cropped-iOS7_icon.png

Spa selections: Saratoga July 28

by | Jul 28, 2017 | Breaking, Handicapping

Pret Say Eye

Pret Say Eye was antsy early, strong late for trainer Lacey Gaudet (left) at Saratoga last year. 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. Today, it’s the seventh through ninth, including the $100,000 Curlin Stakes.

Race 7 – OC 80000n3x

  1. #3 Economic Model (3-1) – Strong performance in last year’s King’s Bishop at Spa gives this Brown trainee an edge over contenders
  2. #4 Threefiveindia (6-1) – Other Brown entry had strong showing at Saratoga last year but loses jockey Irad Ortiz to Economic Model
  3. #9 Shaft of Light (2-1) – Should go right to front and could steal race with past record of four for six at this distance and a few recent bullet workouts

Race 8 –  Alw 85000n1x

  1. #8 Rocketry (2-1) – Only to win at distance may need more pace to run into than is present, but leading jockey Jose Ortiz and trainer James A. Jerkins are solid combo
  2. #9 Holiday Bonus (10-1) – Motion trainee has shown four solid efforts since switch to turf
  3. #1 Rapt (8-1) – Strong turf horse has experience at Saratoga and with jockey Manny Franco

Race 9 – $100,000 Curlin Stakes

  1. #7 You’re to Blame (3-1) – Deep closer gets plus from experience with jockey Javier Castellano and three graded stakes tries
  2. #6 Perfect Partner (6-1) – Oxley colt by Curlin has shown steady improvement in four starts and last effort at Belmont gives glimpse of potential for future
  3. #3 Small Bear (5-1) – While Pletcher duo have better jockeys, this colt is only in field to win at distance