Fornatale: How I'll play Saratoga on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018

It’s a cloudy day in Spa City, but at least the heatwave has broken, and we’ve got an exciting Saturday card to dig into – even if one eye will be on the races at Arlington Park. My local action will focus on the pick three that begins in race 8 with the featured race, the Grade 1 Fourstardave.

Race 8: I love the way this race sets up for #7 Yoshida, with two speeds to keep each other honest in Voodoo Song and Heart to Heart, and the trip possibly a little sharp for Divisidero. I’m confident making most of my investment through him and saving a little with #5 Heart to Heart and #4 Made You Look, an improving type for Chad Brown.

Race 9: I’m a big fan of #6 Breaking the Rules and while the last race wasn’t amazing, it may be better than it looked overall. The early pace was slow, and he finished up well. #3 Mask has vexed me throughout his brief career, but I plan on giving him another chance based on the talent he’s flashed and the hands he’s in. #4 Always a Suspect looks to be improving, had a trip last time, and goes out for Robertino Diodoro for the first time.

Race 10: #5 MR CUB could have a pace advantage here and has numbers that are close to the best of these. #3 INSPECTOR LYNLEY is in form and finished well last out. He doesn’t love to win but has overperformed at Saratoga before. #9 ZENNOR was last seen winning this race last year. It’s valid to ask, “Where’s he been?” but I’ll include based on the quietly excellent meet Kiaran McLaughlin is having.

With the help of DRF’s TicketMaker, I’ll place the bets like this:

$10 P3: 7 with 6 with 5
$3 P3: 4, 5 with 6 with 5
$3 P3: 7 with 3, 4 with 5
$3 P3: 7 with 6 with 3, 9
$2 P3: 4, 5, with 3, 4 with 5
$2 P3: 4, 5 with 6 with 3, 9
$2 P3: 7 with 3, 4 with 3, 9

Total investment: $52.