Saratoga Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, August 13, 2026

Below is a table for each race of the day. The table is ordered by our algorythmically calculated expected order of finish. Our program takes into account past performances, workout times, speed ratings, recency, and breeder/jockey data amoung other data points.

Using the “Expected” column, the lower number is better. When there is a clear lowest value, we like that horse best to win. In situations where many horses share low numbers, we like those horses equally well. If no horse is under 3, the results are less clear to us and bettors should examine the race more closely.

Using the “Value” column, we present the minimum payout we would recommend betting the particular horse. Look for higher-paying odds than those listed if you like that horse.

Scratches are notated and will be updated as available.

RACE NUMBER 1 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Aperitif 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Lively Pal 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 My Lil Army Girl 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Daylight Dreamer 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Combat Move 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Galway Gurl 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Liberty’s Advance 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Grand Gesture 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Onepac 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Cost Effective 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 The Standard 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Mo the Merrier 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Relative Risk 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Spirit of Esther 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Lady Wisdom 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Our Preferred Pal 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Timia 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Island Charm 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Icy Legs 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Babcie 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
10 10 Princess Becca 0.00 1 2-1
9 9 Purloin 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Soundbite 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Midnight Concerto 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Trail of Gold 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Chartist 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Tulip 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Make You Mine (IRE) 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Special Wood (FR) 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Majaz (GB) 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Calling an Audible 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Vino Frizzante 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Santagata 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Scarlet’s Dream 0.00 1 2-1
9 9 Cloudy Chance 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Spun Size 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Mascara 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Vekomancer 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 St. Brigid’s Cross 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Amber Cascade 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Spinning Colors 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Ready to Jam 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Table Flirt 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Fionn 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Anna’s Promise 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Shotgun Wedding 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Highway Harmony 0.00 1 2-1
9 9 All Class 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Next On Stage 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Quiet Confidence 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Shades of Jade 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Shoot It True 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Abientot 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Coaster 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Opulent Restraint (IRE) 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Birdstone S.) – Birdstone S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Passing Game 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Waitlist 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Jokestar 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Carolo Rapido 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Parchment Party 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Annexperience 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Stars and Stripes 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Interceptor 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Bamboozie 0.00 1 2-1
10 10 Holy Seven 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Criteria 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Palpable 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Ima Big Bad Wolf 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Flight Commander 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Dark Force 0.00 1 2-1
9 9 Complex Charlie 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Spherical 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Royal Enclosure 0.00 1 2-1

Picks are based on historical performance and match-up. Keep up to date on late scratches and other changes – those are not taken into consideration. Sports from the Basement provides no warranty on these suggestions and readers should make picks at their own risk.