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 5 – Mdn 115k

1. #9 Al Mowashaah (5-2) – The only runner who has a turf route under his belt, this Brad Cox trainee should be in the mix with a repeat of his last try and appears to be the one to beat

2. #1 House of War (8-1) – Good workout pattern and should be solid value in a field where many starters need to show major improvement to have winning chances

3. #3 Our Warrior (9-2) – Debuts for Linda Rice and gets Jose Ortiz here, which is tough to pass up in this group full of question marks

4. #7 Calling Mr. Mo (7-2) – Wasn’t particularly sharp at first asking, but should see some improvement with the surface change even if he needs to adjust to added ground

Race 6 – OClm 20000

1. #2 Secured Landing (4-1) – Sharp early speed that has lent itself well to this distance with seven wins in eleven tries, and should be a threat to wire if he grabs the lead here with Carmouche

2. #6 Glen Airy (5-2) – Won over this track less than two weeks ago and has the most consistent recent form here for Linda Rice off the claim

3. #3 Trusty Rusty (5-1) – Hasn’t won since December, but continues to put forth good efforts and is one that can hit the board with a jockey trainer combo that has won five of seven together over the last year

4. #7 Unload (7-2) – Not quite as quick as some others, but gets Jose Ortiz here for Asmussen and should appreciate getting back to eight furlongs

Race 7 – Bolton Landing Stakes

1. #4 Extravaganzoo (6-1) – Beat state breds in her second try, but a repeat of that performance from mid pack could put her in the winner’s circle here if the pace heats up early

2. #3 Side Quest (7-2) – Has the right stalking running style to take advantage of this field where many appear to want the lead, plus keeps Irad Ortiz after a strong effort last time in her first turf try

3. #8 Shining Moment (5-1) – Has plenty of early speed in this quick field but removes blinkers and should improve after a rough outing in a crowded group II race at Ascot two months ago

4. #1 More Champagne (4-1) – Others have more questions with surface changes, and this filly by Golden Pal finished ahead of Shining Moment twice with a good debut race that competes here

Race 8 – MC 35000

1. #1 All Bright (7-2) – Was making a late move before running out of ground last time, and now stretches to seven furlongs with Jose Ortiz aboard

2. #9 Raised (3-1) – Grey filly by Liam’s Map couldn’t hold onto her lead going six furlongs last time, but should be near the front with Forever to Go which gives her a chance here

3. #3 Starship Lizzy (9-2) – Finished ahead of All Bright last time and should compete if that try was a sign of improvement as a three year old but still needs to be sharper to win

4. #4 Forever to Go (9-2) – The most experienced of the bunch who has competed against better, this filly hasn’t been sharp recently but has previous form that could win here

CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!