US Horse Racing Tips: Two to follow at Saratoga and Thistledown

Our Stateside expert, Paul Quigley, returns on Thursday to provide his expertise on the racing action from across the pond.

Check out his US Racing Tips below, which come from Saratoga and Thistledown.

21:36 Saratoga (Race 7) - George Briggs (5) @ SP

It may be decent prices bar two runners here. One of the favourites is the hat-trick seeking Friend Ofthe Devil (3). He won a stake over six furlongs at Aqueduct in June. His rider set a quick tempo and wired River of Time (4) and I'm Due (7) by four lengths with a further three back to the third. That was over six furlongs. He tries a mile for the first time which on pedigree is not a problem. His stamina may not be fully tested if he makes the lead without too much pace pressure. He’s the runner to catch and beat. The extra ground will suit old rival River of Time (4) who has form over the trip.      

George Briggs (5) will take money here. That’s because he’s trained by Chad Bown and in only two career starts has showed he has plenty of talent. He won on debut at Aqueduct in November. Four months later, he ran third after trouble in an open stake at Gulfstream. He has another lay off to defy here. His trainer regularly wins stakes races with runners off similar breaks. In the hope he is the second favourite, he gets the vote. 

Coach Case (1) showed plenty of promise on debut before breaking his maiden second time out. He was a little bit disappointing when facing winners last month. He could be a price that justifies a small wager. Buttah (2) is more chancy as he’s never raced on turf. The pick of his dirt form makes him a contender if he handles the footing.

21:50 Thistledown (Race 9) - Venture On (7) @ SP

With two prime contenders, trainer Tom Hamm has a stranglehold on this race. His Radio Silent (2) finished second in a higher priced claimer than this and an allowance event in the spring. He may have needed the race and faced a deep field on his return last month. Second time back and getting massive class relief are grounds for thinking he will be too good for this field. His stablemate Coastland (6) may not be a pushover. He’s got good all of a sudden winning back to back claimers at Belterra Park. Those wins have come on the front end. He may find it tougher to make the lead on his own here.          

Midnight Voyage (3) and Mor Crafty (4) filled the places at a safe distance in a similar race to this one here last month. That form looks a cut below the best in here. If there is to be an upset, Venture On (7) may be the runner to cause it. He has been in over his head in his last two starts. Last time, he ran well to be beaten less than three lengths against a trio of decent Ohio breds. He is on a long, losing run. His trainer is hardly prolific but he has had plenty of horses run well here lately. Maybe take him at a price with a saver forecast Radio Silent (2) to beat him.

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Paul Quigley is a long-time US racing fan and tipster. He provides US Horse Racing Tips for Betfred Insights as well as working for Betfred TV...