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 – Jonathan Kiser Memorial Novice Stakes

1. #1 Mr Percy (9-2) – Good consistency in stakes races despite a lack of wins, but had one of his best efforts at two and a quarter miles so should like the distance

2. #3 Cyber Ninja (7-2) – Ran well last time off a layoff in a steeplechase effort, and could be the one who takes advantage of others tiring late with his strong closing kick

3. #6 Famous Figure (2-1) – A winner in his debut and enters as a prime threat to win if he can build off of that lone try coming off the bench

4. #4 Doctor Love (10-1) – Should have the early lead here even if he has struggled to hold on in his six tries, but appears primed for a strong effort at this distance

Race 7 – Clm 35000n2L

1. #7 Ciro di Marzio (5-2) – Off a year long layoff for Wesley Ward, but drops in class and has the top end races to win here even though he has struggled to hit the wire first on the turf

2. #4 Blame It On K J (20-1) – Late finisher should be a bigger price and has hit the board in four straight including a win over this course last time out

3. #2 English Law (7-2) – Gets much needed class relief and returns to a more manageable distance with the speed figures that could put him in the winner’s circle

4. #6 Vintage Vino (4-1) – Coach Case has run exclusively in state bred races, and this gelding by Vino Rosso gets Irad Ortiz who wins at a strong clip with Linda Rice

Race 8 – OClm 75000

1. #1 Into the Light (6-1) – This gelding by Into Mischief has been trending in the right direction and has shown improvement since showing more aggressiveness early

2. #7 Palacios (5-2) – Has hit the board in all but one try on dirt, with his recent form suggesting that an extra furlong should help him in this spot

3. #4 Exhibition Only (6-1) – First time gelding has the class to be a winner here, but still needs to take a step forward despite the drop in class and surface chance

4. #3 Life Is Gravy (6-1) – Max Money has been too inconsistent in his seven tries, leaving this less experienced colt whose form should translate well to eight furlongs if Gaffalione keeps him off the lead

Race 9 – MC 50000

1. #9 Whatta Weekend (5-1) – Took a step forward in her last try where she took the lead and held for place, and could be a threat on the front against this lesser group

2. #12 Island Charm (5-1) – Has been in the mix against this class with good consistency, with comparable speed figures to this bunch

3. #3 Valiant Diva (8-1) – Seems to be improving recently with decreasing margins of loss in five straight with a chance to break through if she gets the right trip

4. #6 Roasted Reds (3-1) – Intothewilderness faltered last time out on the class drop, and was bested by this filly who keeps Flavian Prat and should be in the mix

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