Shapiro's Saratoga Late Pick 4 for Aug. 27

The 9-race Thursday card at Saratoga as always concludes with a late Pick 4 that includes three races over the sod. The sequence made for horseplayers that love turf racing is headlined by the Smart N Fancy S. for fillies and mares.

Race 6:

It is difficult to trust races in New York to have an honest pace, even if they look that way on paper. That being said, it is hard to imagine a slow first half-mile with #7 Lake Chicot, #3 Gone Glimmering, and #4 Glass Ceiling all stretching out, after they showed tactical speed at the very least in their recent starts. This may not set things up for a dead closer, but I prefer fillies who are capable of relaxing off the pace early in this open $32,000 claimer over the inner turf course.

#1 More Mango and #1A Little Red Frog make up a powerful Mike Maker/Paradise Farms entry since they are both likely to come from off the probable brisk early pace, but I will also include #9 Bella Rose. The daughter of Bellamy Road stretches out to two turns after taking the lead, but fading to third in her first try of 2020 back. Junior Alvarado should be able to work out a great trip despite the outside draw.

Race 7:

Unlike the first leg of the sequence, there does not appear to be much early zip signed on in the featured 85,000 Smart N Fancy S. I expect the dash over the grass to be won by a filly or mare that is prominently placed out of the gate. Look for #4 A Great Time and #7 Peaceful to be first and second early on. They both have a big shot to get to the wire first, as does #6 Introduced who should get a dream run under jockey Manny Franco.

Race 8:

The lone dirt race in Thursday’s late Pick 4 is a first level allowance event at 9-furlongs. The Todd Pletcher trainees #2 Texas Swing and #3 One Eyed Jack look the quickest early on paper, but it is highly unlikely the stablemates will duel each other into defeat. Therefore, I would not anticipate a fast pace. This should set things up perfectly for #5 Danny California. The son of Afleet Alex draws outside the Pletcher duo and has proven he not only has an affinity for this racetrack, but also the arduous 1 1/8 mile distance at the Spa. Look for the New York-bred to stalk the early pace and come away with his second win of the meeting.

Race 9:

The Thursday action concludes with a starter allowance event for fillies and mares. #3 Robin Sparkles could not have been more impressive in her maiden-breaking effort over this configuration on Aug. 13, but she does come back quickly for trainer Bruce Brown. The daughter of Elusive Quality will have to deal with the early speed of #1 Malibu Mischief, who returns to the lawn in her first start off the claim for Rudy Rodriguez. I will use both in case one gets loose, but also include a number of other ladies that can run them down in the lane if they go at it early on.

Suggested 50-cent Late Pick 4 Ticket:

• 1,9 with 4,6,7 with 6 with 1,2,3,4,5,6

Ticket Cost: $18