Saratoga & Del Mar Picks, August 22, 2025 – Stakes Races Betting Preview By Stogie
Saratoga Race 3 Seek the Ante Stakes
5 Shakti was impressive in debut, winning by 5-lengths versus NY Breds. The second place finisher in that maiden score would go on to win her next race. Filly’s work tab looks tight since and appears to be sitting on another strong effort. Win Contender
3 Iron Orchard is another in here who impressed on debut. This 500k purchase and Danny Gargan trainee won by nearly 6-lengths that day versus restricted maidens. Gal is 4/5 on the morning line and likely will be heavily bet come post time. I’m not sure what she beat in that field on her maiden victory but she did it with ease. I’m going to try to beat her today. Win Contender
1 Angel Gift was no match when stepping up in class in the G3 Adirondack. Filly pressed a fast pace that day and had nothing left for the stretch drive. She’s a player with the drop in class today. Don’t Ignore
Selections 5-3-1-4
Saratoga Race 8
8 Full Screen was recently claimed for 100k when finishing a disappointing 6th on the turf last out. Gelding now runs for the Brad Cox barn who hits at a sweet 38% winners with newbies first off the claim. This Gelding has run respectable races on the dirt against some salty runners like Alexander Helios, Bishop’s Bay and Highland Falls. All three of those horses would crush this field. I love this one’s chances today. Top Pick
3 Cagliostro returned from Dubai after running well in two Grade 3’s down at there and finished an even 5th next out in the 300k Hanshim Stakes at Churchill. With a race under his belt since returning from the long trip from Dubai, I feel this son of Upstart is likely sitting on a big effort. Win Contender
1 Wynstock has some back class and could make some noise in here at a price. Live Longshot
Selections 8-3-1-6
Saratoga Race 9 Yaddo Stakes
12 Midnight Concerto makes her third start of the form cycle today for trainer Kenny McPeek, who does reasonably well off that angle. Filly is closer in a race full of want-the-lead types. She sports the highest late pace numbers of this group on the turf and likely gets an ideal pace set up. Her huge 20-1 morning line is just too juicy to pass up. Live Longshot
9 Sterling Silver was Grade 2 placed when running in the Ruffian Stakes at Aqueduct 3 races back on the dirt. This Mare tries the turf for only the second time in her career. If she takes to the weeds today, she’ll likely mow them down in the stretch drive. Like the aforementioned she’ll benefit from a hot early pace. Win Contender
1 Moonage Daydream hasn’t seen race day in over 9- months but the work tab looks strong and this gal as won off a similar layoff in the past. Major Threat
Selections 12-9-1-8
Del Mar Race 7
5 Dandy Man Shines drops in class, makes his second start off the layoff and runs for a first time tag for a trainer that hits at a sweet 40% winners off that angle. Looks like a recipe for a win today. Top Pick
1 Caisson was beaten by only a length and half when finishing 4th versus tougher. Gelding has nice late turn of foot and could light up the tote board today with a move foward. Gelding should relish the added distance . Live Longshot
3 Ghazaaly ran second at this level just 14 days ago. He fits well here. Don’t Ignore