Spa Selections 2026: Saratoga Picks July 25
Joseph Aiello
July 24, 2026
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. #9 Bella Knows (4-1) – Classy filly gets Irad Ortiz and simply left herself too much ground last time out but may need a bit of early pace in here to win from off the lead
2. #12 Kokomotion (3-1) – Drops in class from the Grade III Florida Oaks and has some trip versatility winning from off the lead in her debut and stalking the leader in the Oaks
3. #1 Bourbon Betty (8-1) – Set honest fractions last time and still held on for third with a chance to go gate to wire if she controls a slower pace this time around
4. #2 Crossover Capital (5-1) – Maybe not the most talented of the bunch based on her lone try, but the connections warrant a play in this evenly matched group
Race 9 – Grade II Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes
1. #8 Built (8-5) – Wouldn’t be the best value if he goes off at or under this morning line price, but still has the best running style for this field and is in good form this year
2. #4 Just Beat the Odds (9-2) – Has been incredibly consistent at hitting the board and running his best, but now enters after an off effort at Delaware and loses Irad Ortiz to Built
3. #1 Damon’s Mound (4-1) – A winner of four of his last five, this Mott trainee is strong at the distance and has good early speed that could give him an advantage here especially if Just Beat the Odds doesn’t pressure him early
4. #3 Cat On Time (15-1) – Tough field here where many could win, but this gelding steps up in class with the recent form to contend at a price with some trip versatility
Race 10 – Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks
1. #7 Directive (6-1) – Maybe a tall ask stepping up in class, but her win last time out was faster than Counting Stars at this distance and should offer solid value with these connections
2. #1 Counting Stars (2-1) – The most likely if she repeats her Acorn victory, but the track should be slightly less speed biased than it was in June which may make this spot tougher
3. #6 Always a Runner (9-5) – Couldn’t match Counting Stars last time in the Acorn, but may get back to her preferred running style coming from mid pack which should set up for a stronger stretch run
4. #8 Zany (9-2) – Certainly has the upside to win here and adds blinkers which should keep her involved, but has to show that she has improved since her Kentucky Oaks let down and may want even more distance
Race 11 – Alw 105000n1x
1. #4 Moonlight Ready (9-2) – Steps up in class, but clearly improved last time in breaking her maiden on turf and has the early speed to go gate to wire here
2. #12 Fairy Godmother (7-2) – Tougher post especially for a deeper closer, but has the races to finish in the mix amongst this state bred company
3. #9 She’s Our Tiz (8-1) – Adds blinkers with good back class and solid efforts on the turf, but may lack the upside to win and may prefer more ground
4. #7 Dancingwithdestiny (4-1) – Tuthilltown has some upside from off the pace, but this filly should be on the early lead with a good chance to hold in the money even if she doesn’t win
Race 12 – MC 50000
1. #5 Lobbyist (3-1) – Drops back down to maiden claiming where he ran much better two back which came over this course, and could be a winner with a return to that form
2. #7 Leave Me (2-1) – Gets class relief after showing some improvement recently, but still needs to take a step forward to win and may not be a good price
3. #10 Foto (8-1) – Competitive against open company maiden claimers last time, and clearly prefers turf routes to the other races he has tried
4. #9 Kuleana (8-1) – Drops down to claimers like Dinghy Bar, with room for improvement going on lasix but needs to run his best to have chances
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