Saratoga: Wednesday 9/2 Plays R9 - Pete's Picks

Little Pete
4 days ago
3 min read

Nine races to kick off the final week of racing at the Spa for 2026. We will skip the 1st race jumpers and start the day with R2. I will be condensing my plays down to just the numbers and attacking the early double (Races 2 & 3) and a spot pick 3 (Races 4-6). Big Pete will attack his "Play of the Day" and the late pick 3 (Races 7-9). We appreciate you taking a look at this write-up and GOOD LUCK.

Little Pete's $ 5.00 Early Double:

R2: 4, 6

R3: 7, 8 Cost: $ 20.00

Little Pete's $ 1.00 Spot Pick 3:

R4: 3, 6

R5: 3, 5, 6, 8

R6: 3, 5, 10 Cost: $ 24.00

Big Pete's $ 1.00 Late Pick 3:

R7: 1, 2, 8

R8: 1, 2, 5, 9

R9: 5, 7, 8, 9 Cost: $ 48.00

Big Pete's "Play of the Day":

Race 4:

(3) SENZA PAROLE has the speed figures to back this 6:5 ML and looms large to control this race through out. Prat makes a push for this riding title with Jose out of town. She will be a handleful and if there is any leftover moisture, that only helps.

I’ll use (6) Strong State underneath for the exacta.

$ 10.00 Ex 3 w/ 6 Cost $ 10.00

We’ll also use (3) Senza Parole in R4 and try to cash in on a Daily Double.

(5) Twirly and (8) Successful Agenda in the 5th.

$ 7.00 Daily Double 3 w/ 5, 8 Cost $ 14.00

Big Pete's Late Pick 3:

Race 7:

(8) SKIDMORE and (2) WILDEST DREAMS are interesting. The first-timer for Green attracts Johnny V, and Jr gives the Drain The Clock filly another try after something went wrong in her last. Looking for one of these youngsters to come out running. The logical one is (1) TAPPIN MAGIC. She did not get away cleanly in her debut and was left with a lot to do. She managed to collect a check with a nice rally and now picks up Prat. She looks solid against this field and is a must-use to start this late pick 3.

$ 7.00 WPS 1 Cost $ 21.00

$ 3.00 Ex Box 1, 2, 8 Cost $ 18.00

Race 8:

(5) BRAVERTHANUBELIEVE comes back from a nine-month vacation, but her works look okay. Still undefeated and spots the best speed figure of this bunch. I'll use defensively but try to beat her. (9) RINA'S REVENGE gets L1 for her return to the races. I like the move back to Castellano as well, and she looks ready with that bullet gate work on the 28th. (1) KAY CUP likes the Spa dirt and usually shows up for her best effort. Santana is riding well, so that gives this filly a chance. (2) GRACE AND GRIT is the closer. If the pace breaks down, she can offer a late threat.

$ 7.00 WPS 9 Cost $ 21.00

$ 3.00 Ex 5, 9 w/ 1, 2, 5, 9 Cost $ 18.00

Race 9:

(9) I CAN SEE THAT and (7) PRINTER'S ALLEY both just missed their NW2L debut with strong efforts. They deserve a second chance to get through this level. (8) VINTAGE VINO was right behind the top two and was out on Route 9 going around the final turn. A better trip turns the tables. I want to take a stab with the Slumber gelding (5) FREE REFILLS in this spot. This barn is in search of their first win, and this could be their last chance. He broke his maiden two back and then had trouble early on in his first attempt against winners. He has some speed to clear his rivals to his left, so the hedge should be there for the taking. They can save ground the whole trip and then get the first jump on the closers. Big chance at big odds today.