Saratoga, Woodbine & Del Mar Horse Racing Picks and Best Bets – August 15, 2026

Saratoga Race 9 Christophe Clement Stakes Grade 1

5 Fort George missed the win by a nostril to claim second  in the Grade 2 Bowling Green over this turf course here at the Spa. This Gelding brings in a sharp resume from overseas, including a fine second-place finish versus International superstar Rebel Romance, three races back. He earns the slight nod in what promises to be a fiercely competitive race. Win Contender

3 Ole Crazy Bone was last seen putting on a clinic in the Grade 2 Bowling Green, leading every step of the way. Packed with tactical speed, this son of Ghostzapper can comfortably stalk the pace today before making his winning move. This Gelding is thriving under trainer Mike Makerand looks primed for a monster performance. Win Contender 

6 Minaret Station has a tremendous late turn of foot but has come up short in his last 2 Graded Stakes attempts, settling for  second and third. A faster early pace today would benefit this ones late kick. Major Threat

Selections 5-3-6-4

Saratoga Race 10 Galway Stakes 

3 Oscar’s Encore is a perfect 2 for 2 at this distance with both wins coming over this turf course here at Saratoga. Returning from a extended layoff, this Filly was game in victory her first start back. She should move forward as she makes her second start off the pine. I love her chances today. Win Contender 

7 Triskelion has been a model of consistency in her 6 race career. Never finishing off the board, this Filly has been climbing the class ladder and recently won her Stakes debut. Win Contender 

2 Epic Lady Luck must be considered as she makes her first start in the George Weaver barn. Weaver has solid resume with turf sprinters and is an immediate threat to step up in her barn debut. Live Longshot 

Selections 3-7-2-8

Woodbine Race 10 King’s Plate Stakes

9 Brachetto proved he’s just not a sprinter when winning the the mile and a sixteenth  Grade 3 Marine Stakes  over this All-Weather surface here at Woodbine. Colt has been training exceptionally of late and should relish the stretch out to this marathon distance. Win Contender 

1 Luster is a stand out Filly and is stepping up to face the boys today, bringing a stellar record of 4 wins in 5 starts and a speed figure that climbed in every single race. Deserving Favorite 

8 Highwaytothemoon has sharp early and tactical speed. She stretched out to a route distance last out in the 200k Plate trail and rewarded his connections with a 1-length victory. This Gelding is a 4-time winner in 6 starts over this Woodbine oval and never runs a bad race. Major Threat

Selections 9-1-8-5

Del Mar Race 6 Solana Beach Stakes

7 Can’t Sleep has been sprinting throughout her 8 race career and has never finished worse than third while sporting 3 trips to the winners circle. This Mare stretches out to a route distance for the first time  today. She’s been facing some salty runners in open competition and should appreciate running against just Cal Breds today. She has sharp early speed and should be forward today. I believe she can carry her speed versus this softer group of Cal Breds. Top Pick

6 Grand Slam Smile has been a win machine in these Cal BredStake races , winning 4 races in a row when taking on California runners. Win Contender

11 Miso Phansy will be motoring late and will outrun her 15-1 odds. Live Longshot