Spa selections 2018: Saratoga August 22
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 1 – Michael G. Walsh Novice Stakes
1. #3 Mutasaawy (5-2) – Mitchell jumped off other mounts to stick with this eight year old gelding by Tapit who runs well at Saratoga
2. #1 Surprising Soul (7-2) – Just won a Grade III by ten lengths, and could possibly wire this field
3. #4 No Wunder (5-1) – Has shown good consistency with this jockey and the ability to have plenty left in longer races
Race 5 – OC 40000n2x
1. #4 Mr. Buff (2-1) – Distance might be an issue, but as long as this gelding doesn’t go out too fast, his class should put him ahead of others in the stretch
2. #7 Holy Week (15-1) – Will like added distance and has been in the mix in his last four which were a bit faster than others in this field
3. #1A Cause I’m Alex (6-1) – Bluegrascat’s Smile could finish in the money, but the entry gives a good chance of closing into a decent pace if Ostrolenka leaves
Race 8 – OC 40000n2x
1. #6 Driven by Speed (3-1) – Should control the pace in a field that mostly likes to close, and can wire with good fractions and if she can hold off Conquest Hardcandy early
2. #5 Vortex Road (7-2) – Filly by Quality Road has had a few near misses and the most impressive try at a mile two back
3. #1 Broken Border (8-5) – Table for Six isn’t in quite as good of form as this mare who was bet to favorite in her last two tries
Race 9 – John’s Call Stakes
1. #10 Call Provision (3-1) – Won’t win if he goes out too fast, but a trip sitting off the leaders for a stretch run move would be ideal for this gelding who is in the best form of this group
2. #5 Patterson Cross (6-1) – Some nice back class and should like the extra distance after closing well last time out against Call Provision
3. #2 Highland Sky (4-1) – Really a toss up here in this evenly matched field where Mr Maybe, Focus Group, or Not in Charge could surprise, but edge to this gelding dropping from a Grade II
