Spa selections 2018: Saratoga August 9

Pret Say Eye was antsy early, strong late for trainer Lacey Gaudet (left) at Saratoga in 2016. Photo by Teresa Genaro.

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 6 – OC 80000n3x

1. #7 Aquaphobia (5-2) – Will be extremely difficult for anyone on the front end to win, making this late closer a good choice

2. #2 Team Colors (5-1) – A little cheaper, but ran well two back in a win at this distance, and should be sitting mid pack waiting for others to collapse

3. #4 Ticonderoga (6-5) – The clear favorite who will win if running, but with the Lure Stakes moved to this weekend, it is likely this colt will scratch out

Race 7 – Alw 77000n1x

1. #5 Pink Twist (7-5) – Pretty much wins this one by default in a weak field that isn’t very accomplished

2. #2 Puffery (5-2) – Got a bit tied up in a hot pace last time out causing a fade in the stretch run, but softer fractions this time would give this filly a chance

3. #4 Pas de Deuce (9-2) – Would get a plus in the case of a sloppy track, otherwise is the best of the rest

Race 8 – New York Stallion Series Stakes

1. #3 Kreesie (3-1) – Jose Ortiz keeps the mount for trainer David Donk on this filly who should be able to close in the stretch

2. #2 Goodbye Brockley (5-2) – Ran second to Kreesie last time out, but with a better post and jockey Luis Saez back who won on her two back, this filly should be a prime contender

3. #6 Wegetsdamunnys (8-1) – Mentality might be a better play in the money, and Byself will have early speed but has no turf tries, so take a shot with this filly at a price