BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: Aug. 27, Saratoga

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Thursday, Aug. 27

Saratoga, Race 8: Allowance (1 1/8 miles, 5:14 p.m. ET)

With rain in the forecast for Saratoga, there’s a chance this 1 1/8-mile allowance event will take place over a sloppy track. Such conditions would surely favor the Todd Pletcher trainees #2 Texas Swing (7-5 on the morning line) and #3 One Eyed Jack (5-1).

Third in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), Texas Swing is a son of Curlin, whose progeny win at an 18% rate in the mud. Meanwhile, One Eyed Jack is a son of hot young stallion Uncle Mo, who sires 20% winners over wet tracks.

Texas Swing and One Eyed Jack both have tactical speed, so they figure to enjoy unencumbered trips, setting or stalking the pace Thursday. Speed is dominant in 1 1/8-mile races at Saratoga, so let’s box Texas Swing and One Eyed Jack in the exacta, emphasizing the ticket with Texas Swing on top.

$14 exacta: 2 with 3
$6 exacta: 3 with 2
Total: $20

Good luck!