Spa Selections 2025: Saratoga Picks August 22
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. #3 Iron Orchard (4-5) – Was impressive in her debut, now coming off a short layoff but may have company if she looks to grab the early lead
2. #6 Grazie (4-1) – The only runner here to win at the distance, but did so in her debut over a muddy surface which could be either a positive or negative here
3. #5 Shakti (7-2) – Gate to wire winner first time out, keeping Ricardo Santana and likely to be one of a few that is aggressive from the jump
4. #1 Angel Gift (5-1) – Should have the right set up in a race that could have a quicker pace, and drops from a grade III plus should get back to her ideal running style here
Race 8 – OC 100000b
1. #3 Cagliostro (5-2) – Hasn’t won in over a year, but could be the beneficiary of a quick pace and has a chance if he sits mid pack with Flavian Prat
2. #6 Mama’s Gold (6-1) – Major drop in class from the Grade I Whitney, and will likely be on the early lead but could face some pressure from others that make a win difficult
3. #5 Film Star (7-2) – Was impressive last time out amongst similar competition, and should be going to the front but needs to put away Mama’s Gold to win
4. #4 Cooke Creek (5-1) – Full Screen may improve after facing tougher in his last two, but this one drops from graded tries and picks up Ricardo Santana in the irons
Race 9 – Yaddo Stakes
1. #4 Spinning Colors (7-2) – Could have the speed advantage on this group and is a real threat if she controls a modest pace plus ran against better last time out
2. #10 Silver Skillet (6-1) – Tougher post but has been good at this track and distance even if she may be better going to the front than rating with others who are faster
3. #1 Moonage Daydream (4-1) – Has won both tries at this distance and should be near the lead but comes off a longer layoff as she looks to repeat from last year
4. #2 Awesome Czech (6-1) – Keeps Ricardo Santana and seems to run her best over this turf course with some good trip versatility as well
Race 10 – Clm 35000n2L
1. #4 Alexis Zorba (7-2) – Has trouble winning, but drops in class here and has been hitting the board at a good clip with some strong efforts over this turf course
2. #9 Film Academy (6-1) – Another dropping in class and would be one to take advantage of a pace collapse if Alexis Zorba is pressed early
3. #5 Reynolds Channel (8-1) – No turf experience but has the form to compete against this group where many have more questions than answers
4. #8 Nano Man (8-1) – Gets a slight edge over Cousin Ed due to his better races at this distance and some solid performances over this course
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