So, you’re looking for saratoga entries and results today picks because you’ve got that itch to play the ponies. I get it. There is honestly nothing like the vibe at Saratoga Race Course. But I have to give it to you straight: if you’re looking for a race card at the Spa on this Wednesday, January 14, 2026, you’re going to be staring at a very quiet, very snowy track.
Saratoga is legendary, but it’s not a year-round venue. Right now, the "Winter Meet" in New York is happening down at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park. Saratoga is currently tucked away for the winter, waiting for the thaw.
The Reality of Saratoga Entries and Results Today Picks
If you see a site promising you "expert picks" for Saratoga today, January 14, they’re basically selling you a bridge in Brooklyn. The NYRA (New York Racing Association) circuit is firmly planted at "The Big A" (Aqueduct) during the winter months.
In fact, the 2026 schedule is pretty unique. We are in the final stretch of the massive Belmont Park reconstruction. Because of that, the racing calendar looks a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. While you won't find Saratoga entries and results today picks for a live race at the Spa, you can find them for Aqueduct, where the winter meet is in full swing.
📖 Related: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
Today is actually a Wednesday, and looking at the official NYRA 2026 calendar, Aqueduct is dark today too. They typically run Thursday through Sunday this time of year. So, if you're looking for New York action, you’ve got to wait until tomorrow’s first post at 12:40 PM.
When Does Saratoga Actually Open in 2026?
You've probably heard the buzz—2026 is going to be a monster year for Saratoga. Since Belmont Park won't be ready until September 2026, the Spa is pulling double duty again.
The Belmont Stakes Festival at Saratoga
Mark your calendars for June 3, 2026. That is when the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival kicks off at Saratoga. It’s a five-day burst of high-stakes racing, with the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes happening on Saturday, June 6. This is the third and final time the "Test of the Champion" will be held in Saratoga Springs before it heads back to its new $455 million home on Long Island.
👉 See also: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
The Traditional Summer Meet
After the Belmont festival, the track takes a breather. The actual 46-day summer meet starts on July 3, 2026. That’s when you’ll really need those saratoga entries and results today picks. The season will run all the way through Labor Day, September 7.
Where to Find Real Picks Right Now
Since Saratoga is quiet, where are the sharps putting their money today? Honestly, most horseplayers are looking South or West on a Wednesday in January.
- Gulfstream Park: The Pegasus World Cup is right around the corner. Mid-week racing in Florida is where the speed is.
- Tampa Bay Downs: Great for finding value on "off" tracks or turf sprints.
- Parx Racing: They’re running today in Pennsylvania. If you want dirty, gritty dirt racing, that’s your spot.
- Turfway Park: They’ve got that Tapeta synthetic surface that's great for winter safety.
What Most People Get Wrong About Saratoga Picks
The biggest mistake I see? People treat Saratoga like every other track. It’s not. Even when the meet is active, the "Graveyard of Champions" name is real. You'll see a Grade 1 winner come in at 1-5 odds and get beat by a New York-bred closer who just happened to love the humidity that day.
✨ Don't miss: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
When you eventually look for saratoga entries and results today picks this summer, remember that the "Spa lead" is a thing. Horses that have been training on the Oklahoma training track all spring often have a massive home-field advantage over the shippers from Kentucky or California who find the deep, sandy surface of the main track a bit too much to handle.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Spa Season
If you’re serious about betting Saratoga this year, you should be watching the Aqueduct winter results right now. Why? Because the trainers winning in the slush at Aqueduct—guys like Linda Rice or Rudy Rodriguez—are the ones who will have their "Saratoga horses" ready to fire in July.
- Watch the 3-year-olds: The horses running in the Jerome or the Withers at Aqueduct this month are the ones who might show up in the Jim Dandy or the Travers Stakes this August.
- Track the Jockeys: Keep an eye on the Ortiz brothers and Manny Franco. Their dominance in the winter usually carries over to the summer standings.
- Study the Pedigrees: Saratoga loves a "mudder." Since we get those sudden Adirondack thunderstorms, knowing which horses are bred for a sloppy track will save your bankroll.
Basically, don't get discouraged that the Spa is closed today. Use this time to build your database. By the time June 3 rolls around, you won't just be looking for picks; you'll be the one making them.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the Aqueduct entries for tomorrow, January 15. Since there is no live racing at Saratoga today, your best bet is to review the results from last weekend’s Busanda Stakes to see which sophomore fillies are trending toward the spring classics. You can also visit the NYRA website to grab 2026 season passes before they sell out, as the final Belmont-at-Saratoga year is expected to be a record-breaker.