Spa selections 2018: Saratoga August 3

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 6 – Alw 77000n1x

1. #8 Stonefactor (5-1) – The most speed in the race, should be able to hold off Cirque, Lune Lake, and Lulu’s Pom Pom early and late

2. #6 Hannah’s Smile (2-1) – Has lost a few close ones, but has the right running style to get the edge here over Lune Lake and Lulu’s Pom Pom who can’t keep up with Stonefactor

3. #3 Lulu’s Pom Pom (6-1) – With Cirque so reliant on the break, this grey filly should be sitting off the leaders with a chance to make a move in the stretch if Lune Lake and Cirque press

Race 8 – Alw 87000n1x

1. #10 Weather Wiz (4-1) – Repeat of last race will win get Jerkins his first win this year, and should be alone on the front since Can You Diggit has had troubles breaking in the past

2. #4 Holland Park (5-1) – Last seen almost running down Diamond King in the Tesio, should find himself in the mix during the stretch run

3. #2 Inherent (12-1) – Can You Diggit might find his way into the money, but has a tough time winning, and Proven Reserves needs to break, so take Pletcher and Velazquez at a price

Race 9 – Grade II National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes

1. #5 Ride a Comet (8-1) – Three wins in three tries on the turf with a blazing hot finish last time at a mile; should be closing into pace created by Gemonteer and Gidu

2. #4 Raging Bull (3-1) – Will be moving late with Ride a Comet, has been bet to favorite last two races and should like extra distance

3. #2 Maraud (5-1) – With Sand Dancer a bit too cheap for this field, and Gidu and Gemonteer likely to wipe each other out on the front, take this colt by Blame who is the only Graded winner