Sports

Increased payouts will bring better competition to ’Toga

Top turf filly Winter Memories likely will run in the Diana at Saratoga this season. (AP)

From the grandstand to the backstretch, this could be the most highly anticipated meeting in the history of Saratoga Race Course. The 144th summer stand at the Old Spa — which opens this Friday and runs through Sept. 3 — is the first in which prize money will be supplemented by VLT revenue from the Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct. As a result, purses at Saratoga — already among the highest in the nation last year at $670,000 a day — will balloon this season by more than $10 million, to a projected daily average of $930,000. The effect on the quality of races being offered was immediate. The bottom claiming price in the first condition book (July 20-Aug. 6) has been raised to $20,000, just four races for New York-bred maiden claimers are listed, and purses for several major stakes races have been doubled.

The Test and King’s Bishop, for example, have soared from $250,000 to $500,000; the Personal Ensign from $300,000 to $600,000. The Travers, the highlight of the stand on Aug. 25, remains at $1 million.

Among the equine superstars expected to vie for this added money are Met Mile winner, and 2011 Preakness winner, Shackleford, who might be seen in the Woodward or Forego, and the top turf filly Winter Memories, pointing for the Diana. These bust-out purses promise to produce full fields of top-quality horseflesh, so business should be booming, with all-sources handle for the meet expected to soar past last year’s $526 million. All this will play out against a backdrop of political intrigue, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo finalizes his state takeover of the New York Racing Association.

But, as always, when it comes to Saratoga, it’s all about the betting. Because of the overflowing betting pools and large, competitive fields, there are nine or more chances every day to make a score. So we present our annual Saratoga Bettor’s Guide, with a tip of the hat to Jim Mazur’s “The Saratoga Handicapper 2012” (1-800-272-8039; $29.95) for providing valuable statistics.

JOCKEYS

Javier Castellano lost last year’s riding title to John Velazquez by just two wins. With Johnny V. out as he recovers from a broken collarbone, Castellano will ride first call for the powerhouse Todd Pletcher stable. That will force trainers who relied on Castellano in the past — such as Chad Brown, George Weaver, Tom Albertrani and Bruce Brown — to look elsewhere. Ramon Dominguez, a close third in the standings the past two years behind Velazquez and Castellano, could be the main beneficiary. But Joel Rosario — the top rider in California, who moved his tack to New York for the summer — is the sleeper in this year’s jockeys’ race. Rosie Napravnik will get her share of live mounts, as will Junior Alvarado, who is terrific with front-runners on turf.

TRAINERS

Round up the usual suspects.

Todd Pletcher, by benefit of sheer numbers, should win his third straight training title and eighth in the past 11 years while dominating the early 2-year-old races. But betting on his horses has produced a flat-bet loss of $175.60 over the past three summers.

Last year’s runner-up, Chad Brown, by contrast, has shown a $50.60 flat-bet profit over the past three years.

Linda Rice, who slipped to four wins last summer after saddling 20 winners in each of the previous two years, can rebound. She’s the queen of turf sprints. Dale Romans, who moved a sizeable string of his stable to New York from Kentucky, could have a breakout meet.

Other trainers to watch (with their go-to riders) are Steve Asmussen (Julien Leparoux), Tony Dutrow (Dominguez), Mike Hushion (Dominguez), David Jacobson (David Cohen), John Kimmel (Cohen), Kiaran McLaughlin (Alan Garcia), Graham Motion (Dominguez, Velazquez), Bill Mott (Jose Lezcano), Rudy Rodriguez (Cornelio Velasquez), Rich Schosberg (Velazquez) Mike Trombetta (Dominguez) and Rick Violette (Garcia).

OWNERS

Mike Repole won the past two titles, just edging Michael Dubb last year. Team Valor International had a good showing, going 5-for-11. Team Valor president Barry Irwin says to watch for three of his 2-year-olds this summer — the filly Three Hearts and colts Cerro and Asunder — on the turf. The royally bred runners of the Phipps Family and Stuart Janney are in the capable hands of Shug McGaughey.

Other owners to watch include Klaravich Stable, Ken and Sarah Ramsey (whose horses often win off the drop), Dogwood, Zayat, Antsu, Darley, Black Swan and West Point Thoroughbreds. Among New York-breds: Stonewall Farm (Barry K. Schwartz), Chester and Mary Broman, Flying Zee, and Aikindale Farm.

LONG SHOTS

Last summer, Eddie Castro, David Cohen, Julien Leparoux, Abel Lezcano, Corey Nakatani and Edgar Prado each rode at least two winners that paid $30- plus. In past years, Cornelio Velasquez often lit up the tote board. Jose Espinoza and Mike Luzzi can surprise with speed horses on turf.

Among trainers, James Ferraro, John Hertler, Michael Matz, Juan Ortiz and Paulino Ortiz have put over some bombs in recent years. The best place to hunt for long shots is on the grass, especially in turf sprints.

50-CENT PICK 4’S & DIME SUPERS

These offer a cheap chance to take the track home with you. With the pick 4 minimum bet at 50 cents, you can use three horses in each leg for a ticket that costs $40.50. As for superfectas, the top payouts at the past five Saratoga meets averaged $127,000. Hit it for a dime, you get 5 percent of that. For 10 cents, you can box four horses for $2.40. For that same $2.40, you can key one horse on top and wheel four horses underneath in second, third and fourth.

ed.fountaine@nypost.com