While Saratoga’s Wednesday card lacks a steeplechase event, fans of marathon turf races will be treated to the 1 5/8-mile John’s Call Stakes—if the weather cooperates. Below are my selections and betting strategies for five key races on the card:
Race 1:
- Top Pick: No. 5 Vintage Vino (7-2)
- Value Play: No. 7 De La Cruz (8-1)
- Dirt Contender (if taken off turf): No. 4 Protective (8-5)
- Betting Strategy:
- $10 win on No. 5
- $8 exacta 5/7
- $2 exacta 7/5
If this race moves to dirt, Protective becomes the heavy favourite, but Vintage Vino offers better value, especially if it stays on turf.
Race 2:
- Top Pick: No. 9 Sacrosanct (7-2)
- Main Competitor: No. 3 Chasing Colton (6-1)
- Longshot to Consider: No. 4 Skytown (10-1)
- Betting Strategy:
- $12 win on No. 9
- $4 exacta 9/3,4
Sacrosanct’s sharp workouts and promising connections make him the one to beat in this maiden race, while Chasing Colton and Skytown offer solid exacta options.
Race 3 (John’s Call Stakes):
- Top Pick: No. 3 Foreign Relations (5-2)
- Challenger: No. 1 Six Minus (3-1)
- Contender: No. 6 Cathkin Peak (2-1)
- Betting Strategy:
- $10 exacta 3/1
- $6 exacta 1/3
- $2 exacta 1,3/6
Foreign Relations should control the pace in this long-distance turf event. Six Minus and Cathkin Peak add depth to the exact options.
Race 5:
- Best Value: No. 2 Whitby (15-1)
- Top Contender: No. 5 More Vino (9-5)
- Reliable Option: No. 3 Ice Road (6-1)
- Betting Strategy:
- $10 win on No. 2
- $5 exacta 5/2,3
Whitby is an intriguing longshot who broke his maiden last out and could surprise at a big price. More Vino is a logical favourite, while Ice Road has been consistent but is tough to back on top with his 1-for-23 record.
Race 7:
- Favorite: No. 2 Runnin’ Ray (7-2)
- Upset Possibility: No. 7 Magnolia Midnight (8-1)
- Solid Play: No. 3 It’s Viper (4-1)
Runnin’ Ray and Magnolia Midnight offer strong win/place options, while It’s Viper adds depth to trifecta plays.
Focus on key value plays like Sacrosanct in Race 2 and Whitby in Race 5, while also capitalising on potential pace scenarios in the John’s Call Stakes. The weather could impact the turf races, so stay flexible with your wagers if conditions change.