. With its rich history and tradition, the racecourse hosts some of the finest steeplechase events in the country. In these races horses will run much further than their flat racing counterparts and add in the challenge of clearing hurdles throughout the race.

• #5 BARBADOS (3-1) is the top selection, boasting races good enough to beat this group. Recently, this horse has shown remarkable consistency and seems ready to deliver a strong performance.
• #1 AWAKENED (7-2) might be best suited for underneath positions on most tickets, but don’t underestimate its potential to become a dangerous threat on the front end.
• #7 MCTIGUE (8-1) appears to be running for minor placings in this contest. The combination of Murphy and Foley demands respect for this entry.
• #2 MERRY MAKER (6-1) also seems to be targeting minor placings in this race.

Selections: 5 – 1 – 7 – 2

Saratoga Race Course- Race 2

Post: 1:46 PM ET; $88k Maiden Special Weight going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 7

• #2 NOBILIS (7-2) claims the top pick, having demonstrated the ability to handle these conditions in previous starts.
• #5 FAST BUCK FREDDY (7-2) is expected to improve from its first start and should be competitive in this field. With strong speed figures and good form, it enters the race as a serious contender.
• #7 FLYING IN STYLE (3-1) should also improve from its first start and could pose a significant threat in this race. Watch out for this horse potentially getting loose on the front end.
• #1 CHALKY CAT (6-1) has solid early pace figures and may capitalize on the lack of front-running speed in the race, making it an appealing choice.

Selections: 2 – 5 – 7 – 1

Saratoga Race Course- Race 3

Post: 2:19 PM ET; $64k Claiming going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf; Entries: 10

• #4 SEVEN SCENTS (8-1) looks best here, displaying the ability to handle these conditions in previous starts.
• #1 CHUCK WILLIS (4-1) appears to be a major player in this race, boasting races good enough to beat this group. Expect this horse to contend for the lead and attempt to hold off the field.
• #6 LYRICAL POET (3-1) is also a strong contender, not likely to have trouble with the 5 1/2 furlong distance. This entry stands out as one of the classiest in the field.
• #7 AFTER FIVE (8-1) is another horse to watch closely, as it shouldn’t have trouble with the 5 1/2 furlong distance and might benefit from the right setup in the race.

Selections: 4 – 1 – 6 – 7

Saratoga Race Course- Race 4

Post: 2:52 PM ET; $100k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 1/8 miles on dirt; Entries: 7

• #1 SHADOW DRAGON (9-5) gets the top selection. This horse could be a dangerous threat on the front end, but it’s also expected to make a late surge with its strong closing kick.
• #6 MASON MANIA (6-1) should be competitive in this field and appears to fit well enough.
• #3 OLYMPIC DREAMS (2-1) is another strong contender, displaying races good enough to beat this group. It has proven to handle these conditions in previous starts.
• #5 WILD BANKER (6-1) could be in contention, as it possesses tactical speed and can track just off the leaders for a stalk and pounce trip.

Selections: 1 – 6 – 3 – 5

Saratoga Race Course- Race 5

Post: 3:26 PM ET; $88k Maiden Special Weight going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 9

• #8 CHARITY FIRST (10-1) is the top pick and a price horse to watch. With the right pedigree, this entry could be a major player in the race.
• #5 RUN FOR YOUR HONEY (6-1) is another major player with the potential to sit mid-pack and make a strong late run.
• #2 ONCE AN EAGLE (4-1) debuts in this race and should be competitive with its strong breeding.
• #7 FIND YOUR JOY (12-1) is another price horse worth considering, and it may present a dangerous threat if it gets loose on the front end.

Selections: 8 – 5 – 2 – 7

Saratoga Race Course- Race 6

Post: 4:00 PM ET; $50k Claiming going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 10

• #5 HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (8-1) appears to be the class of the field. It is expected to sit mid-pack and make a strong late charge.
• #7 POSTNUP (8-5) looks best here, boasting races good enough to beat this group. With the combination of Rice and Ortiz, this entry demands respect.
• #1 MISS M M (8-1) is also a major player, potentially benefiting from a hot pace up front. This horse has proven to handle these conditions in previous starts.
• #3 STIR CRAZY (5-2) is another significant contender based on its speed figures.

Selections: 5 – 7 – 1 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- Race 7

Post: 4:34 PM ET; $50k Starter Allowance going 1 1/4 miles on dirt; Entries: 11

• #10 LORD CAPTAIN (9-5) gets the top selection. This horse possesses tactical speed and can track just off the leaders for a stalk and pounce trip. It holds the top overall power rating in the group.
• #3 PORTOS (10-1) is a price horse to watch and should be competitive in this race, projecting to sit mid-pack and make a strong late run.
• #9 BOBBY G (10-1) is another price horse to consider, boasting races good enough to beat this group.
• #4 KING OF HOLLYWOOD (6-1) should also be competitive in this field and demands respect with the combination of Sacco and Ortiz.

Selections: 10- 3 – 9 – 4

Saratoga Race Course- Race 8

Post: 5:10 PM ET; $135k De La Rose S. going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 10

• #5 TECHNICAL ANALYSIS (9-5) is the top pick and the class of the field. Expect this horse to be in the first flight of runners and have a chance to win late.
• #4 HAUGHTY (5-1) should be competitive in this field and appears to be ready to deliver a strong performance with recent solid starts.
• #1 WHITE FROST (3-1) is a fringe contender, but could benefit from the right setup in the race.
• #7 RUNAWAY RUMOUR (12-1) is a price horse and shouldn’t be underestimated, as it has been solid in recent starts.

Selections: 5 – 4 – 1 – 7

Saratoga Race Course- Race 9

Post: 5:44 PM ET; $162.5k Allowance Optional Claiming going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf; Entries: 8

• #7 KAUFYMAKER (4-1) looks best here and is expected to be in the first flight of runners, contending for victory late in the race.
• #2 SCOTISH STAR (3-1) could also be in contention, having been solid in recent starts and showing the ability to handle these conditions.
• #1 HAPPY SOUL (5-2) is a fringe contender but appears to be in good form and ready to run a strong race.
• #3 SPUN GLASS (12-1) is a price horse that could be a factor, as it projects to sit mid-pack and make a late charge.

Selections: 7 – 2 – 1 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- Race 10

Post: 6:18 PM ET; $35k Claiming going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 9

• #7 VAX (7-5) gets the top selection. With tactical speed, this horse is likely to track just off the leaders for a stalk and pounce trip. It shouldn’t have trouble with the 6-furlong distance.
• #6 LA AGUILILLA (7-2) appears to be a major player in this race, entering with good form and a strong chance to hit the board.
• #4 BABY SOX (6-1) is a fringe contender but could benefit from the right setup in the race.
• #3 MO TOWN MADISON (8-1) isn’t without hope and seems to fit well enough in this field.