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Spa selections: Saratoga August 3

by | Aug 3, 2017 | Breaking, Handicapping

Pret Say Eye

Pret Say Eye was antsy early, strong late for trainer Lacey Gaudet (left) at Saratoga last year. Photo by Teresa Genaro.

by Joseph Aiello

In Spa Selections, Saratoga on-site correspondent Joseph Aiello provides picks for a handful of key races at Saratoga. Today, it’s four races, including the $100,000 Shine Again Stakes.

Race 1 – Mrs. Ogden Phipps Stakes

  1. #4 Amnicalola (9-2) – Won last time out with jockey Forest Boyce and should be within striking range in the stretch
  2. #8 Sarah Joyce (7-2) – Best in field who has recently proven her talent in hurdle races
  3. #7 Amazing Anthem (8-1) – Broke maiden at hurdles this May and adds young jockey who is two for two so far at Saratoga

Race 3 – OC 80000b

  1. #4 Hogy (7-5) – Eight-year-old gelding dropping from a Grade III and should be able to close into a hot pace provided he breaks decently
  2. #3 Big Rock (2-1) – Stalks pace then makes a charge at end to try and maintain undefeated record at the Spa
  3. #2 Angry Moon (7-2) – Not sure if Anytime Anyplace or Platinum Prince can keep up with this six year old horse, but he isn’t necessarily strongest on this surface

Race 7 – Alw 85000n1x

  1. #2 Defrock (12-1) – Filly by Blame could be trainer William Mott’s next strong three-year-old
  2. #1 Kahrumana (5-2) – Has steadily improved for trainer Chad Brown in three career starts and seems to like this distance
  3. #8 Enchanting Kitten (9-2) – Might not have closing power of Danceland or Tamit, but if Into Summer or Overnegotiate provide extra speed stretching out, this Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey filly will win it

Race 8 – Birdstone Stakes

  1. #5 Scuba (9-2) – Only one to win at this distance and with current jockey Kendrick Carmouche
  2. #4 Tu Brutus (7-5) – Came out of last race in bad form, but is the best of this field if he can stretch another quarter of a mile
  3. #6 Munjaz (6-1) – Had a solid effort at a mile-and-a-half two races back and adds jockey Joel Rosario

Race 9 – Alw 85000n1x

  1. #3 Whiskey Seven (4-1) – Closes into pace battle between Polar Axis and Seize
  2. #5 Seize (7-2) – Will be towards front, but might fade in stretch if pushed by Polar Axis
  3. #6 Banana Thief (15-1) – Has had some solid turf sprints recently and is only one to win at distance and at Saratoga