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 – New York Stallion Series Stakes

1. #5 George Briggs (8-5) – Comes out of a stakes try at this distance against stiffer competition and was closing into a quick pace plus gets Irad Ortiz here

2. #3 Friend Ofthe Devil (7-5) – Stretches in distance but should have the early lead and has never lost on the turf in three tries including at this level last time

3. #2 Buttah (12-1) – Has the speed figures to be in the mix despite the lack of turf experience, and should be in a good stalking position to close

4. #1 Coach Case (6-1) – Didn’t take to the softer turf surface last time out, but was bet to favorite in his first two tries and has a win over this turf course

Race 8 – MC 20000

1. #3 Grey Ace (10-1) – This ridgling by Motile adds blinkers after a disappointing effort last time and drops even further in class which should lead to some improvement

2. #9 Rock Concert (6-1) – Questions from the others leave this first timer for Brad Cox who has a good workout pattern and more upside than the others

3. #6 Levitating (5-1) – First off the claim for Tom Amoss and may be running late if the pace heats up early plus keeps Jose Ortiz in the irons here

4. #4 Freedom Maker (7-2) – Take Preposition if the track is sloppy, but this one adds blinkers and cuts back in distance with even more of a class drop

Race 9 – OClm 40000

1. #1 Brit’s Wit (8-1) – Can win here with a repeat of his last try, but likely won’t get the same pace to run at so needs to be a bit more forward

2. #3 Enlighten (9-5) – Bet to favorite last time and took aim at a torrid first half mile, and may need a similar pace to have winning chances at this distance

3. #9 Hedge the Risk (6-1) – Steps up from maiden claimers after a strong win last time out, and had been showing improvement since switching to turf two back

4. #7 Steadfast Resolve (7-2) – Gets Irad Ortiz and drops a bit in class plus cuts back in distance to a more manageable route but needs to close from off the lead

Race 10 – MC 50000

1. #10 Deemer (6-5) – First time lasix for Cherie DeVaux and drops out of state bred maiden company into claiming and is familiar with this turf course

2. #7 Naguile (2-1) – Ran well first time out even if he was in position to finish a bit stronger, but can be a factor with improvement off of that try

3. #1 Wind Dancer (10-1) – This heavily raced maiden has been a bit better on turf than dirt in his career, and may be best suited coming from off the pace to try and hit the board

4. #3 Mitzy Fog (6-1) – This filly takes on the boys after being claimed following her debut, now picking up Irad Ortiz who rides for Robert Falcone

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