Turf sprints bookend Late Pick 4 Monday at Saratoga

I find turf sprints to be among the most challenging races to handicap. But they can also be the most rewarding, often producing healthy payouts. So Monday’s late Pick 4, which has turf sprint races in the first and closing legs, has to be given a play.

Race 7

Coronation Cup Stakes brought out 10 sophomore fillies and it doesn’t get any tougher than this. I have a hard time finding any separation in this group and will buy the race.

#7 ORIGINATOR (6-1) is my top selection and warrants a win play at the morning-line price. But I could envision five or six being within a length at the wire in the affair.

Race 8

#1 HAYNESFEST (2-1) looms as the one to beat in a starter allowance tilt. Chestnut has placed in each of her trio of tries since being claimed by Tom Amoss including a narrow defeat at this level most recently. Sophomore has speed, the rail and Irad Ortiz in the silks.

#8 SPECIAL RELATIVITY (7-2) was a nice third in a swiftly run race off the claim for Diodoro who is three-for-seven at the meeting. Cowboy Cal filly has found her niche as a dirt sprinter and could track a contested pace to the top of the lane.

Race 9

#4 FOCUS GROUP (4-1) will be my single on the ticket. Chad Brown trainee broke his maiden on the surface and distance here last season. Colt faces an average cast and had a nice prep run at Belmont for today.

Four-year-old son of Kitten’s Joy has shown improvement from a two outings in 2018. And pilot Jose Ortiz is due to have a breakout at this meeting following a pedestrian run to this juncture.

Race 10

#1 UNPARALLELED (4-1), #5 UNION PATRIOT (15-1) and #8 WORDS OF LOVE (10-1) are dropping down after facing special weight foes. They have to be on my ticket.

In addition, #3 LADY CAMILLE (7-2) and #4 MAGICAL ROMANCE (8-1) are also worthy additions as I close out with five.

Suggested 50-cent Pick 4 Play

All with 1,8 with 4 with 1,3,4,5,8 = $50

Best of Luck!