Spa selections: Saratoga August 28

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 Better Talk Now Stakes!

Race 7 – Alw 85000n1x

1. #7 Fire Key (6-1) – With a ton of speed in this race, look for this four-year-old filly to sit off the leaders and pounce late
2. #8 Vigor (3-1) – Pray for Bourbon will probably be in the money, but this filly by War Front will win with a repeat performance of her last race
3. #4 Buffalo Miss (8-1) – Tough choice here with Orecchiette to inside, but this filly is two-for-two in races with this jockey and at the Spa

Race 8 – Better Talk Now Stakes

1. #3 Hieroglyphics (3-1) – Colt by Pioneer of the Nile loses Jose Ortiz, but should be in right spot to win at wire
2. #1 Blind Ambition (7-2) – Has had two strong tries on the turf in career, and should enjoy distance stretch out
3. #2 Snap Decision (5-2) – Most likely in field and picks up Jose Ortiz, and gets edge over dirt-to-turf Small Bear

Race 9 – Mdn 73k

1. #9 Lady of Miracles (4-1) – Ran a strong race last time out with same jockey, and should do the same here
2. #4 Stone Cold Flirt (5-1) – By Yes It’s True – Loxina, by Came Home, this filly had a solid workout on the Saratoga track just five days ago
3. #2 Viradia (7-2) – Keep your eye on Halo Laelia, but this filly by Sky Mesa has a slightly stronger jockey-trainer combo