Spa selections: Saratoga August 4
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 four races, including the Grade 2 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes!
Race 5 – OC 80000n3x
- #6 Night Prowler (4-1) – Keeps jockey Irad Ortiz and drops from Grade III
- #5 Forge (3-1) – From Juddmonte with trainer Mott who had best race of field last time out
- #8 Catapult (9-2) – This Brown trainee isn’t as fast as morning line favorite Diversify, but has Graded tries and experience on the turf
Race 6 – OC 40000n2x
- #3 Barrel of Dreams (9-2) – Two for three at Saratoga, but hasn’t turned in a solid race for Charlton Baker in a year
- #5 Tizzelle (7-2) – Might need more pace to run into and has cold jockey and trainer combo, but showed strong explosion in stretch in last try
- #2 Iron Mizz (9-2) – Probably wants shorter distance, but trainer Pletcher made good move switching her back to turf
Race 8 – Alw 85000n1x
- #7 Pocket Square (15-1) – Solid last time out for trainer Dale Romans at distance and with same jockey
- #1 Silver Assault (20-1) – Drops from three stakes tries with finishes in the money in all four races
- #9 Portfolio Manager (7-2) – Brown trainee picked up three lengths in stretch last time out, but really is toss up between him and Divine Intervention
Race 9 – Grade II National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes
- #9 Secretary At War (8-1) – Run down by Bricks and Mortar last time out, but could be alone on front with a chance to wire
- #1 Bricks and Mortar (5-2) – Undefeated in three starts and impressive running down Secretary At War last month
- #4 Yoshida (7-2) – Has shown ability to win from front or back, and had win at Pimlico on Preakness day where he came from 20 lengths back to win
