Hersh: Pick four play for Saratoga for Saturday, Aug. 9

The play hinges on two horses I like in the sequence, ORIENT HARBOR (#6) in race 9 and SEEK AGAIN (#2) in race 10. That Orient Harbor is 8-1 on the morning line makes her an especially appealing lone A play. The play assumes a fast track and turf races staying on; should conditions deviate, so will the opinions that shaped the bet.

The $110 cost of the first Ticketmaker ticket below is richer than I prefer, especially considering I would punch the all-A’s at least twice, and perhaps three times. The second ticket posted saves $40 while obviously providing less coverage. Again, the all-A’s should be played for at least $1, and on the second ticket, one could fool around with some inexpensive combos including A’s, B’s, and C’s.

Race 8 – I’d want as much depth as I could muster in this New York-bred N1X turf-route allowance. POINT ROLL (#1) is the 5-2 morning-line favorite and finished 10th at this level last time, which tells you all you need to know about the race. I still probably would take him on top if making 1-2-3s, but again, there are too many moving parts for me to feel confident about any one or two horses.

Race 9 – This is a pace play, and if more than one of the several speed horses scratch, it’s going to ruin everything. On paper, I think the race falls apart, and I think Orient Harbor can win her second race in a row. She’s only raced blinkered three times, and two of those starts came on wet courses. The DRF clockers liked her interim work, and I think she can take another step forward. KISS ME LOLA (#2) and BALLERINA BELLE (#10) look close in ability, and both can come from off the pace. They’re B’s, and the route-sprint horse NIGHT SONG (#8) scrapes in as a C.

Race 10 – Seek Again is by Speightstown. He won the Hollywood Derby over 10 furlongs in his U.S. debut, but my guess is he’s going to turn in a powerful run cutting back to a mile here. If I see Sayaad being guzzled back and Silver Max scampering to an easy lead, my biggest fear, I’ll be unleashing a barrage of curses. Silver Max and Jack Milton are the obvious backups, and if GRAND ARCH (#6) comes forward again, I want a chance to cash in: He’s a C.

Race 11 – Don’t “like” anyone in this turf maiden special weight race. Morning-line fave FORENSIC (#6) seems as mediocre as the day is long, but if she wants to go ahead and score a belated breakthrough, I’ll gladly take it. First-Lasix French import TROPHEE (#7) seems like a must-A to me. CORONETTE (#3) is bred to develop later and has been working, working, working for this spot since another one-paced showing (with front wraps on) in June at Belmont. Why can’t PRAYED FOR (#8) show something on debut? Strong grass pedigree, decent-looking turf drill – have at it. I’ve got four others as Cs since I can’t afford them clogging up the B hole, but my recommendation would be to cover all you can, especially the first-timers.