Spa selections: Saratoga July 25
by Joseph Aiello
In Spa Selections, Saratoga on-site correspondent Joseph Aiello provides picks for a handful of key races at Saratoga, including all of the exciting stakes action!
Race 1 – Jonathan Kiser Novice Stakes
- #6 Mutasaawy (5-2) – Has won twice at the distance and in only try at the spa, finishing has been an issue recently, however
- #2 Officer Sydney (3-1) – Won two of his last four, and should like the softer turf surface from rain this week
- #1 No Wunder (7-2) – Ran in a mile and a half race last time out, so the return to over two mile hurdles should help this gelding improve
Race 6 – OC 62500n2x
- #3 Heartspoke (9-2) – Gets an advantage over the others if the track remains wet, will likely take the lead with Pray for Leslie and look to hold on in the stretch
- #5 Pray for Leslie (8-5) – Purrfect Miss has better connections to her inside and more class, but this filly by Bernardini has the speed and should adjust better to the conditions
- #1 Play Unified (6-1) – Last race was impressive, but this mare seems completely reliant on her break, if she gets out early and can stalk, watch out for her in the stretch
Race 8 – OC 40000n2x
- #1A Fox Rules (5-2) – Gets slight edge over Mo Diddley and Mascarello simply due to running style and ability on off tracks
- #2 Mascarello (6-1) – Bullet work and coming off a win; much cheaper than field, but good success at track and distance
- #4 Mo Diddley (3-1) – Bet Morrison on an off track and play Converge here on a yielding surface, but this Casse trainee has shown the most and should close with Royal Blessing late
Race 9 – Grade II Honorable Miss Handicap
- #3 Kirby’s Penny (5-2) – Wesley Ward trainee has been in cheaper races than most of this crowd, but coming off a Grade III win and having won both tries this year is a good sign
- #1 Vertical Oak (8-1) – Bet this filly if she goes off over 5-1; should be stalking Kirby’s Penny and can take over in stretch run as long as pace is modest
- #6 Finley’sluckycharm (8-5) – Will need someone else to push the frontrunners such as Thirteen Songs if she breaks, but is a good bet to make a move right behind the leaders late