Spa selections 2019: Saratoga August 11

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 5 – OC 40000n2x

1. #2 Saratoga Treasure (9-2) – With plenty of speed here, this race sets up for a closer and this filly has a nice closing kick

2. #7 Amanda Lane (10-1) – Showed great improvement upon switching to the turf, and should also have a nice set up to close at a good number

3. #8 Mama Mary (5-1) – A nice stalking trip by Luis Saez off of Sadie Lady and High Jingo give this filly by Bodemeister a good chance

Race 8 – OC 62500n2x

1. #3 Talk Veuve to Me (8-5) – Gets a much needed jockey change, and cuts back to seven furlongs where she should stalk the leaders

2. #2 Cookie Dough (9-5) – Has been going up against better competition and won her only try at this distance, but may prefer less pace pressure if Maragh puts her on the lead

3. #4 South of France (6-1) – Free Kitty is a bit cheap, so take this recent stakes winner who has won her last three tries

Race 9 – Galway Stakes

1. #4 Missmizz (8-1) – Should get a good trip off of the leaders, is in top form coming off a stakes win, and likes this distance

2. #3 Sister Peacock (8-1) – Drops from a Grade III and prefers a shorter distance to the mile races she has mostly been running

3. #10 Eyeinthesky (9-2) – Tough post draw, but Rosario got this filly to close last time in the Coronation Cup, nearly missing but may need a blistering pace to run into again