Spa Selections 2025: Saratoga Picks August 3
Joseph Aiello
August 2, 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!
1. #1 Mythical (4-5) – A comfortable winner in her first two, this filly should be able to adjust to the extra furlong and has shown a bit more than the others thus far
2. #4 Tiz in Sight (8-1) – Could have the right stalking running style to take advantage of a fast pace if Mythical gets pushed out too fast, and keep Jose Ortiz here
3. #2 Spa Prospector (10-1) – Could have been one that just enjoyed the slop last time, but still is the only to win at six furlongs and was better going to the lead
4. #5 Meringue (10-1) – Goes from turf to dirt here after a big move from last to first in her debut, and has upside if the pace collapses
Race 8 – Grade II Troy Stakes
1. #3 Bring Theband Home (3-5) – Wouldn’t make sense to bet this gelding to win if he starts at this short a price, but still is the most likely if he repeats last race
2. #4 Alogon (7-2) – Ran on well in the Grade I Jaipur last time over this turf course and has been putting forth good efforts since last year with a good chance to hit the board
3. #2 Twenty Six Black (10-1) – Put in a great four furlong breeze and has been consistent at the distance and at Saratoga and should be in line for a strong effort
4. #6 Senbei (8-1) – After typically coming from mid pack, this gelding went gate to wire last time out and could be more of a threat early with Bring Theband Home
Race 9 – OClm 50000
1. #9 Desperate Proposal (7-2) – Adds blinkers and exits a race where he ran second to a better horse, so could improve in this field despite the tougher post
2. #6 Back in the Saddle (4-1) – Drops from a stakes race against far better competition than this, and should be in a good early spot off the leaders here
3. #1 Hamilton’s Way (2-1) – First half of the entry wasn’t able to win last time in claiming company, but still has performances that put him in the mix here
4. #8 Patrick’s Promise (15-1) – Steps up in class but typically moves forward in his turf tries plus should be a bit more aggressive here
Race 10 – Clm 12500
1. #7 Gatsby (9-5) – Probably shouldn’t be this short a price here, but has better recent speed figures than the bunch and should be near the lead early
2. #5 Funny Joke (8-1) – Has been competitive in this class but needs to finish out his races stronger so may not be a top win contender even if he hits the board
3. #6 Tetsu (6-1) – Moved a bit earlier than usual last time, so getting back to a late running style should help him get back to his usual form
4. #9 Takeschargesmiling (12-1) – Much better when he breaks well and goes to the lead, but still has a solid record in the money and offers good value
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