Hammersly: Saratoga pick four play for Saturday, July 28

A play Saturday’s all-stakes pick four at Saratoga Saturday (races 7-10) hinges on where you can take a stand. While the fields aren’t large, they’re competitive, and spreading in all legs brings about diminishing returns, even if you’re correct.

Race 7

The first leg may give us an immediate opportunity for a linchpin. ENGAGE (#3) ran on decently for second in the Grade 2 Woody Stephens after getting a great pace setup. With a number of speed horses lined up against him again he may get another good trip. PROMISES FULFILLED (#2) dueled through suicidal splits in the Woody Stephens. To his credit, he kept on for third. He faces other speed again here but has shown he can duel and keep going and the pace may not be quite as severe this time.

A’s) 3

B’s) 2

C’s) None

Race 8

IMPERIAL HINT (#4) is a top sprinter when on his game and he comes off a gutsy win in the Grade 2 True North at Belmont June 8. He reportedly had a minor setback but reports are that he’s doing well and his recent strong works seem to bear that out. This six-furlong trip plays well for him. DONE DEAL (#7) showed big talent in 2016, was gone 20 months, but has come back as good or better. He may be this good. MR. CROW (#6) freaked twice here last year. He hasn’t shown that form since but maybe returning to the Spa can get him back to such a high level. WARRIOR’S CLUB (#3) can pack a punch in the lane and has run well here.

A’s) 4

B’s) 3, 6, 7

C’s) None

Race 9

A very tough race. You can make a case for most of these. HIGHLAND SKY (#1) was a Grade 1 winner in the making earlier in his career, but a couple setbacks have kept him from fulfilling that promise. A super optional-claiming win at Belmont June 24 hints he’s back to his best. That win looks even better when you note the runner-up came right back to win. SADLER’S JOY (#6) continues his fine work. He was third in this race last year and then won the Grade 1 Sword Dancer, both on this inner course. HI HAPPY (#7) has blossomed this year, showing the form that won him multiple Grade 1’s in his native Argentina. MONEY MULTIPLIER (#8) has run well here and comes off two fine outings at Monmouth, winning the Grade 2 Monmouth Stakes and running second in the Grade 1 United Nations. MANITOULIN (#9) was fourth in the blanket finish at the end of the Grade 1 Manhattan at Belmont June 9, just two necks behind SADLER’S JOY and a neck behind HI HAPPY, so he fits.

A’s) 1, 6

B’s) 7, 8

C’s) 9

Race 10

TENFOLD (#2) showed his ability when third in the Grade 1 Preakness. He was then fifth in the Grade 1 Belmont June 9, but that may have been asking a bit too much too soon. He’s been freshened and worked well for this. VINO ROSSO (#5) ran fourth in the Belmont, a nice bounce-back after finishing ninth in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby. These two sons of Curlin look tough.

A’s) 2, 5

B’s) None

C’s) None