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 1 – Michael G. Walsh Novice Stakes

1. #6 Roja Redemption (7-2) – A fourteen length winner last time out at Colonial as one that is newer to hurdles, this gelding by Flintshire should run well in this step up

2. #8 Clifton Down (8-1) – Typically stays involved in the early stages of these steeplechase races, often finishing respectably and is familiar with stakes company

3. #2 Walk The Warrior (9-2) – Has been a bit more consistent than some others in here which gives him a good chance to finish in the money even if he isn’t as classy

4. #7 Carloun (5-1) – Has failed to finish in his last two tries, but still has the previous form that could make him a winner with some better luck this time around

Race 7 – Clm 17500n2L

1. #7 Melle Mel (6-5) – Drops from an optional claimer where she ran well and adds blinkers here where she should improve against this class

2. #8 Spirit of Esther (7-2) – Didn’t adjust well to the slop last time in her drop into claiming company, and should be a bit more aggressive here with Saez

3. #2 Our Lady Peace (9-2) – Hasn’t been winning in this company, but gets Irad Ortiz and should be in the mix even if she isn’t a top win contender

4. #6 She’s Complicated (6-1) – Has finished well out of it in her last two, but could be a factor if the track is sloppy or if she avoids a quick first half mile

Race 8 – New York Stallion Series Stakes

1. #1 Disco Star (5-2) – Ran well in the Suzie O’Cain last time out and has put in solid place efforts at Saratoga but needs to finish stronger to win here

2. #8 Nonna Lynne (4-1) – Broke maiden last time for Chad Brown from off the lead, but may need a bit of pace to run into to have winning chances here

3. #5 Boston’s Phinest (5-1) – May not be the most likely winner based on her recent stretch runs, but is in good form and has been finishing in the mix at this level

4. #6 Hangover Heaven (7-2) – A big ask stepping up from a maiden claiming win to this class, but ran great in that effort and should appreciate the added distance

Race 9 – Mdn 100k

1. #1 R P Byrne (8-1) – Espinoza comes into town solely to ride this first time filly for Wesley Ward with his only win of the meet thus far coming with Ward

2. #4 Bint Mischief (4-1) – The lone mount for Velazquez on the day, this filly by Into Mischief has a good workout pattern and should like turf first time out

3. #6 Delightful Darling (3-1) – The likely winner based on her two tries against mostly first timers, plus this filly should be in prime stalking position to win here

4. #10 Lit Ship (7-2) – Quiet Street deserves a look and Keto Drink can’t be ignored if she draws in, but this jockey trainer combo is too strong to pass up on in the money

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