Spa selections 2019: Saratoga July 31

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 – New York Stallion Series Stakes

1. #7 Niko’s Dream (8-5) – Narrowly lost to Kid Is Frosty last time out, but some potential pressure from Subsidiary and good timing from returning jockey Junior Alvarado should win

2. #3 Rossellini (12-1) – This dark brown filly by Freud has improved, shouldn’t mind the distance, comes from an open company allowance, and picks up Luis Saez

3. #5 Kid Is Frosty (2-1) – Added furlong could prove detrimental, but this Cox trainee should still control the race and be in the mix late

Race 7 – Alw 92000n1x

1. #2 Mascha (6-5) – Questions with other contenders in this field means this Brown trainee will be the likely winner with some speed to close into

2. #3 Kreesie (8-1) – This grey filly seems to always be in the mix against better opponents, and keeps jockey Jose Ortiz in the irons over Chad Brown’s other two

3. #5 Belle of the Spa (12-1) – Altea hasn’t won in North America, and Silver Shaker is no longer trained by Chad Brown, so take this longshot who has run well with Dylan Davis

Race 9 – Shine Again Stakes

1. #2 Talk Veuve to Me (2-1) – Picks up Jose Ortiz and adds blinkers which may just be enough for this talented filly to breakthrough this year

2. #3 Awestruck (5-2) – Her race last time out was very impressive, nearly besting Mia Mischief and a repeat performance could have her beating the others here

3. #1 Special Relativity (5-2) – Saguaro Row is a bit slower than these despite two good wins with Rosario this year, so take this filly with the combo that has won both tries this meet