Spa selections: Saratoga July 22
Pret Say Eye was antsy early, strong late for trainer Lacey Gaudet (left) at Saratoga in 2016. 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 6 – Alw 50000s
- #8 Fuel the Bern (7-2) – With some question marks regarding the other entries, this four year old colt who is cutting back in distance deserves a play based on recent tries and bullet work
- #3 Ventry Bay (4-1) – A good pick to finish in the money but has had issues winning similar races in the past
- #4 Wet Your Whistle (6-1) – Other dirt to turfer Bam Bam Blu might have been more impressive in last race, but not sure if effort was due to sloppy track so take this gelding
Race 8 – Alw 87000n1x
- #6 Lion in Wait (4-1) – Won two of last three and was nosed out in last try so seems to be in best form of this field
- #4 Queen Mum (8-1) – Take a shot with this dirt to turf filly who is very close to putting it all together
- #9 Transition Tax (10-1) – Will control the pace, and has won at Saratoga and twice at this distance; repeat of last race is clearly better than morning line favorite Dancing Breeze
Race 9 – Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks
- #2 Midnight Bisou (7-5) – Rough trip in the Kentucky Oaks in May; should see a cleaner trip here in smaller field and challenge Monomoy Girl at the wire
- #4 Monomoy Girl (4-5) – Undefeated this year and clear top horse, but look elsewhere for value and potential upset if Gio Game or Midnight Bisou apply enough pressure early
- #3 Eskimo Kisses (6-1) – Will need help from Gio Game, but this filly keeps improving running well from a tough post in the Kentucky Oaks
