Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (SPORT) (3-1) - Large specimen rallied to finish second at this tag and distance June 29 at Belmont Park. It was his first since Feb. 9, first ever in a claimer, and he worked a sharp half-mile here July 16. Saratoga is the home base for trainer Jim Bond and this 5-year-old by 'Hard Spun' gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #9 (Wisely) (7-2) - NEW gelding is dropping into a claimer and is stretching back out in distance. Very wide last out at Belmont going 7 furlongs facing tougher, $150K purchase was much sharper in a pair this past winter at this distance racing at Gulfstream and it's noted that Irad Ortiz Jr is back aboard for the first time since then.
3rd pick: #6 (Ding Dong Ditch) (5-2) - Colt has early speed and is racing off a 70-day break for a new trainer (ToddPletcher) 29% with new arrivals and 20% off of long layoffs. In a claimer for the first time and that's a very strong 30% winning angle from the 'Hall of Fame' conditioner.
4th pick: #1 (Indurate) (12-1) - Very lightly-raced colt raced evenly going a mile at Belmont for a $75,000 claiming price June 22. $275,000 son of 'Kitten's Joy' drops down in price, has the rail, and think he'll be competitive at a big price in this spot.