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 8 – Alw 110000n1x

1. #6 Big Beautiful (6-1) – Both of her wins came off the bench, and now comes off a layoff for the third time with good early speed and strong turf performances

2. #8 Louise Procter (4-1) – Bet to favorite in her last try, this Brown and Prat filly was a bit closer to the leaders last time and finished stronger so can do that again here

3. #9 Curlin’s Angel (5-2) – Gets Irad Ortiz after two solid efforts in as many tries and was not overmatched last time when stepping up into this class

4. #10 Any Port (10-1) – Has been competitive in this company and even if she isn’t the top win contender, this mare can find a way into the money

Race 9 – Grade I Hopeful Stakes

1. #5 Buetane (2-1) – Seven figure colt by Tiz the Law should be sitting behind Romeo in the first half mile with a chance to run by him late if he tires

2. #3 Romeo (3-1) – Should be on the lead and recently sold for $1.7 million but adds another furlong and could face some pressure early

3. #4 Aye Eye (15-1) – Visually impressive finish going from a distant last to first in his debut, and would be the one to benefit if the pace falls apart

4. #1 Curtain Call (9-2) – Emphasis can certainly be played, but if this colt can repeat his last try in the slop here, he has a real chance of winning

Race 10 – Saranac Stakes

1. #5 Tank (15-1) – More turf experience than the others, and can go gate to wire here if he doesn’t set too fast a pace on the class drop

2. #6 Leon Blue (12-1) – Has fared well at this distance in state bred company, but now faces open company here and will need to run his best to win

3. #1 Asbury Park (7-2) – Prat and Brown get another shot with this colt who didn’t run his best last time, but left too much ground and can be a threat with a more forward trip

4. #3 Stars and Strides (9-2) – Showed a clear step forward in his switch to turf last time, and should be in a good mid pack position to make a late move

Race 11 – Mdn 100k

1. #3 Twolatebabydoll (7-2) – Has been in the mix in all five of her starts, finally trying the eight furlong distance that appears to suit her best based on her running style

2. #5 Say Yes To Dreams (4-1) – Can’t ignore this strong jockey trainer combo in the last race of the meet who may just need to get a better trip this time with this filly

3. #1 Loveontheleftbank (6-1) – First time lasix and gets Irad Ortiz Jr. in her first try in North America for Miguel Clement and could offer value

4. #6 Cleopatra’s Key (12-1) – My Sherrona hasn’t shown improvement and has no turf tries, leaving this filly by American Pharaoh who gets back to the turf here

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