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Spa selections: Saratoga July 28

by | Jul 28, 2018 | Breaking, Handicapping

Pret Say Eye

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, including all of the exciting stakes action!

Race 7 – Grade III Amsterdam Stakes

  1. #3 Engage (8-5) – Best in this field even with Derby finisher Promises Fulfilled and is two for two on the off surface
  2. #6 World of Trouble (5-2) – Will like distance cutback and should apply enough pressure up front to hang on in the money
  3. #5 Strike Power (5-1) – With Promises Fulfilled flaming out in the stretch, this colt by Speightstown could take over late

Race 8 – Grade I Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap

  1. #1 Switzerland (2-1) – Gets the edge over Imperial Hint due to record on the off track and being undefeated this year
  2. #4 Imperial Hint (6-5) – Might have some trouble with the surface, but clearly the best and most accomplished in this field
  3. #7 Done Deal (8-1) – Could really make a case for anyone here, but give this gelding the edge over Petrov and Warrior’s Club because of better record this year and in the mud

Race 9 – Grade II Bowling Green Stakes

  1. #6 Sadler’s Joy (7-2) – Won the Sword Dancer last year and seems to be on the brink of another breakthrough win at the Spa
  2. #7 Hi Happy (5-2) – Won his only try at this distance and should be in control of the race until the stretch run
  3. #3 Bigger Picture (8-1) – Money Multiplier seems to finish second a lot, so take this seven year old gelding who needs some pace up front to close

Race 10 – Grade II Jim Dandy Stakes

  1. #2 Tenfold (8-5) – His Preakness try might have shown an affinity for the mud, which will help him run down Flameaway late
  2. #5 Vino Rosso (1-1) – Should have every chance to take over the lead from Flameaway in the stretch, but might not love the muddy surface
  3. #3 Reride (12-1) – With this distance a bit outside Flameaway’s reach, this turf to dirt colt should like the added distance and scratched out of yesterday’s Curlin to take on this field