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Spa selections: Saratoga September 4

by | Sep 4, 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 including the Lucky Coin Stakes!

Race 7 – Grade II Bernard Baruch Handicap

  1. #3 Delta Prince (6-1) – Will be sitting off of probable leader Heart to Heart, and should make a move in stretch run
  2. #8 Highland Sky (12-1) – Will make a move late if Heart to Heart goes out in similar fractions to last race
  3. #1 Heart to Heart (5-2) – Goes to the front and is dropping from impressive grade I stakes where he almost hung on to win with a half in 45 seconds

Race 8 – OC 40000n2x

  1. #2 Driven by Speed (7-2) – Best in race with running style that will be advantageous with softened surface for Todd Pletcher as he vies for the training title over Chad Brown
  2. #8 Lady Joan (8-1) – Coming out of two stakes races with solid performances, this filly should sit off Driven by Speed with a chance in stretch run
  3. #4 Tizzelle (4-1) – Could really make a case for anyone here, but go with filly by Tizway who performed better than Style Drift in last race

Race 9 – Grade I Hopeful Stakes

  1. #1 Mojovation (2-1) – Betting pure connections for this colt by Quality Road who keeps Velazquez over other Pletcher entry, but hint here if you can single other races; hit the all button
  2. #8 Free Drop Billy (4-1) – Working well and closed on Firenze Fire last time making distance stretch out a good move for this colt
  3. #7 Givemeaminit (10-1) – Was running down Sporting Chance last race, but can’t throw out D. Wayne Lukas who has been terrific in this race in the past

Race 10 – Mdn 73k

  1. #4 It Ain’t Easy (8-1) – After seeing these two win four races this meet together with Voodoo Song, the first time done since Native Dancer, it would be fitting for them to end with a win
  2. #8 Lulu’s Pom Pom (3-1) – Ran what should have been a winning race last time and favorite, and looks to have better success as long as she stays away from inquiries
  3. #2 Amanda Lane (6-1) – Gets bump up with improved post position over Andretta, and should go to the front and hold with right pace