Spa selections 2024: Saratoga picks July 11 * The Racing Biz

Spa selections 2024: Saratoga picks July 11

Joseph Aiello
July 10, 2024

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)!

Willy D’s turns tables to win G2 Charles Town Classic
Second a year ago in the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic, Willy D’s turned the tables to win this year’s event in front-running style.

Race 9 – OC 80000b

1. #6 Rocket Can (9-2) – Comes off a sharp work and has all three wins off of a layoff, meaning this should be a good spot for him

2. #3 Film Star (5-1) – Should be on or near the lead and has a good record in the money lifetime as well as against similar competition here last year

3. #2 Salute the Stars (6-1) – Should be good value, and has a chance if he runs back to his form last summer with a stalking trip by Irad Ortiz

4. #7 Blazing Sevens (7-2) – Hasn’t fared well at the Spa since his debut, but gets the edge over the other Chad Brown trainee Artorius and Signator due to back class

Race 10 – Schuylerville Stakes

1. #3 Sherbini (9-2) – Tough field where many can win, this filly should get the right set up in a stalking position to have winning chances here

2. #10 Viggiedal (9-2) – Could end up being the favorite come post time with Asmussen, and may be the best if she gets a clean break and trip

3. #9 Long Neck Paula (8-1) – Comes off a layoff for Wesley Ward and adds distance, but has a half a million price tag and plenty of talent to compete here

4. #5 Complexion (7-2) – Controlled a slower pace in a dominant debut and likely won’t have the same trip here, but gets a slight edge over Dreamgirl

Race 11 – MC 40000

1. #7 Il Siciliano (8-1) – Was showing improvement on the turf before a try on artificial last time, and could win here with a repeat of his race two back

2. #9 Kick a Buck (9-5) – Chad Brown trainee has run against better competition than most of these in his three starts, and should improve here but at a short price

3. #8 Parkway (4-1) – Didn’t improve last time with the class drop, but still has a bit more upside on the turf than the more consistent Bolt d’Plata

4. #10 Battlefield Park (8-1) – Was near a quicker pace last time and still held for place, also running better with the surface change