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 – West Point Stakes

1. #8 George Briggs (7-2) – Might get the right set up here to win from behind the top grouping, now coming off a familiar layoff and running over a more balanced turf surface than in early June

2. #4 Mi Bago (2-1) – Should be the clear cut top win contender given his class against the best competition, but does has to stretch slightly past his preferred mile distance with other pace pressure here

3. #7 Sounds Like a Plan (6-1) – Three straight gate to wire wins with strong consistency and the speed to challenge Mi Bago, this gelding should be in the mix late if he runs his best for De Paz

4. #2 Spirit of St Louis (3-1) – Clearly not as sharp as her best from a year or two ago, but still has the races to hit the board with a strong record at the distance and good consistency over this track

Race 8 – Grade III Waya Stakes

1. #7 Awesomesauce (8-1) – A state bred stakes winner last time, this Ohio bred runner has shown a good closing kick when she comes from off the pace, and should do so here with Jose Ortiz

2. #6 Storm Miami (4-1) – Has improved her finishing position since being forwardly placed, but has been run down in three straight stretch runs even if she has faced classy fields

3. #3 Whitethorn (10-1) – Made a huge move in breaking her maiden last time, with her form indicating that she wants added ground for Pletcher

4. #8 Silvology (7-2) – Has run her best at this distance with a win over the track last time and should be in a good mid pack position with a chance to pounce late

Race 9 – OClm 25000

1. #9 Sweet Note (7-2) – Near winner last time out at this distance who should be on the early lead after an aggressive trip with Jose Ortiz over this track

2. #8 Sassy Princess (4-1) – Dropping in class following a disappointing effort but had three straight wins prior to that try and should factor into the early pace here with a better break

3. #4 Bam’s Bliss Kiss (3-1) – Another speedy filly who drops in class, this Jorge Abreu trainee exits from a state bred stakes and has past form that is good enough here

4. #2 Proud Foot (8-1) – Probably not a winner, but in a field with no true standout, this eight year old mare has plenty of experience and a good record in the money at this distance

Race 10 – Alw 105000n1x

1. #8 Joker on Fire (3-1) – Has been knocking on the door recently and looks for a breakthrough win since breaking his maiden on turf in November

2. #1 Illmatic (7-5) – Keeps Prat for Clement and could get back to showing early speed here with past races that would put him in the winner’s circle with repeat efforts

3. #5 Rhyton (6-1) – Late finisher has made solid pushes when coming from off the pace, but may be hoping for quicker fractions here to run his best with top jockey Jose Ortiz

4. #9 Van Vollenhoven (10-1) – Adds blinkers and does have a lack of in the money finishes on turf, but could find himself in the mix late if he runs his best

CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!