img HORSE

SARATOGA Race #11

August 20, 2016
img6:55 PM Eastern
Premium Pick

Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (CONVERGE) (5-2) - Talented 3-year-old moves out of stakes races where he's been competing against open company in six straight starts. Strong finisher is back in with fellow New York breds but is also facing older foes. Trainer Chad Brown is adding blinkers and colt gets a slight edge. Make sure you box your exactas if you like him as his come-from-behind style at this mile trip leaves him a bit vulnerable.

2nd pick: #7 (Memories of Peter) (20-1) - Longshot has good early speed and tired here after chasing a solid pace at this level Aug 8. It was only his second start off a half-year's absence and grey colt is making back-to-back starts for the first time since last fall.

3rd pick: #9 (Ocala Jim) (5-1) - Consistent sort, rallied to miss by a length racing at this level July 14 at Belmont. Race was his first off a claim and a subsequent almost two month break. He's run well here in the past and must be left in the mix.

4th pick: #5 (Vincento) (8-1) - Lightly-raced colt is a 3-year-old like 'Converge'. Stalker bobbled at the break July 14 at Belmont, but was still only 2 1/2 lengths behind 'Ocala Jim.' Working well since, and leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr. stays aboard.

5th pick: #1 (Orino) (10-1) - Longshot was very keyed up here when racing on July23. Veteran raced evenly while never involved, but race can be viewed as a toss. He's worked since, moves to the rail, and John Velazquez is aloft for the first time.

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