Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (CONTROL GROUP) (3-1) - With the scratch of the rail runner, this veteran should save all the ground in his second back from a four-month layoff. 6yo has a fine record at this demanding distance (13-5-1-3) and is 4-2-0-1 locally. He drops in class, has Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard, and gets top billing.
2nd pick: #7 (Malibu Pro) (7-2) - This old-timer ships from Canterbury Downs where he finished a pace-setting 3rd for a higher tag June 17. He's gone 33-7-4-7 on the dirt in his long career, and his speed/stalking style should play well in his Saratoga debut.
3rd pick: #4 (Scarf It Down) (8-1) - Longshot moves up a bit after missing by a 1/2-length when going 8.5 furlongs at Belmont for a $12.5K tag on June 18. Stalker has done well here in the past (6-2-1-1) and is capable of factoring at a big price.
4th pick: #8 (Mills ) (8-1) - 10yo rallied to defeat 'Scarf It Down' by a 1/2-length at Belmont June 18. He runs first off an Ed Barker clam, and he likes this distance (8-1-3-2), but his outside post in the short run to the first turn hurts his overall chances. With some breaks in his journey, he's a late threat.