Saratoga | Race 9 | Post Time 5:39 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

RACE 1: SKEPTICAL (#7)

That was a close call—in the paddock, we mean, where Dripping Gold, our Pick last week, created some potentially serious havoc but with the help of savvy and experienced horse people and still got saddled up. Then he was bumped by our gimmick Pick, Morning Thoughts, at the start but then buried him in a speed duel and drew off in a special performance and paid $14.60—about eight bucks more than we expected.

Saratoga | Race 9 | Post Time 5:39 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up 

There is a concentration of early speed drawn towards the outside in this Tale of the Cat Stakes. It’s probably wishful thinking to predict that all of these speedsters will hook up in the early going, but Wind of Change (#4), Wondrwherecraigis (#5), and Foolish Ghost (#6) all seem to do their best running when they get to the lead.

Kenny Peck provides his analysis, selections and suggested ticket structure for Saturday's Pick 6 at Saratoga. 

RACE 6: Hard to get cute in a Pick 6 that starts with a field of 2-year-old maidens without seeing the board, especially in a race like this one, where eight of the ten entrants in the body of the race are firsters. While it would be advisable to weight these runners with the benefit of the tote it’s best to use them all equally for the purposes of this advance ticket.

Saratoga | Race 4 | Post Time 2:49 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up 

RACE 7: MOPOLKA (#4)

Each week in this space, the top Beyer performances by maiden winners will be featured and analyzed. Click here for a complete archive.

Her World

Aug. 7, 12th race Monmouth, Tyro104k

Beyer: 72

5f 56.62 – 1st  by 6 lengths

b. f. 2, Caravaggio – Mundus Novus, by Unbridled’s Song

Saratoga | Race 8 | Post Time 5:05 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up 

SECRET SQUARE

Trainer: Kristin Mulhall

Last race: Aug. 5, race 1

Finish: 1st by 10

Beyer: 92

In first start since trainer switch, front-runner trounced $8,000 claiming fillies and mares with a superior figure. Del Mar horse for course can repeat moving up multiple levels.

KAZUHIKO

Trainer: Richard Mandella

Last race: Aug. 6, race 1