Wednesday wagers: Foreign Relations can go long at Saratoga

There isn't be a steeplechase event on the Wednesday program at Saratoga, but fans of long-distance turf racing can look forward to the 1 5/8-mile John’s Call Stakes on the grass, assuming the rain stays away. Here are my picks for five of the day’s races at the Spa.

Best bet: Sacrosanct (race 2)

Best value bet: Whitby (race 5)

Race 1

If the opener comes off the turf, No. 4 Protective (8-5, morning-line favorite) could be the shortest price of the day considering he’s the lone multiple graded-stakes-placed runner in the field and the only one who’s competed outside the maiden ranks. But his pedigree doesn't cry out for grass, so I’m not interested in eating the chalk with this 2024 Belmont Stakes participant in what would be his turf debut. Instead, I’ll take a shot with No. 5 Vintage Vino (7-2), who stormed home late to grab second in a similar race last time out. No. 7 De La Cruz (8-1) finished two lengths behind the top pick in that heat and could grab a share once again.

How I’d bet it (based on a $100 budget): $10 win 5, $8 exacta 5/7, $2 exacta 7/5

Dirt picks: 4-5-3

Race 2

No. 9 Sacrosanct (7-2, morning-line favorite) has thrown down one good workout after another for Brad Cox, who is 22 percent at the meet and with firsters. He named Manny Franco to ride, and they have six wins from 15 starts together. The son of Honest Mischief cost $260,000 at auction and the mare has produced two winners, including one stakes winner, from as many starters. No. 3 Chasing Colton (6-1) looks best of the runners with experience, as he’s hit the board in both prior starts. But he was well-beaten each time. No. 4 Skytown (10-1) has flashed ability in the morning and the pedigree is promising as he’s by Echo Town, who is off to a fast start as a freshman sire, out of an Into Mischief mare.

How I’d bet it: $12 win 9, $4 exacta 9/3,4

Race 3

No. 3 Foreign Relations (5-2) projects as the controlling speed in the John’s Call. The former Grade 3 winner at 12 furlongs on turf also has finished second in consecutive tries heading into this. No. 1 Six Minus (3-1) was rolling late at 11 furlongs most recently and was second at 12 furlongs three back. Could 13 furlongs prove lucky? No. 6 Cathkin Peak (2-1, morning-line favorite) split the field in the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap in his lone marathon turf try on the recent ledger. But new trainer Mike Maker, 21 percent at the meet, has the magic touch when it comes to these types of events, and he named Jose Ortiz to ride this multiple graded-stakes-placed runner.

How I’d bet it: $10 exacta 3/1, $6 exacta 1/3, $2 exacta 1,3/6

Dirt picks: 4-7-9

Race 5

No. 2 Whitby (15-1) might not be the most likely winner on the card, but he’s intriguing at a double-digit price. He has struggled to find his comfort zone and has endured some bad racing luck, but everything came together last time out when he broke his maiden in gate-to-wire fashion. The extra furlong shouldn’t be a problem, and it’s not like he’s facing world-beaters in his first try vs. winners. No. 5 More Vino (9-5, morning-line favorite) is the obvious horse to beat on speed figures while dropping in class, and the presence of Todd Pletcher and Irad Ortiz Jr. will ensure he’s no bargain at the windows. The value won’t be there, but he’s a must-use in all wagers. No. 3 Ice Road (6-1) has hit the board in each of his last four starts, but his 1-for-23 record makes him difficult to endorse on top.

How I’d bet it: $10 win 2, $5 exacta 5/2,3

Race 7

No. 2 Runnin’ Ray (7-2, morning-line favorite) hasn’t done much running since 2022 but it’s tough to knock two second-place tries vs. tougher in two dirt starts in that span. Tyler Gaffalione sees fit to climb aboard. No. 7 Magnolia Midnight (8-1) was burned up in a wicked pace duel going shorter when last seen. The stretchout seems like a bad idea at first blush, but he projects to be the controlling speed and has handled route distances before. No. 3 It’s Viper (4-1) lures Ortiz Jr. while shipping in from Laurel and boasts three consecutive in-the-money finishes on dirt.

How I’d bet it: $12 exacta 2/7, $8 exacta 7/2

Robert Criscola is a free-lance handicapper based in New York.