Spa selections 2018: Saratoga August 1

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 – Alw 77000n1x

1. #7 Appealing Briefs (8-1) – Finally broke through last time out with a win, and seems to be the most versatile in terms of running style here; a good trip by Franco will get him on the board

2. #8 Shiraz (6-1) – Another gelding with issues winning finishing second in his last four tries, still a safe play to be involved late

3. #2 New Jersey John (12-1) – Not quite the connections of Take It to Scale or the speed of Crossways, but take a shot with this gelding who has won twice in his last three with Lezcano

Race 8 – Shine Again Stakes

1. #4 Come Dancing (7-2) – Ran and won easily a week ago, so if she stays in this race she could have a similar result

2. #8 Your Love (2-1) – Has lost a few close races in her career, but should still be in the mix at the end; seven furlongs might be a tad far though

3. #7 Heavenly Score (3-1) – Could use Yorkiepoo Princess or Cairenn, but this filly has the hot jockey trainer combo and the only win at seven furlongs in this field

Race 9 – OC 40000n2x

1. #6 Uncle Youdge (7-2) – The best of the frontrunners and with back to back wins; a little bit cheap, but will win if he breaks well

2. #3 Callant (20-1) – Huge value and should be sitting right off of the leaders with a chance to make a move in the stretch

3. #4 Frisky Magician (2-1) – Coming out of two graded tries, give this gelding an edge over Whatstotalkabout because of better post; but both should be closing near the money late