Spa selections 2019: Saratoga July 14

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 40000n2x

1. #3 Smokin Platinum (12-1) – Good jockey trainer duo, has been bet to favorite in his last two tries, and is almost always in the mix

2. #5 T Loves a Fight (6-1) – Recent bullet work and back to back wins with Junior Alvarado gives this five year old a good chance

3. #4 Cerretalto (3-1) – The softer surface last time out could be an excuse, but this gelding adds Ricardo Santana and should have a bounce back effort

Race 8 – OC 80000n1x

1. #8 Catch a Bid (5-2) – This Klaravich and Chad Brown filly seems to have the upper hand against this group

2. #6 Xanthique (8-1) – Strong jockey trainer duo and Junior Alvarado has ridden this filly into the winner’s circle in both his tries as her jockey

3. #11 Varenka (3-1) – Has been consistently in the money despite trouble winning, but drops from a Grade III where she was bet to favorite

Race 9 – Coronation Cup Stakes

1. #6 Eyeinthesky (10-1) – With plenty of speed in race, this experienced three year old can sit off leaders and move in stretch run, plus others will be overbet 

2. #3 Bohemian Bourbon (12-1) – Another quality longshot play that could take advantage if things get messy early 

3. #8 My Galina (6-1) – If this filly breaks ahead of A Bit of Both, she has the advantage at a much better number, and the undefeated Break Even has no turf experience