Spa selections 2023: Saratoga picks august 30
Joseph Aiello- August 29, 2023
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)!
- First horses arrive at Monmouth Park for 2024 seasonHorses for trainer Mike Dini, who ultimately expects to have as many as 60 horses at Monmouth Park this summer, were the first to arrive at the Shore track.
Race 7 – Mdn 136.5k
1. #3 Tawaret (6-1) – Should get her return to turf here for Clement with Rosario in the irons, and has been steadily improving plus has no issues getting this distance
2. #10 She’s Mo Bubbly (7-2) – Nearly won last time albeit on a sloppy off surface, but had shown a nice closing kick for Pletcher and Irad in two tries on the turf
3. #12 Why Waste Words (6-1) – Didn’t have much pace to close into in her debut, but lost by a nose at long odds and could be decent value here once again
4. #7 Akayla (12-1) – Chad Brown trainee adds lasix after showing major improvement in her second try, but will need to continue to step forward to have winning chances here
Race 8 – OC 62500n2x
1. #6 Olga Isabel (5-1) – There could be some pace pressure and a few others who prefer the lead, but this Brad Cox trainee is a bit faster than the rest and has won both tries at the distance
2. #3 Tough Street (6-1) – This filly has never finished out of the money on a dirt course, showing the ability to win from a bit off the pace last time in the slop but has some speed here
3. #2 Movie Moxy (3-1) – This mare by Street Sense comes off a layoff for Linda Rice, but ran one of her best efforts last time and seems to be best going eight furlongs
4. #4 Signal From Noise (5-1) – If Tizzy in the Sky comes back and adds some pace pressure to Olga Isabel and others, this one could be picking up the pieces late for Klaravich Stables
Race 9 – P.G. Johnson Stakes
1. #2 Gala Brand (7-2) – Made a massive move from ninth to win first time out going short, but with a similar finish, she can win here if she adjusts well to the added distance
2. #7 Brocknardini (9-2) – Comes out of a debut win in a state bred maiden, but won convincingly and Irad Ortiz wins at a high clip for trainer George Weaver
3. #10 Hard to Justify (6-1) – One of three to win at this distance, and was able to come from off the pace despite slow fractions in her debut for Chad Brown and keeps Flavian Prat
4. #8 She Feels Pretty (6-1) – Won a very fast five and half furlong sprint in her debut, and even with the distance stretch, her closing kick could be dangerous here
Race 10 – MC 40000
1. #12 Myles (7-2) – Seems like the most likely based on his past performances in an underwhelming field, as a repeat of his last race is probably good enough despite the tough post
2. #10 Barry the Builder (4-1) – This Michael Maker trainee is one of the most experienced of this bunch, with a few races that would put him squarely in the mix here even if he doesn’t win
3. #4 Fast Study (10-1) – Has a race two back on turf that could give him a chance here, but has otherwise been inconsistent and is one to toss if the race comes off
4. #11 Prix de West (5-1) – Probably better to play this one to round out exotics if the race stays on, as he has added lasix and ran solid last time with the drop into maiden claiming company
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