Spa Selections 2026: Saratoga Picks July 18
Joseph Aiello
July 17, 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. #4 Portfolio Decision (5-2) – Controlled a slower pace last time out in a grade I win over this track, but may be best suited working a stalking trip even with a lack of speed here
2. #6 Segesta (3-1) – One of the classiest in here and one of four Chad Brown entries, this mare typically brings her A-game even if she doesn’t win and should be a good bet to finish in the money
3. #3 Kathynmarissa (2-1) – Last time out may have been a tad too far for this mare who is unblemished at nine furlongs and leads the field in earnings with $1.65 million
4. #2 Cathedral (6-1) – Her lone try in the states returned one of the sharpest speed figures of this bunch, with a bit more upside than Dynamic Pricing who may have more ground to make up late
Race 8 – Coronation Cup Stakes
1. #2 Cy Fair (3-5) – Clear favorite who wins if she runs her best here, likely starting in a stalking position or in the second grouping
2. #3 Sapphire Beach (5-2) – Keeps Jose Ortiz and is the only runner of this group who has speed figures that rival Cy Fair, even finishing ahead of her two back
3. #4 Cadenza (8-1) – Hasn’t missed the board since her debut, with a win over this course last year and one that could take advantage of others if someone goes out too fast
4. #5 Hark Theangelssing (12-1) – Virginia bred runner would need to take a step forward to have winning chances, but ran her best last time with a more forward trip which could help her here
Race 9 – Mdn 115k
1. #5 Mo the Merrier (8-1) – Colt by Uncle Mo sat a bit too close to a hot pace last time out at a mile, and now gets a cutback to seven furlongs with the speed figures and value to be a play here
2. #9 Gadget Play (7-2) – Closed well into third at first asking, with the running style that favors seven furlongs considering his strong closing kick last time
3. #8 Ize a Runner (12-1) – Sold for over a million as a yearling, this lone non starter by Gun Runner could surprise here if he fires first time out
4. #4 Stimulate (4-1) – Tough to pick against Criteria and Noble Edition, but this colt by Tapit has more upside coming off a long layoff and adding lasix here
Race 10 – OC 45000n2x
1. #8 Three B’s (4-1) – Faltered last time out on turf, but gets back to his preferred race and should be a player with a return to form especially if the track stays dry
2. #5 Whittington Park (3-1) – Good record in the money for this familiar jockey trainer combo who try this gelding under the same conditions but a furlong shorter this time with options for his running style
3. #3 Annexperience (8-5) – Has placed well when going to the front, and may have run his best race in his lone dirt try on an off track two back which could translate here
4. #1 King’s Leap (15-1) – Finger Lakes shipper has placed well at this distance and has three shows in four tries at Saratoga with better recent results than Elysian Meadows
Race 11 – OC 45000n2x
1. #7 Iron Max (3-1) – Good at the distance but may need to rate to have winning chances after coming up short in his last two while sitting a bit closer to the leaders
2. #10 Smooth Breeze (5-2) – Tougher post for this first time gelding who gets Jose Ortiz and drops from stakes company with good winning chances in this class
3. #2 Terminal Velocity (30-1) – May get overlooked due to the connections, but this gelding could control the pace at good value and end up in the money
4. #3 Cable Ready (15-1) – Jack and Jim failed to finish last time out after a near two year layoff, leaving more questions than answers as this grey gelding has been more consistent at this level despite a tough finish last time
Race 12 – Mdn 100k
1. #8 My Lil Army Girl (6-1) – Steps back up from maiden claimers, but has been closer recently with good early speed that should translate well to even shorter distance
2. #2 Apertif (7-2) – Nearly missed in her last two, but has had plenty of chances to break maiden even if some of her best efforts win here
3. #9 Combat Move (7-2) – Debuts here for Linda Rice, and gets the edge over some others due to their inconsistency at this level plus this duo is due for a win
4. #7 Daylight Dreamer (5-1) – Gets Carmouche back in the irons after he guided her to her best finish two back with an aggressive ride which gives her a chance
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