Spa selections 2018: Saratoga August 13

Pret Say Eye was antsy early, strong late for trainer Lacey Gaudet (left) at Saratoga in 2016. 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, including all of the exciting stakes action!

Race 7 – OC 80000b

1. #4 Flowers for Lisa (5-2) – You’re to Blame has had enough chances to win, so take this frontrunner in a year in which closers are having a difficult time passing leaders in the stretch

2. #3 Secret Passage (5-1) – Came from fourteen lengths off last time to win, and might have enough pace again to make a play in the stretch

3. #5 Take Your Guns (7-5) – Will probably be overbet seeing that her last trip was in a Grade II against Diversify, so look elsewhere for less obvious contenders

Race 8 – Alw 77000n1x

1. #4 Out of Orbit (4-1) – Getting softer fractions up front would be huge for this Malibu Moon filly who could control the pace unless Miss Freeze pressures

2. #5 My Roxy Girl (3-1) – Second in her last five, this filly by Emcee is a good bet to run in the money, and is certainly capable of winning here as well

3. #7 Take Charge Aubrey (2-1) – Would prefer a softer surface in the case of some rain, but should improve with this distance and drop in class

Race 9 – Clm 25000

1. #8 Vincento (7-2) – The most likely here running in open company Allowance races before dropping to claimers, strong efforts in last two with Manny Franco aboard

2. #4 Hidden Vow (5-1) – Irad Ortiz decides to ride this gelding for Jason Servis instead of Brimstone who would be better on an off track, and he seems close to a win

3. #11 Mobridge (3-1) – Tough post for this eight year old gelding, but seems to be in good form for trainer Danny Gargan and gets Jose Lezcano back in the irons