Saratoga: Friday, 8/22 Plays Pete's Picks

Little Pete
Aug 22, 2025
3 min read

Fast and firm for this Friday as the Travers looms large in one day. 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: 4, 7

R2: 1, 2 Cost: $ 20.00

Little Pete's $ 1.00 Spot Pick 3:

R5: 1, 2, 6

R6: 1, 2, 6

R7: 1, 4, 5 Cost: $ 27.00

Big Pete's $ 1.00 Late Pick 3:

R8: 3, 5, 7

R9: 1, 4, 6

R10: 4, 8, 9, 10 Cost: $ 36.00

Big Pete's "Play of the Day":

Race 4:

I'll land on Prat sticking with (1) PEEK as Falcone claimed him two back and collected a check next out and now drops back to the claiming price. Looking for a return on his investment right away. Decent speeds signed on for them to sit chilly and come with a run late.

$ 7.00 WPS 1 Cost: $ 21.00

$ 3.00 Ex Box 1, 2, 4 Cost: $ 18.00

We'll use (1) PEEK in R4 and try to cash in on a Daily Double.

(2) Tarpaulin or (6) Sittin Chilly in the 5th.

$ 7.00 Daily Double 1 w/ 2, 6 Cost $ 14.00

Big Pete's Late Pick 3:

Race 8:

(3) CAGLIOSTRO figures to take some cash here as DeVaux recruits Prat back, who has a win up on him. He probably needed his last race after his trip overseas. All systems go today. (5) FILM STAR has the speed to be a factor. It worked last race as the other Jose takes over. Same game plan, though. I'll try the Sharp runner (7) MONEY SUPPLY getting back on the dirt. He likes to stalk and come with a run, and that style bodes well today with some speeds going at it.

$ 7.00 WPS 7 Cost: $ 21.00

$ 3.00 Ex Box 3, 5, 7 Cost: $ 18.00

Race 9:

(1) MOONAGE DAY was good last year but then went on the shelf. She draws nicely inside and may have been pointed to this for her 2025 debut. I'll use but try to beat her. (4) SPINNING COLORS is the speed and Johnny V will get her to the front early and try to steal it. If they leave her alone, she'll be tough to reel in. I want the Weaver filly (6) BROCKNARDINI at a price. She came off a layoff in the Mt Vernon and just ran around the course to get a run in. The she picked her game up 2nd time out to get the win. She now faces slightly better but I'm expecting more improvement is coming.

$ 7.00 WPS 6 Cost: $ 21.00

$ 3.00 Ex Box 1, 4, 6 Cost: $ 18.00

Race 10:

(8) NANO MAN was closing well after a tough start and settled for 2nd. A clean trip will make the difference at a price. (9) FILM ACADEMY has the hot barn as Carmouche takes over. They should stalk and come late. (4) ALEXIS ZORBA has speed, which is always dangerous in these short sprints. I want to take a shot with the Weaver gelding (10) HARD PAR. He has a couple of speed figures recently that match the contenders. He was off slow last time but managed to get within 3 lengths. A clean break makes up that distance, and the Handal Barn is heating up.