Spa selections 2018: Saratoga August 26

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 4 – Alw 50000s

1. #4 Hexameter (5-1) – Step up in class isn’t a good thing, but this filly may have finally found her style with a commanding front-end win last time

2. #3 Curiousncuriouser (7-2) – Had a tough trip last time against a few others in this field, so a cleaner trip should help her improve

3. #7 Maho Bay (2-1) – Was overtaken in the stretch last time out, so slight distance cut will help here, as will Luis Saez in the irons for the second time

Race 6 – Alw 87000n1x

1. #3 Dr. Edgar (2-1) – Very impressive in a near loss last time as a part of a wicked pace and should be able to win here

2. #1 Holiday Bonus (8-1) – Finally making a distance cutback will pay huge dividends to this Motion trainee who could be in the mix at a nice price

3. #9 Lunaire (6-1) – Has a nice closing kick and the advantage of a few who will likely set a fast pace meaning this gelding could run them down late

Race 9 – Smart N Fancy Stakes

1. #3 Chanteline (5-1) – Definitely worth a play with these odds and a strong second in the Caress a month ago here, take her at a number over Battle Joined

2. #12 Epping Forest (9-2) – Has been very successful with jockey Joel Rosario and will be in the mix late with some pace

3. #5 Tillie’s Lily (5-1) – Javier Castellano and trainer Jonathon Thomas will look to recapture their Travers magic from yesterday with this undefeated filly