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)!

Md. Million: Youth served, but experience counts too
Trainer Phil Capuano, 32, got his first Maryland Million win Saturday, while Hamilton Smith (81) and Jerry Robb (74) each scored twice.

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