Weekend Value Picks
I am looking to start August off on a winning note with a couple value plays. As a college student, I don’t have the biggest bankroll when wagering, so I have to make every dollar count. I’ve learned that just because you can’t take part in a $500 Pick 5 ticket or bet $100 to win, does not mean you can’t leave the track without a nice profit. In hopes on doing so this weekend, I picked a couple races from both Saratoga and Monmouth that may offer some nice value for those of us small bettors.
Saturday- Saratoga Race 2
I am always surprised at the number of people who pass or dread maiden races like this. Yeah, there is a lot of uncertainty but you can usually get a nice price. I am looking at the 6-CONQUEST NITRO in this 6 furlong event. He put in a solid effort last time out even after a less than ideal break. This Mark E. Casse-trained colt was moving well late. The winner of that race went on to win the Colin Stakes at Woodbine in his next start. Conquest Nitro has been training well over the dirt so he should have no problem adjusting to the dirt. I am expecting a pressing trip here with his best running again late. Sure hope he stays close to his ML 10/1!
Saturday- Saratoga Race 6
This allowance race will be run 1 mile over the turf and finds my biggest longshot pick of the weekend, 8 ALMASTY. He is currently at 30/1 in the morning line but has been improving since coming over to the Cox barn. Cutting back to one mile should pay dividends for this speedster. He has shown that he doesn’t need the lead to win so I am hopeful for a patient ride from Luis Saez who already has a couple wins this meet.
Sunday- Monmouth Race 7 (Teddy Drone Stakes)
I am sure hoping to see 7-TO YOUR HEALTH stay around that ML of 8/1. This horse has a great team with Paco Lopez and Wayne Catalano both in the midst of solid meets. The son of Tapit took to the grass in breaking his maiden last time out. It was a talented field he beat so the step up here doesn’t scare me as this group looks wide open. I expect to see him running them down late.
Sunday- Monmouth Race 8
I really love 9-LOVERBIL as this 6yo is having a great 2015. He is at home over the Monmouth dirt as is his jockey Trevor McCarthy. This duo is now 3 for 3 and appear prepared to keep that streak going here. Loverbil is taking a step up in class but has a previous stakes win on his resume in the Express Stakes late last year at Gulfstream. This is a much tougher field but never count out a Jersey team on Haskell Day!
There you have it, a couple value runners that I will be watching this weekend. I hope everyone has a winning weekend as there are a ton a phenomenal races happening! Oh yeah, and go Pharoah!!!!