Saratoga Horse Racing Picks for Sunday 7/16/23

It's opening weekend at Saratoga Race Course and the summer meet runs through Labor Day. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) set up a summer schedule that includes 40 racing days and 71 stakes worth a total of $20.8 million in purses. A total of 19 Grade 1 races is highlighted by the 95th running of the Whitney on Aug. 5 and the 154th Travers on Aug. 26.

Sunday has 10 races including a Grade 3 stakes. Post time is 1:10 p.m. ET from Saratoga Springs. Get in the game with mobile betting on FanDuel Sportsbook.

As always, check the program for scratches and changes, monitor the weather, and track conditions with potential rain in the forecast.

(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions).

Saratoga Betting Picks

According to numberFire horse racing projections and Guaranteed Tip Sheet (GTS), these are some of the best bets to make at FanDuel Racing on July 16.

1. Antonio of Venice and Albedo, Race 5

FanDuel Racing Odds: 8/5 and 12/1
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Race 5 is a Maiden Special Weight for baby 2-year-old NY-breds sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs. Antonio of Venice (8/5) is a best bet of Guaranteed Tip Sheet and the numberFire top pick. Luis Saez rides from the rail and the horse is coupled with Khadullah (8/5) for trainer Rudy Rodriguez.

Antonio of Venice has finished 2nd and 3rd in his two starts and the upgrade jockey change can make the difference with improvement this race. Albedo (12/1) makes his debut with some good hidden morning workouts in place.

2. Complete Agenda and Film Star, Race 7

FanDuel Racing Odds: 10/1 and 2/1
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Race 7 is a high-end Allowance race at 7 furlongs. The numberFire algorithm likes Ouster (5/2) and Film Star (2/1) to decide the race. Ouster is 2-for-5 this year plus two runner-up finishes while hitting triple-digit speed figures three times. Film Star has Jose Ortiz riding and three straight runner-up finishes since May.

A longshot of consideration is Complete Agenda (10/1), who finished just behind Film Star in a May race and offers far better value.

3. Eye Witness and Joey Freshwater, Race 9

FanDuel Racing Odds: 4/1 and 9/2
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 9 is the $175,000 Grade 3 Quick Call Stakes for 3-year-olds sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf. The top pick by numberFire's data and Guaranteed Tip Sheet is Eye Witness (4/1) with Jose Ortiz riding. Gaslight Dancer (7/2) with jockey Tyler Gaffalione is a contender. Should the race be moved off the turf with rain in the forecast, then Joey Freshwater (9/2) for trainer Linda Rice will run as a viable contender.

Eye Witness is 3-for-3 this year including back-to-back minor stakes wins. His last was in May at 7 furlongs. Joey Freshwater is by a solid and underrate stallion Jimmy Creed. He's a consistent runner who won a Grade 3 race in April.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.