Saratoga: Friday, 8/1 Plays Pete's Picks

Little Pete
Aug 1, 2025
3 min read

Fast and firm to start this Friday card from the Spa. I will be condensing my plays down to just the number and attacking the early double (Races 1 & 2) and a spot pick 3 (Races 5-7). Big Pete will attack two "Play of the Day" and the late pick 3 (Races 8-10); GOOD LUCK.

Little Pete's $ 5.00 Early Double:

R1: 1, 2

R2: 4 Cost: $ 10.00

Little Pete's $ 1.00 Spot Pick 3:

R5: 4, 6

R6: 2, 5, 7

R7: 2, 5, 7, 8 Cost: $ 24.00

Big Pete's $ 1.00 Late Pick 3:

R8: 2, 4, 7, 12

R9: 1, 6, 8

R10: 1, 4, 5, 6 Cost: $ 48.00

Big Pete's "Play of the Day":

Race 3:

Sharp has a pair entered as both ship in for the money. With some left over moisture, I'm leaning more with (4) SPEAK SOFTLY to out gain her stablemate. Jose makes this package an easy choice. They can go early or sit off the pace. Her last two bullets where fast so it's all systems go.

$ 7.00 WPS 4 Cost: $ 21.00

$ 3.00 Ex Box 1, 4, 5 Cost: $ 18.00

We'll use (4) Speak Softly in R3 and try to cash in on a Daily Double.

(4) Blue Madame or (8) Tax Holiday in the 4th.

$ 7.00 Daily Double 4 w/ 4, 8 Cost $ 14.00

Big Pete's Late Pick 3:

Race 8:

(4) OMAHA PISTOL was claimed by Rice and has had two races with this outfit. The third time should be the charm as they built stamina in him going 1M last time and now cut back to 7F. His speed figures top this group, and Jose got the test drive last time. (7) ARMY PROUD picks up Irad as this one from Sharp has finally found the right level. He ran a decent 2nd last time against similar, and now Ortiz joins the party. A lot to like here. (4) THE SAINT showed nothing when on the turf in is maiden attempt. Why Saez would take the mount is the question. There must be something there. (12) SANZIO is the other head scratcher. This guy was hitting the board with MSW just a few months ago. The drop and the added L1 could explain the poor last two outings. I'm taking a shot that the medication and this level helps him a lot.

$ 7.00 WPS 12 Cost: $ 21.00

$ 3.00 Ex 2, 12 w/ 2, 4, 7, 12 Cost: $ 18.00

Race 9:

(1) SHEFFLIN and (1A) CHESS MASTER team up for Flying P. Both like to come from off the pace, but one may have to change tactics and go to the front. Both look strong. Johnny V returns on (6) FLUID SITUATION, and my guess is they will show more speed today. If they can catch a breather, they might be tough to catch late. I like Irad on the reride with (8) CLOUDY. They had some trouble last time when they lost to Chess Master, and I'll give Irad another chance to get clear sailing and get first jump to win it.

$ 7.00 WPS 6 Cost: $ 21.00

$ 3.00 Ex Box 1, 6, 8 Cost: $ 18.00

Race 10:

(4) LIFE ADVICE has the speed and the connections to be tough in this finale. If they settle in up front, it could be over. (5) COMPETITIVE THREAT is the threat. Brown and Prat are always trouble and figure to take most of the money action. (6) LOVEUMISSUMEANIT cuts back a furlong, and Davis chooses to ride instead of the McPeek runner. The interesting one is on the hedge. Mott and Jr team up with (1) TWIRLY , who has some early foot to position themselves on or right behind the speeds. Saving ground is key, and then Jr can let her loose late.