Saratoga Derby Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Aug 2)

One of the biggest weekends of the racing summer is set for Saratoga this weekend, as five graded races are on the agenda. All eyes will be on the turf for the ninth race on the card, as horses aged three will compete over 1 3/16 miles in the G1 Saratoga Derby. Find our picks for the big race here.

Odds

Saratoga Derby Recent Winners

Saratoga Derby: Event Information

Race Preview

The G1 Saratoga Derby has been a welcome addition to the racing schedule in the U.S., and it has typically offered clues ahead of the turf races staged at the Breeders’ Cup later in the year. A fascinating clash between natural turf horses and runners that were previously in Triple Crown races is set for this weekend.

Test Score appears to be the leading American hope this weekend after an excellent success over a mile and a furlong at Saratoga last time out when beating World Beater by a length in the G1 Belmont Derby. That form has some substance, with the largely frustrating New Century finishing back in fifth.

Final Gambit may be one to continue to keep faith with for the Brad Cox team, as he did all his best work late in that race, eventually finishing two lengths off the winner. But, he is slowly becoming a horse that always looks like a winner in waiting without actually showing that on his next start.

World Beater was somewhat of an unknown quantity ahead of the Belmont Derby earlier this month, but his progression continues to catch the eye after finishing second on just his second attempt on the turf.

Adrian Murray is constantly a trainer who is overlooked, but Tiberius Thunder is very eye-catching this weekend with Frankie Dettori booked to take the ride. The three-year-old was last in action finishing fourth at a huge price in the G3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Saratoga Derby Picks

Many will side with the Belmont Derby form this weekend, but the inclusion of the high-quality Hotazhell for Jessie Harrington is hard to ignore. The three-year-old has lost nothing in defeat on his two starts this season, finishing an excellent third behind the top-rated turf horse in Europe, Field of Gold, in the Irish 2,000 Guineas on his return in May.

Once again, he showed excellent ability last time out when finishing just three lengths behind the hugely progressive Delacroix in the G1 Eclipse Stakes. Drops back in trip this weekend, and looks like the standout runner based on all form lines.