BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: Aug. 19, Saratoga

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Saratoga, Race 1: Michael G. Walsh Novice S. (2 3/8 miles on turf, 12:50 p.m. ET)

Trainer Jack Fischer has been North America’s leading steeplechase trainer by races won for eight years in a row, and with nine victories so far in 2020 he’s well on his way to claiming a ninth straight title. Fischer has been particularly hot at Saratoga this summer, where he is 3-for-11 (27%), and he’ll saddle three starters in search of victory in the Wednesday opener.

Most folks will settle firmly on #1 Snap Decision (1-1 on the morning line), who has fired off six consecutive victories dating back to last summer. The son of Hard Spun is 2-for-2 over fences at Saratoga. He dominated a 2019 allowance by 38 1/2 lengths and returned this summer to claim the July 22 Jonathan Kiser Novice S. by 1 1/2 lengths.

But as a result of Snap Decision’s impressive win streak, he’ll tote top weight of 165 pounds Wednesday, an imposing assignment when you consider his up-and-coming stablemate #2 Fast Car (6-1) will carry just 147.

With just six starts under his belt, the stakes-placed Fast Car still has tons of upside. He was a dominant winner July 29 at Saratoga, where he powered clear to win a 2 1/16-mile allowance race by 6 1/2 lengths, and his final time of 3:49.41 was nearly five seconds quicker than the 3:54.38 Snap Decision required to win the Jonathan Kiser.

With North America’s top steeplechase jockey, Michael Mitchell (2-for-5, 40% at Saratoga), in the saddle, Fast Car has the potential to upset his stablemate at a nice price.

Let’s bet Fast Car to win and key him with Snap Decision and Jonathan Kisser runner-up #4 Galway Kid in the exacta.

$12 to win on #2 Fast Car
$4 exacta: 2 with 1
$2 exacta: 2 with 4
$8 exacta: 1 with 2
$4 exacta: 4 with 2
Total: $30

Good luck!