Saratoga Springs Picks and Bankroll Update by A. Champagne

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. With the Grade 1 Alabama Stakes scheduled for Saturday, handicapper Andrew Champagne has shared his bankroll update along with a full Thursday race analysis for the Saratoga Springs. Alabama is among Champagne’s preferred races each season, partly because of its rare 1 1/4-mile distance for 3-year-old fillies, a demanding trip that many will never face again.

“Races like the Alabama are special,” Andrew Champagne said, noting the long-distance challenges of the past. “We do not see many opportunities that reward stamina anymore.”

Champagne’s bankroll entering Thursday stands at 794 dollars and 50 cents. Wednesday’s feature brought another second-place finish when Nonna Lynne ran well but could not win, resulting in a loss of 20 dollars for the day.

His main focus on Thursday at Saratoga Springs is the sixth race with 5 Schwarzenegger, provided the colt competes in this event rather than Saturday’s Skidmore. Should he run here, Andrew Champagne plans to invest in exactas with Belgian and Green Screen, plus additional exactas with Gypsy Art and Augustinian. He also singles Schwarzenegger in a 10-dollar double ending with Friend Ofthe Devil in the seventh race. The total amount wagered is 34 dollars. Enlighten in the ninth race is Andrew Champagne’s best bet of the day, while Riyadh Moon in the second race is his longshot play.

In the opener at Saratoga Springs, Andrew Champagne prefers Danzit, highlighting her breeding for two turns and the potential to improve off her last effort. Bon Vivant is considered a threat with her ability to handle additional ground, while Absolute Honor may take the lead but must rebound from her most recent outing.

At Saratoga Springs focuses on horses positioned to improve with distance, surface changes, and tactical pace setups, giving bettors multiple angles to consider for exactas and doubles throughout the card.

The second race features Tizmarkus as the top choice, returning to a more suitable level after a troubled start last time and benefiting from being gelded. Riyadh Moon could prove stronger by tracking the leaders instead of setting the pace. Golden Symphony has been effective since being claimed by Brad Cox, but steps up in class and may face pressure on the lead.

Our Saratoga Springs coverage highlights Andrew Champagne’s top horse racing picks for Thursday. In the third race, Our Starry Night is his selection, expected to control the pace in a field lacking early speed. In the Dark could improve in his second start under Joel Rosario, while Leading Role switches back to turf and may perform better on this surface.

For the fourth race, Ranger Battalion leads Andrew Champagne’s horse racing picks after a decisive win over high-priced claimers. Shifty Gold shortens in distance and drops in class, while Bob’s Carrot returns in blinkers and could challenge again.

The fifth race features True Connection, expected to set the pace from the Wilson chute. Gotta Guy is dangerous if he breaks cleanly, and Dark Vector makes a class-dropping return after a long layoff.

In the sixth race, debuting Schwarzenegger is Andrew Champagne’s main focus, a high-priced purchase showing strong training. Belgian is also considered well prepared for his turf debut, and Green Screen has a pedigree suited for grass.

The seventh race has Friend Of the Devil as the top choice, likely to control the pace on the inner turf. Moe Eighty Eight adds blinkers with a top rider, while George Briggs returns from a break after stakes-level competition.

The eighth race selection is Nantz, who may benefit from a one-turn setup. Preposition returns to a preferred distance, and Levitating could compete off a claim for Tom Amoss.

Andrew Champagne’s strongest horse racing picks continue in the ninth race with Enlighten, coming off a strong effort and expected to take advantage of a favorable pace. Mo Kreesa might threaten as a lone speed at long odds, while Steadfast Resolve shortens in distance but may need a faster pace.

In the finale, Naguile is favored to improve in his second start, Deemer drops in class but faces a wide draw, and Blame It On K J is eligible to progress after trouble in his debut.

Overall, Andrew Champagne’s Thursday selections for Saratoga Springs rely on pace horses likely to improve with surface or distance changes. His top confidence plays are Enlighten and Friend Ofthe Devil, with Schwarzenegger as a potential standout in the sixth. These picks aim to build momentum for bettors heading into Saratoga Springs’ Alabama Stakes weekend.