2011 American Oaks: Odds and Picks from Saratoga

Written by Jake Thompson
Saturday, 23 July 2011 03:08

Horse racing picks are ready to go in the 2011 American Oaks from the Saratoga Race Course.

There will be five 3-year-old fillies running in the 1 1/8 mile American Oaks, and we’ll dissect the entries before releasing what we hope are winning horse racing picks from Saratoga.  The 2011 American Oaks has a $250,000 purse and post time is set for 5:45 PM ET with the broadcast set to show live on the NBC channel.

American Oaks – Horses, Odds, Post Positions, and Tips

1 – Buster’s Ready, 7/2

This gal is fresh off a 1st place run in the Mother Goose Stakes but has also lost to fellow American Oaks competitor Royal Delta in the Black Eyed Susan during her only career race at this distance.  She has a dirt pedigree but I have to wonder whether she can win at this many furlongs.

2 – Plum Pretty, 3/1

Plum Pretty is coming off a 2nd place finish in the Hollywood Oaks but did take home dirt wins in the Kentucky and Sunland Park Oaks previously.  The goal with this filly is to get into the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic later this year, and an American Oaks win should have her well on her way.

3 – Joyful Victory, 6/1

The American Oaks long shot has plenty of experience at a mile or longer and she finished 2nd to Buster’s Ready in the Mother Goose Stakes earlier this year.  She’s been extremely inconsistent but has also faced some tough competition and there seems to be value at this long number.

4 – Royal Delta, 2/1

Royal Delta has 3 career wins but also a 9th place finish during a disappointing Suncoast romp.  She took home the Black Eyed Susan most recently but I’m not sure her finishing times will be enough in this talented American Oaks field.

5 – It’s Tricky, 3/1

Sired by Mineshaft, this 3-year-old is coming off a 1st place win in the Acorn Stakes and has only lost one over 5 career races.  Although she was a step behind in the Gulfstream Oaks, I consider It’s Tricky to be the horse in the field with the most potential.

2011 American Oaks Horse Racing Picks

First – It’s Tricky

Second – Joyful Victory

Third – Plum Pretty