Spa selections: Saratoga August 24

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 including the Riskaverse Stakes!

Race 1 – Grade I New York Turf Writers Cup Handicap

1. #10 Swansea Mile (9-2) – Has won a grade I on this track this year with same jockey
2. #12 Choral Society (15-1) – Loses jockey to All the Way Jose, but only one to win a race at this distance at the Spa
3. #8 Mr. Hot Stuff (8-1) – Always in the mix in most races excluding the most recent try for this eleven-year-old

Race 4 – Alw 75000n1x

1. #1A The Caretaker (9-2) – Has been bet to favorite last three times out, and keeps Irad Ortiz who has won both times this meet for McLaughlin
2. #7 Jewel Can Disco (2-1) – Won by eight lengths last time out, but seven furlongs seems a little too far for front runner
3. #5 Bourbon Empire (6-1) – Fleet Irish is other closer should a pace battle between Heavy Meddle and Jewel Can Disco break out, but this turf to dirt first-time gelding is live

Race 8 – Alw 85000nc

1. #6 Bustin It (7-2) – Of the front runners, of which there are many, this horse seems to be in the best form
2. #1 Ostrolenka (4-1) – Race sets up perfectly for this horse by Musket Man who should be in middle of pack
3. #8 Celtic Chaos (3-1) – Impressive last time on muddy track, with three wins in a row for Kiaran McLaughlin

Race 9 – Riskaverse Stakes

1. #9 Lido (8-1) – Keeps Rosario and has shown some solid moves, especially in last race going from eighth to first
2. #8 Danceland (6-1) – Maybe even more impressive last time out than Lido, and will close again assuming someone runs after Cherry Lodge
3. #12 Cherry Lodge (7-2) – Almost an impossible post to win at, but Pletcher filly has flashed most talent and speed in this field