Spa selections 2019: Saratoga August 8

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 7 – OC 40000n2x

1. #7 Special Story (12-1) – Will likely get bet down to a lower price, but should have pace to run into and despite losing Jose Lezcano, this gelding picks up Rosario and is in top form

2. #6 H Man (2-1) – Jose Lezcano seems to have a knack at getting the best out of this gelding, winning four of six tries with him although he finished behind Ready to Escape last time

3. #2 Binkster (7-2) – Has been consistent recently, including a near loss last time and should find this distance to be better than his others

Race 8 – Saratoga Dew Stakes

1. #6 Lucky Move (6-1) – Lower class, but at least has shown some movement recently, with a nice victory earlier this meet with Joel Rosario aboard

2. #2 Fetching (7-2) – Has the best races in this field, and this filly by Afleet Alex should win here if she takes to the dirt

3. #4 Turn and Bern (10-1) – Play Cartwheel on a sloppy track, but take a chance with this filly by Bernardini who should run well off the layoff and have a nice stalking trip

Race 9 – Alw 92000n1x

1. #3 Walkoff (12-1) – Getting a nice number with these connections is too good to ignore, but  despite no turf experience, questions with the rest of the field means he deserves a play

2. #5 Belgrano (10-1) – Could play King Cause to wire, or Mango M to close, but this gelding runs best off the layoff and won’t need as much pace as some others here

3. #9 Allured (9-2) – Like Walkoff, this first time turfer should improve, and despite the tough post he should be sent near the leaders by Irad Ortiz