Cocked and Loaded, Tepin key to late Pick 4 wagers

Saturday’s Saratoga program is highlighted by a pair of stakes, the $500,000 Diana (G1) for distaffers at 1 1/8 miles on turf and the $150,000 Stanford (G2) for juveniles at six furlongs, and I’ll single both races in the late Pick 4.

Cocked and Loaded (#8) brings a two-race win streak into the Stanford (race 9), including a half-length score in the June 5 Tremont that is better than it looks on paper. The Colonel John colt missed the break from the rail post last time, rushed forward and was forced to wait in traffic, and altered course entering the stretch drive with a dynamic turn of foot, winning as much the best. He drew better in post 8 today and the talented youngster has more to offer.

Tepin (#1) enters the Diana (race 10) in razor-sharp form for Mark Casse, recording superb wins in the Distaff Turf Mile (G2) and Just a Game (G1) in her last two, but the 4yo filly won’t be too short a price given the competition -- Stephanie’s Kitten, Hard Not to Like and My Miss Sophia will all receive support in the deep field. I like Tepin's chances to make it three straight.

The Late Pick 4 begins in race 8, a spread race along with the finale, race 11.

Here is my main ticket:

.50-cent Pick 4 wager (race 8) - $35

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
8
1
1,2,3,6,7,10,11

A couple of back-up tickets:

.50-cent Pick 4 wager (race 8) - $15

3,4,6,7,9
8
4,7
6,7,10

.50-cent Pick 4 wager (race 8) - $15

3,4,6,7,9
6,9
1
6,7,10

Good luck!