Monday Racing Picks: Saratoga

John DaSilva previews Monday's meet at Saratoga.

Race 10 – Pick #5 Maximiliano (6-1 ML) - Click here to bet with TV

The pandemic affected a lot of people. Trainer Wesley Ward is known for winning a lot of races during the spring and summer. This year he struggled and was not winning at the rate he usually does. But he’s had a terrific Saratoga meet, winning 10 for 44 (23%). Maximiliano has been at Saratoga the whole meet prepping for his seasonal debut. He shows an excellent breeze on August 27th. While Ward is probably at Kentucky Downs to saddle the 10 horses he has entered there, he has plenty of confidence in Maximiliano to win, especially with Jose Ortiz aboard. Coming into closing day, Jose and Irad are tied for the jockey lead in 57 wins apiece.

Race 12 – Pick #7 Proven Strategies (6-1 ML) - Click here to bet with TV

Last time out, Proven Strategies chased an unrealistic pace and tired badly at this distance and level. So trainer Mark Casse switches to red-hot Luis Saez, who should have better control of the sky Mesa cult. There is a lack of quality speed in this spot so Saez should send Proven Strategies to the lead and not look back, wiring the field for the victory. He is stakes placed as he is three of five career starts in stakes company, including the last two after breaking maiden.

Race 13 - #3 Mutasaabeq (5-2 ML) - Click here to bet with TV

After his last race, many people were claiming that Jackie’s Warrior was the first two-year-old in the country. Asmussen had choices on where to run him next so he decided to send him in this spot instead of a mile race at Churchill Downs on Derby day. That could be assigned and may be Asmussen business confident in the horse going farther in distance. His main competition should come from the Todd Pletcher trainee Mutasaabeq. The son of Into Mischief was an impressive maiden winner in career debut on August 8. He has been working out very well since then and being out of a Scat Daddy mare, distance should not be a problem. Luis Saez, who was aboard that day, retains the mount here.

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Want more expert Horse Racing analysis? Our sister site RacingPicks.com has insight from the likes of Matt Bernier and Peter Fornatale throughout the week.