Spa selections 2019: Saratoga July 12

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 – Alw 80000n1x 

1. #1 Short Pour (10-1) – A softer turf course that had many closers yesterday should play to the strengths of this filly who keeps Jose Ortiz

2. #6 Noble Jewel (6-1) – Her effort last time out was better than others in this field, but a repeat effort will hinge upon her adjustment to a softer surface

3. #8 Something Joyful (8-1) – Tough to ignore the Dubb entry Hollywood Cat, but Jose Lezcano jumped off Tzipi with regular trainer Linda Rice to ride this mare with better value 

Race 8 – OC 25000n1x

1. #6 Doups Point (5-2) – A bad case of seconditis, but in this underwhelming field, a repeat of last race should be enough to hold off the contenders

2. #2 Dreamzapper (3-1) – Drops from open allowance and has shown some solid form on muddier surfaces compared to others

3. #5 Danebury (7-2) – Hasn’t raced in over a year, yet still has much more upside than Big Gemmy or Irish Valor, who are both coming off slow victories at Finger Lakes

Race 9 – Grade III Forbidden Apple Stakes

1. #3 Hembree (8-1) – Take a play at this price for this horse who seems to be due for a breakthrough victory and has the running style to close into a likely quick pace

2. #4 Offering Plan (6-1) – Not quite the class of Qurbaan, but these top flight connections should be enough for this seven year old horse to find his way into the money

3. #5 March to the Arch (6-1) – Voodoo Song hasn’t won since the Fourstardave last year, also the last time Made You Look raced, meaning the edge goes to this Casse trainee who is in top form