Spa selections: Saratoga August 7

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 three races!

Race 3 – OC 62500n2x

1. #1 Private Client (9-2) – Only one to win at distance and at Saratoga for trainer Thomas Proctor
2. #5 Queen Blossom (2-1) – Motion teams up with Jose Ortiz for most likely winner if race breaks down correctly
3. #3 Grateful (7-2) – Has been the strongest of the bunch this year, but distance may prove to be too much for this filly by Hard Spun

Race 7 – OC 62500n2x

1. #5 Nonna Mela (7-2) – Hasn’t run since October, but this filly impressed last year at the Spa in  Grade II Adirondack
2. #4 Annie Rocks (8-5) – Probably undeserving of morning line favorite status, but Jason Servis trainee seems to always win off a layoff
3. #2 Tejana (5-2) – Curlin filly wants more distance, but is more likely to finish strong than Improv

Race 8 – Alw 75000n1x

1. #5 Bluegrass Jamboree (5-2) – Two-for-three in career and has shown much more than others with fewer starts
2. #8 Decorator Jen (5-1) – Filly by Shackleford has been strong in past starts with jockey Jose Ortiz
3. #7 Shimmering Moon (7-2) – Whoever breaks first here between this four-year-old filly, Passporttovictory, and Grassaria has every chance to win