Spa Selections 2025: Saratoga Picks July 18
Joseph Aiello- July 17, 2025
Cover photo by NYRA/Adam Coglianese.
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)!
Check out our other handicapping here!
Race 7 – OC 100000b
1. #6 Nantasket Beach (3-1) – Back to back quick finishes at this distance, albeit against lesser competition but can win with a repeat of his last try
2. #7 Big Everest (7-2) – Should be on the lead and has a good record at this distance but does have trouble holding on to leads in the stretch
3. #5 I’m Very Busy (7-5) – The classiest in here by far, but hasn’t raced in over a year and may prefer more distance than this
4. #8 Full Screen (10-1) – Plenty of questions with the other entries leave this gelding who hasn’t fared well on turf, but has good consistency if his form translates
Race 8 – Grade II Shuvee Stakes
1. #5 Raging Sea (1-1) – Didn’t like the slop last time in the Ogden Phipps, and with a better break here and a dry track, this mare is the one to beat
2. #2 Gun Song (10-1) – Ran second to Malibu Beauty last time all the way around, but should be in a prime stalking position and shows good consistency
3. #6 Dazzling Move (5-2) – Should be near the lead with Gun Song and Malibu Beauty, and has good back class but needs to prove she can get this distance
4. #7 Malibu Beauty (12-1) – Has raced against lesser competition, but beat Gun Song last time and has a strong record in the money
Race 9 – OC 100000n1x
1. #7 King of Ashes (9-2) – Simply ran too far in his last two, so should get the right distance in this one and improved on turf
2. #9 Hands of Time (15-1) – Has fared much better on turf than dirt in his career and could take advantage of a field that appears to lack a pace setter
3. #1 Asbury Park (9-5) – Ran on the slower side in his first two tries but those came on softer surfaces so could be ready for a huge effort here if it’s dry
4. #10 Anegada (15-1) – Thirteen Colonies has upside here as well, but this Maker trainee gets a slightly better post and has a good chance to hit the board
Race 10 – MC 50000
1. #4 Princess Summer (5-1) – Ran much better last time out after a long layoff with a mid pack trip, and has winning chances with a similar trip this time around
2. #8 Artistic Success (5-1) – Keeps Irad Ortiz and could benefit from the added distance here plus may offer good value
3. #10 Dancin Jane (5-2) – Rice trainee has hit the board twice in three tries but has yet to finish strong even with good positioning entering every stretch run
4. #9 Saipan (4-1) – Showed clear improvement in her switch to turf last time and can finish in the mix with a repeat of that effort plus keeps Prat in the irons
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