Spa selections 2019: Saratoga July 17

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 2 – Rick Violette Stakes

1. #1 Theitalianamerican (3-1) – Drops from a stakes and has been second in both tries despite huge moves in the stretch, and could take advantage of pace in this one

2. #3 Mission Wrapitup (7-5) – This grey colt is coming off a layoff, but was dominant in his first try and will win again with a similar ride from Dylan Davis and the right circumstances

3. #2 Listentoyourheart (8-5) – Also won in his first try, but this colt by Afleet Alex will need to control the pace to hold off the others

Race 3 – OC 62500n2x 

1. #6 Tibr (6-1) – Jose Ortiz jumping off of Pagliacci with regular trainer Linda Rice to ride for this Motion trainee seems like an angle worth playing

2. #2 Fully Vested (2-1) – Might be overbet with these morning line odds, but this gelding’s second try on the turf and running style will give him a chance to close into Discretionary Mark

3. #3 Stolen Pistol (7-2) – Pagliacci is in better form and will be closing with this gelding who hasn’t run since October, but there is too much upside to ignore for this Sharp trainee

Race 9 – OC 62500n2x 

1. #5 Honor Way (9-2) – Has shown improvement with Jose Ortiz and has the best chance to take advantage of a hot pace battle between the others, along with Bluegrass Jamboree

2. #2 Carrera Cat (5-1) – Winner of her last four is too sharp to overlook, and is the only one here who can contend on the front end with Talk Veuve to Me

3. #6 Talk Veuve to Me (1-1) – Due to her disqualification two back, this Alabama contender of last year hasn’t won since last July, but will win in this tightly contested field if in good form