Closing weekend at Saratoga and at Del Mar is upon us, and as disappointing as that is horseplayers must keep their eye on the ball. There are quality stakes coast to coast this weekend, and plenty of opportunities. I’m most interested in a couple of races from Saratoga on Saturday, as well as the main event at Louisiana Downs on Sunday afternoon. Saranac Stakes There are several ways to go in the Grade 3, $300,000 Saranac at Saratoga. Horses such as Raging Bull, Up the Ante, Maraud, March to the Arch, and Therapist are all logical contenders. Of all the entrants, however, I’m most interested in a horse that I’ve had success with in the past who is getting back to doing what he really wants to do, and that’s Golden Brown. I made Golden Brown a Warrior play back in July, and he rewarded me with a victory in the Kent Stakes at Delaware Park at odds of 15-1. There’s a real chance that people will dismiss him again Saturday afternoon, and that could be a costly mistake. Both of Golden Brown’s turf races have been strong, particularly the effort at Delaware. Not only did he win at the Saranac’s nine-furlong distance at Delaware despite showing some greenness, but he also defeated two next-out winners, including Carrick, who returned to win the Grade 1 Secretariat at Arlington Park with a 97 Beyer Speed Figure. Golden Brown is likely to go off at a very square price again Saturday in the 1 1/8-mile Saranac, and I believe he’s very live yet again. :: Wager on Saturday racing with DRF Bets Spinaway Stakes The headliners in the Grade 1, $350,000 Spinaway for 2-year-old fillies at Saratoga are Chasing Yesterday and Catherinethegreat, and rightfully so. Chasing Yesterday, the younger half-sibling to American Pharoah, was visually impressive breaking her maiden at Del Mar on July 28, earning an 86 Beyer. Her form was flattered recently when the runner-up from her maiden score returned to earn an 82 Beyer. Catherinethegreat was also impressive winning the Schuylerville here July 20, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 84. These two talented fillies are clearly the horses to beat, but from a betting standpoint they don’t figure to offer any real value. A filly who may offer a fair price is Restless Rider for Ken McPeek. A daughter of Distorted Humor, Restless Rider was able to overcome trouble in her most recent start that she really had no business overcoming. A filly took a bad step in front of her entering the far turn, forcing Restless Rider to steady hard and alter course, losing all momentum. For most runners, this would be the end of their chances. But not only did Restless Rider overcome the trouble, she went on to win by more than 11 lengths. She’s been off since the end of June and is facing a salty group of juvenile fillies in the seven-furlong Spinaway, but Restless Rider looks like she could be a serious talent – and may offer some value Saturday. Super Derby I’ve been a fan of Lionite for some time, and I think he’s been rather unlucky in his past two starts. In the Iowa Derby, Lionite appeared to have run, only to be stymied behind runners off the far turn and down the lane. In the West Virginia Derby, he was forced to attempt to make up ground on a day at Mountaineer Park when the main track was an absolute conveyor belt. With what should be a fair pace signed on, I think Lionite is primed for a career-best effort Sunday in the Grade 3, $300,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs. It also helps his cause that the two favorites, Lone Sailor and High North, each has a question that need to be answered: Does Lone Sailor have some hang in him, and how good is High North, actually? If Lionite is anywhere near his 9-2 morning line, I’m all in.