Spa selections 2020: Saratoga picks August 23
![ginger n rye the smart n fancy credit chelsea durand Ginger N Rye](https://www.theracingbiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ginger-n-rye-the-smart-n-fancy-credit-chelsea-durand.jpg)
Ginger N Rye won the 2017 Smart N Fancy Stakes at Saratoga. Photo by Chelsea Durand/NYRA.
by Joseph Aiello
In Spa Selections, Saratoga on-site correspondent Joseph Aiello provides Saratoga picks for a handful of key races at Saratoga, including all of the exciting stakes action!
Race 7 – OC 62500n2x
1. #1 Big Engine (5-1) – Almost always in the money, and has finished in the top two in his last four tries, plus seems to prefer this distance
2. #3 Free Enterprise (7-2) – Certainly underwhelmed last time out off a long layoff, but getting this gelding more involved early can set him up for a better result
3. #2 Lone Rock (9-2) – Steps back up into optional claiming company, but clearly enjoyed the shorter distance last time out and should be closing here
Race 8 – Grade I Diana Stakes
1. #3 Rushing Fall (3-2) – After getting shut out in yesterday’s Fourstardave, Chad Brown has this likely favorite in top form who should bet sitting off of Mean Mary early
2. #1 Call Me Love (8-1) – Has been running very well against some top entries in this race, and should find her ideal distance here with a chance for an upset score
3. #5 Sistercharlie (5-2) – Starship Jubilee and Mean Mary are in better form having not lost yet this year, this mare gets a more ideal distance and could have some pace to run into
Race 9 – MC 40000
1. #2 Ringgood (4-1) – Goes back to the turf and drops into claiming company for the first time, plus picks up Jose Ortiz here
2. #3 Allied Invasion (8-5) – This gelding put in a solid effort last time against similar class, and could improve here with a similar closing effort in his second try
3. #5 Nero’s Fiddle (6-1) – Adds blinkers which should get this gelding closer to the lead, and the added distance may be the key even if he still closes
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