It’s another Wednesday at Saratoga, and once again, we’re facing the possibility of rain. Regardless of the weather, I’m here to help you navigate through today’s nine-race schedule, which we hope will proceed under ideal fast and firm conditions. Here are my top five picks for the day.

Explore Saratoga entries and results here.

Top pick: Virgin Colada (race 8)

Best value pick: Check Cleared (race 5)

Race 2

After being claimed for $25,000, No. 6 Reserve Currency (3-1) proved his worth by comfortably winning against $50,000 starter allowance competitors in his last outing. This 5-year-old gelding by American Freedom is set to climb higher in class, yet he remains the favorite based on his recent impressive speed figures. No. 2 Fromanothamutha (9-2) comes in as a strong contender having placed second in his last allowance race after securing a win against $40,000 claimers. He edges out No. 4 Sun Thunder (2-1, morning-line favorite), who has been consistently placing but not winning, with a record this year of 6 starts: 0 wins, 4 places, and 2 shows.

Betting strategy with a $100 budget: $10 exacta 6/2,4

Race 5

No. 2 Check Cleared (6-1) shows potential with impressive preparatory works on both turf and dirt. Trained by George Weaver, who has a 14% success rate with first-time starters, and with Flavien Prat as the jockey, this horse is one to watch. No. 8 English Castle (5-2, morning-line favorite) recently edged out No. 10 Koru (3-1) by a neck under similar conditions on July 25. While Koru is trained by the notable Chad Brown, English Castle’s trainer, Saffie Joseph Jr., has been making strategic winning choices at this venue, boasting a 36% win rate.

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How to bet: $3 exacta box 2/8/10, $2 to win on 2

Dirt selections: 2-1-10

Race 7

No. 5 Athena Beach (3-1, morning-line favorite) showed promise despite issues at the gate last time, finishing second to a horse that won its next start. This adaptable daughter of Bank Heist could dominate if she remains composed. No. 9 Sue Ellen Mishkin (6-1), returning after a break since March 30, should set the pace with Jose Ortiz riding. This Linda Rice trainee has a strong track record with 10 wins in 21 starts. No. 8 Queens Masterpiece (8-1) has been consistent, finishing in the money in four of her last five starts and showing excellent form in recent workouts.

Betting suggestion: $8 exacta box 5/9, $2 exacta 5,9/8

Race 8

No. 2 Virgin Colada (2-1, morning-line favorite) made an impressive late charge in her debut, despite a slow pace, and looks to be a formidable new turf contender for trainer Chad Brown. Sired by More Than Ready from a Carpe Diem mare, she has the pedigree to be successful on dirt, potentially in the P.G. Johnson. No. 1 She’s Our Tiz (10-1) and No. 5 Second Chance (20-1) are both turf sprinters testing their luck in a longer race. The former showed speed in her debut, while the latter could show improvement in her second outing for trainer Bill Mott.

How to bet: $10 exacta 2/1,5

Dirt picks: 2-1-5

Race 9

No. 10 Majulu (9-2) came close to winning in her second start and now faces some class droppers and less impressive competitors, offering good value. No. 5 Better Be Smart (8-1) could rebound after a disappointing run against tougher rivals, offering attractive odds if her previous performance can be overlooked. No. 6 Laurana (3-1, morning-line favorite) is dropping to a lower class and cutting back the distance, making her a logical choice, though possibly overvalued with Florent Geroux riding for Christophe Clement.

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Betting plan: $2 exacta box 5/6/10, $2 exacta key box 10/5,6

Dirt selections: 10-12-5

Robert Criscola, an independent handicapper based in New York.