Spa selections 2019: Saratoga July 27

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 8 – Alw 92000n1x

1. #5 Fortune’s Fool (2-1) – Just has a bit more speed than the rest of this field, and can sit off his leaders to the inside and take over late

2. #9 Overdeliver (3-1) – Distance cut back should be a plus, and optimal running style from his race two back could be good enough here

3. #4 Chateau (4-1) – Will get pressure from Runforthemunnings from his inside, but should still be able to hold on late to stay in the money

Race 9 – Grade I Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap

1. #1 Mitole (1-1) – This will be the toughest test for this spectacular sprinter, with all signs pointing to some trouble here, but still the best bet in good form

2. #4 Firenze Fire (7-2) – With last year’s Vanderbilt winner Imperial Hint seemingly in off form, this classy colt can come from mid pack if Strike Power forces Mitole to go too fast early

3. #7 Do Share (12-1) – Would need some serious fractions and maybe Imperial Hint to leave as well, but loves this distance and his Tom Fool win could beat this field as well

Race 10 – Grade II Bowling Green Stakes

1. #5 Channel Maker (7-2) – In what is a loaded field, this gelding by English Channel has been the most consistent, including two good tries at the Spa last year and a returning Joel Rosario

2. #12 Focus Group (8-1) – Chad Brown has Jose Ortiz on Ya Primo, but this horse seems to like Saratoga with three wins in five tries

3. #13 Bigger Picture (10-1) – Good class and has been running well this year, plus seems to like softer surfaces and should be great value

Race 11 – Grade II Jim Dandy Stakes

1. #6 War of Will (5-2) – Will stalk Global Campaign with Tax, then with the right fractions should takeover in the stretch to hold off some closers at the wire

2. #4 Global Campaign (2-1) – The entire race hinges on how fast Luis Saez takes this colt by Curlin out in; too fast and its Laughing Fox and Tacitus, slow and its him and War of Will

3. #5 Tacitus (7-5) – Overall the most consistent player in this race, but may hinge too much on what goes on in front; the right scenario sets up for this colt and Laughing Fox to close late