Spa selections 2023: Saratoga picks JULY 16
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)!
- VIDEO: Latest Charles Town highlightsIn this video, the latest Charles Town Races highlights, including the final stake of the year for fillies and mares and more.
Race 7 – Alw 149500n1x
1. #1 Prove Worthy (9-2) – Has shown the ability to win at this distance, so this colt by Curlin has a leg up on the others and a good mid-pack running style that should work here
2. #3 The Prince’s Spur (5-1) – Has won over this track while faring well at nine furlongs with a good chance to hit the board at a decent price even if he isn’t the top win contender
3. #5 Saqeel (8-1) – Probably runs a bit better when up on the pace, so getting Luis Saez in the irons should help this Diodoro trainee’s chances in what may be a fairer pace
4. #6 Film Star (2-1) – Just doesn’t seem best suited for this longer distance, but could hold on to hit the board for finish fourth if Jose Ortiz controls the pace and doesn’t go too fast early
Race 8 – OC 80000b
1. #2 Nakatomi (5-2) – Hasn’t been in top form, but drops out of graded tries and has fared well in the past in optional claiming company if he is a bit more forwardly placed than usual
2. #3 Baby Yoda (6-5) – Has enjoyed running at the Spa in the past, and despite coming up empty last race, this gelding will be a factor if Rosario keeps him within striking distance
3. #1 Mr Phil (10-1) – This gelding is good at the distance and has shown a bit more speed than most in here so could be dangerous if he controls the pace with slower fractions
4. #5 Sheriff Bianco (7-2) – Almost always finishes in the money, plus drops out of a grade II try so one that should be in the mix and is playable to win if the price is better than the morning line
Race 9 – Grade III Quick Call Stakes
1. #4 Dr Oseran (8-1) – Possesses top flight speed but also showed versatility last time out after breaking poorly and still rallying to finish third plus should be good value in a tough field
2. #10 Gaslight Dancer (7-2) – The likely favorite ran admirably in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf in the fall, and will win with the right pace set up coming from off the leaders
3. #9 Uncashed (5-1) – This intriguing gelding has dominated lesser competition on the dirt recently, and could be a real threat here if he takes to the surface change
4. #6 Charging (10-1) – Brad Cox trainee may get overlooked after getting tied up in a fast pace on a yielding surface last time, but cuts back to a preferred distance and is worth a play
Race 10 – MC 30000
1. #4 Maggie (3-1) – Switches back to dirt where she has been a bit more successful, but is overall very inconsistent although her best may be good enough to win
2. #10 Strange Fruit (9-2) – One that could be in the mix in this group, but hasn’t finished within five lengths of the winner since her debut so not a likely winner
3. #7 Irish Empress (8-1) – Ran some speed figures last summer and in the fall that would place her favorably with this grouping, though she may need a bit quicker pace to run into
4. #5 Marley’s Ghost (8-1) – Maybe she can rediscover a decent effort in her debut, but mainly gets a plus here for dropping from open maiden races into a claimer
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