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Spa selections 2019: Saratoga July 21

by | Jul 20, 2019 | Breaking, Handicapping

Pret Say Eye

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 – Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks

1. #1 Guarana (2-5) – Can’t rely on sitting off an insane forty-three second half in her last try at this distance, but with no filly outside Boxwood to contend up front, this favorite should win

2. #5 Point of Honor (7-2) – Will need Boxwood to run Guarana into the ground to close, but could still win with a repeat of the Black Eyed Susan victory when she came home quickly

3. #3 Boxwood (12-1) – Attempting to contend early in this five horse field with Guarana would be a mistake, but sitting off of her in second or third could allow for a chance in the stretch

Race 9 – Alw 92000n1x

1. #8 Halladay (5-1) – Might get a decent number with this grey colt who could control this race all the way around

2. #1 Variant Perception (4-1) – Chad Brown’s barn is unfair, and a stalking trip here could give him another winner in what could be a huge day for him

3. #2 Penalty (9-2) – Has some trouble winning, and is a toss up with Hoboe, but a better post means he deserves a play

Race 10 – OC 62500n2x

1. #8 Borracho (7-2) – Insane forty-five second half mile work, and a near Grade I win last time means this colt by Uncle Mo is in top form

2. #9 Majestic Affair (9-2) – With plenty others who haven’t won a race in over a year, take this seven year old gelding who had one of his better wins in his last try

3. #7 Identity Politics (3-1) – Irad Ortiz jumped off Restoring Hope onto this closer who looks to run down Restoring Hope in the stretch

Race 11 – Caress Stakes

1. #5 Morticia (3-1) – Distance specialist in a field that mostly prefer other distances, and the right ride by Gaffalione will set up a stalking trip where this mare takes over late

2. #6 Mrs. Ramona G. (4-1) – With the potential of four horses trying to get the lead, this closer can win if jockey Chris Landeros times his move well

3. #4 Significant Form (5-2) – Brown trainee likes longer distances, but in what could be an extreme pace, look for Irad Ortiz to start near the back and charge in the stretch

Race 13 – Grade III Shuvee Stakes

1. #5 Wow Cat (9-5) – Enough speed from Electric Forest among others should set up for this mare who has had some tough beats recently including a near win in this race last year

2. #3 Golden Award (5-1) – Steps up in class, but should be played at a number, and her effort last race could be good enough to win here

3. #2 Pink Sands (10-1) – Better running style for this race and distance than She’s a Julie who may prefer shorter distances, and a faster pace will benefit her as well