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Saratoga Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, August 20, 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 Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Oath 1.80 1 2-1
5 5 Jayme’s Turn 3.00 1.6 3-1
7 7 Ready Rosie Jane 4.00 2 4-1
1 1 Spirit Forward 5.00 2.5 5-1
3 3 Ms Nikki D 6.00 2.9 5-1
2 2 Essence L Vee 10.00 4.7 9-1
4 4 Katerina Ristova 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Light Fantastic 3.00 1 2-1
8 8 Tamino 3.50 1.2 2-1
4 4 Armet 4.00 1.4 3-1
3 3 Into Diamonds 4.50 1.6 3-1
1 1 Night 5.00 1.8 3-1
7 7 Hong Kong Phooey 8.00 3.1 6-1
5 5 Two Ducks 10.00 3.9 7-1
2 2 Out of the Fog 20.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Max O Nidas 1.60 1 2-1
6 6 Maddenbleu 2.50 1.4 3-1
4 4 Parkridge 4.00 2.1 4-1
1 1 Medieval 6.00 3 6-1
2 2 Boer War 8.00 3.9 7-1
5 5 Gadget 10.00 4.8 9-1
7 7 Loan Ranger 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Cash Burn 1.60 1 2-1
2 2 Dry Drastic 2.00 1.3 2-1
5 5 Secret Connection 5.00 3.7 7-1
1 1 Early Returns 6.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Chic in Motion 6.00 4.4 8-1
6 6 Early and Often 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
10 10 No Compromise 0.80 1 2-1
7 7 Deported (GB) 1.60 1.2 2-1
5 5 Escapades 2.00 1.2 2-1
4 4 Ink Lies 4.00 1.7 3-1
3 3 Oligarch 5.00 1.9 3-1
11 11 Cruisin Crossbay 6.00 2.1 4-1
1 1 Himothy 10.00 2.9 5-1
9 9 Enticed Master 15.00 3.9 7-1
8 8 Nod to Tran 20.00 4.9 9-1
6 6 Sunshine Bobalou 30.00 6.9 13-1
2 2 Yahearmenow 50.00 11 21-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Valtellina 1.00 1 2-1
6 6 Princess Becca 3.50 2.4 5-1
1 1 Boxed Wine 4.50 2.9 6-1
3 3 Sweetest Princess 5.00 3.2 6-1
4 4 Hello Beauty 8.00 4.9 9-1
5 5 Giant At Work 10.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (New York Stallion Cab Calloway S.) – New York Stallion Cab Calloway S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
10 10 Sculcos Folly 0.60 1 2-1
7 7 Jaxer 2.50 1.7 3-1
3 3 A Little At First 3.00 1.8 3-1
1 1 Chummers 3.00 1.8 3-1
9 9 Sunday Boy 3.50 2 4-1
8 8 Nessuna Pagina 4.00 2.2 4-1
6 6 Spirit of New York 6.00 2.8 5-1
5 5 Wit Storm 12.00 4.9 9-1
11 11 Sociably Johnny 15.00 5.9 11-1
2 2 Big Frosty 20.00 7.6 14-1
4 4 Missionattheglen 30.00 11 21-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 She’s Got Will 3.00 1 2-1
8 8 River Seine (IRE) 3.50 1.2 2-1
1 1 Oklahoma Smoke 4.00 1.5 3-1
9 9 From Scratch 5.00 1.9 4-1
6 6 Gracie’s Delight 8.00 3.4 6-1
5 5 Just Add Water 10.00 4.3 8-1
3 3 Midnightloveaffair 10.00 4.3 8-1
4 4 River Tay (IRE) 10.00 4.3 8-1
7 7 Quick Power Nap 20.00 9 17-1

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.

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