Spa selections 2019: Saratoga July 21
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