Saratoga Summer Meet Begins with Betting Picks for July 26

The Saratoga Race Course opened its annual summer meet on July 26, adding extra racing dates to accommodate the rebuilding of nearby Belmont Park, which is slated to reopen next May. Columnist Mr. Ed announced he will publish daily figures for the amount bet, cash won, and net win‑loss through the end of the meet on Labor Day, allowing readers to track his profitability.

During the opening weekend, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. rode six winners as the meet got underway, while Flavien Prat recovered from a mid‑race spill to win Race 7 and his brother Jose Ortiz added three victories. Trainer Horacio De Paz recorded his fifth win of ten starts. Track conditions were expected to be fast and firm with cloudy skies and low‑80s temperatures.

For Sunday, July 26, Mr. Ed recommended a $1 million son of Constitution, SHOWA, at $10 to win in Race 1, and suggested the filly DON’T BE SALTY for Race 3, noting their morning line odds and top‑class jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.