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Spa selections 2019: Saratoga August 4

by | Aug 3, 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 3 – John Morrissey Stakes

1. #6 Gold for the King (2-1) – If Saratoga Giro can press Eye Luv Lulu just enough, this gelding should be able to pass them in the stretch

2. #1 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 5 – Grade III Fasig-Tipton Waya Stakes

1. #6 Gentle Ruler (5-2) – Not quite the class of Santa Monica, but loves this longer distance and has won her last four in a row with jockey Chris Landeros

2. #4 Santa Monica (1-1) – Class of the race who may prefer a bit shorter, but if she gets a little bit of pace, should win

3. #2 Fools Gold (7-2) – Maybe not her ideal distance, but usually has a nice closing kick and should find her way into the money

Race 9 – Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes

1. #9 Seismic Wave (6-1) – The two Chad Brown horses finished ahead of him last time, but this could be a bounce-back effort as this colt has narrowly missed recently

2. #5 Eons (15-1) – Winner of his last four, including the Grade III Kent Stakes, and should be a nice number on the board

3. #4 Rockemperor (7-2) – Lost to Henley’s Joy last time, but was finishing strong in the stretch and can win here with some pace

Race 10 – Grade II Adirondack Stakes

1. #2 Frank’s Rockette (2-1) – Showed the most speed in the field last time, and will win in the stretch with a stalking trip

2. #8 Magic Dance (7-5) – Winner of a stakes race last time, and should be best suited to go this distance

3. #3 Perfect Alibi (9-2) – Will take advantage of any possible pace duel, and should prefer the extra furlong as more distance to come from mid pack