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Spa selections 2019: Saratoga July 25

by | Jul 24, 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 1 – Grade I A.P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase Stakes

1. #12 Gibralfaro (12-1) – Has won his only try with jockey Michael Mitchell, and has shown the ability to take them all the way around from wire to wire

2. #9 Bedrock (3-1) – First time Lasix and should improve after a long layoff from September and a jockey change

3. #8 No Wunder (15-1) – A bit concerning that jockey Jack Doyle took the other Voss trainee over this one, but this gelding is in better form

Race 8 – Alw 92000n1x

1. #1 Kreesie (12-1) – Jose Ortiz likely could have ridden for Chad Brown, but instead opted for this consistent filly who can win at a price with the right pace

2. #8 Clairvoyance (8-1) – With the other Brown entry likely overbet with no tries in North America, take this second time starter who won as favorite last time

3. #9 Belle of the Spa (15-1) – Two foreign horses will be bad value, leaving a gem like this who could give jockey Dylan Davis his first win of the meet by sitting off of English Soul early

Race 9 – John Morrissey Stakes

1. #1 Gold for the King (2-1) – If Saratoga Gyro can press Eye Luv Lulu just enough, this gelding should be able to pass them in the stretch

2. #6 T Loves a Fight (12-1) – Cheaper than others, but clearly in top form with a bullet work and three straight wins, so worth it at the price

3. #4 Build to Suit (5-2) – A lot to ask coming off a layoff from January, but has won in both tries at Saratoga and better than Eye Luv Lulu who usually fades in the stretch

Race 10 – OC 40000n2x

1. #5 Macagone (3-1) – This eight year old gelding is no stranger to the Spa, having run there eight times, and might be the only early speed in this race

2. #8 Minsky Moment (4-1) – Will likely find himself in the money, even though the pace scenario may not be suited for his closing style

3. #2 Evaluator (8-1) – Comes off a long layoff along with Way Early, and while he doesn’t drop from a Grade I, his early turf tries and fifty percent jockey trainer combo deserve a play