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 3 – Fleet Indian Stakes

1. #3 Kay Cup (6-5) – May be over-bet but stretching in distance shouldn’t be an issue and she appears to be a slight cut above the others in this small field

2. #5 Valtellina (5-1) – Couldn’t catch Lottie Margaret last time, but her two most recent mile efforts were sharper than what the others have shown at distance

3. #4 Lottie Margaret (5-2) – Won the New York Oaks last time out at Finger Lakes, but may not have the late speed at this distance to beat Kay Cup

4. #2 Vehemente (7-2) – Frequently bet to favorite, this filly by Vekoma seems to prefer shorter distance, but put in a sharp four furlong breeze and could hold in the money

Race 8 – OC 75000n2x

1. #7 Cupid’s Heart (3-1) – Should improve after facing My Mane Squeeze last time, as her previous form suggests that the extra furlong shouldn’t be an issue here

2. #6 Perfect Shot (5-1) – This Asmussen filly by Gun Runner may be distance limited at this level, but could be a play from mid pack if the pace is honest

3. #5 Catherine Wheel (2-1) – Has never finished worse than third in ten tries for Chad Brown, and has some good recent class that compares well with this group

4. #2 Khali Magic (6-1) – Irad Ortiz takes this mount on this mare who has been good at hitting the board at this distance and should be in a good position early

Race 9 – Albany Stakes

1. #5 Train the Trainer (1-1) – From a speed figure perspective, only Iron Dome has a chance to contend with this gelding who should have no issues with the distance

2. #4 Iron Dome (7-5) – Has been dominant this meet in his two tries at this distance and should be in the right stalking position as the other that has a real chance

3. #6 Hit the Post (9-2) – Likely better going shorter, as this gelding was no match for Train the Trainer last time and doesn’t have it any easier in this spot

4. #2 Just Licorice (15-1) – A clear step below the top contenders from a class perspective, but may be best suited coming from off the pace to hit the board

Race 10 – Mdn 90k

1. #2 No Ordinary Love (5-2) – Keeps Flavian Prat after improving in her second try and should be dangerous here especially if the pace heats up early

2. #9 Garden of Grace (7-2) – Was closing with No Ordinary Love last time and clearly prefers turf to her dirt try first time out for George Weaver

3. #5 Stormy Central (8-1) – First timer for David Donk gets Irad Ortiz and has been working well with three half mile breezes over twelve days

4. #10 Aperitif (6-1) – Wasn’t as impressive as some others who ran against her last time, but is still good enough to get a piece of the pie if she makes a late move

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