cropped-iOS7_icon.png

Spa selections 2019: Saratoga August 7

by | Aug 6, 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 – Mrs. Ogden Phipps Stakes

1. #3 Down Royal (5-2) – Consistently involved in her races and in the money, plus gets her usual rider back in Bernard Dalton

2. #1 Wigwam Baby (2-1) – Nearly won this race two years ago, and should benefit from a stretch out in distance

3. #2 Our Frosty (6-1) – Once won by fifty nine lengths, and will also prefer the stretch out back to over two miles

Race 6 – Mahony Stakes

1. #2 Elektronic (6-1) – Was flying down the stretch in the Quick Call, and will get a plus if the turf is a bit softer due to rain

2. #1 Uncle Benny (5-2) – Hasn’t run since nearly missing in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf, but is still one of the most talented here

3. #7 Archidust (2-1) – The Black Album might want longer distances, so take this colt by Verrazano who was strong on the turf last time

Race 8 – Alw 50000s

1. #5 Golden Tiger (5-1) – Isn’t moving up in class like a few others here, and was bet to favorite last time plus should like this distance

2. #3 Clench (5-2) – Might get overplayed because of a second place finish to Shancelot last time, but should still take advantage of some solid fractions

3. #8 El Asesino (4-1) – Can make a case for many others in this race, but this gelding should at least find himself in the money and has the largest class drop in the field

Race 9 – Evan Shipman Stakes

1. #1 Vincento (10-1) – Scratched out of a few races to land in this spot, keeps Jose Ortiz and should get a nice stalking trip in what could be a hot pace for the leaders

2. #2 Mr. Buff (6-5) – Clear best in the race, but with a few others who may push him early, it could be hard for this gelding to hang on in the stretch

3. #4 Dynamax Prime (5-1) – Should be able to close if pace is too hot, and has been running well and in good form this year