Spa selections 2022: Saratoga picks August 14
Joseph Aiello
August 13, 2022
In Spa Selections, Saratoga correspondent Joseph Aiello provides Saratoga picks for a handful of key races at Saratoga, including all of the exciting stakes action!
Follow along all meet with all the exciting action (and good betting opportunities)!
- “Persnickety” Navani hunts stakes win in Thirty Eight Go Go
Sheilah’s Warcloud is the morning line favorite in Sunday’s Thirty Eight Go Go at Laurel Park, while Navani seeks her first stakes win.
Race 8 – OC 65200n2x
1. #4 Betsy Blue (2-1) – This one was sitting on a nice effort last time, but still came up just short which has been an issue at Saratoga, but she is primed for a win at this distance
2. #5 Brattle House (1-1) – Deserved favorite who has never finished worse than second, she will grab the early lead but seems best going eight furlongs
3. #2 Halo City (12-1) – Has finished second in both tries at the Spa, and is one that could make a nice move late if Brattle House goes too fast and should be a good price
4. #6 Sweet Willemina (9-2) – Hits the board at a pretty good clip, albeit usually against softer competition, but a consistent 2. performer who can run with this group
Race 9 – Mahony Stakes
1. #2 Big Invasion (1-2) – This colt wins based on his victory in the Grade III Quick Call as Joel Rosario should have him moving late
2. #5 That’s Right (6-1) – Has some early speed that makes him dangerous at a shorter distance such as this, with a perfect record at five and a half
3. #6 Surprise Boss (15-1) – Did the dirty work last time, but has run well at Saratoga and could win with a stalking trip as well as on the lead
4. #7 Determined Kingdom (20-1) – Has run his best at this distance, and should be a good number that can run well if That’s Right and Surprise Boss go out too fast
Race 10 – Alw 50000s
1. #8 Relate (9-2) – Off the claim for Todd Pletcher, this one won impressively last time out in maiden claiming company, but should continue to improve after clearly taking well to the turf
2. #2 Brazillionaire (4-1) – Won last time over this track, and has hit the board in ten of eleven lifetime on the turf so maybe the most consistent runner here
3. #3 Reckless Spirit (8-5) – Doesn’t seem to win as often as he should, even when dropping down to claimers, but still higher upside than most here
4. #9 Seaver (6-1) – Got the right pace last time but still wasn’t able to hang on, although seems to be on the improve and gets a suitable distance at a mile here
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