Spa selections 2018: Saratoga August 11

Race 3 – Grade II Adirondack Stakes

1. #3 Lyrical Lady (6-5) – This jockey trainer combo has been the best so far this year, already winning ten races together and with another likely win here

2. #5 Virginia Eloise (5-2) – Another solid jockey trainer combo that has won almost half their tries, and with this filly by Curlin they have a good chance as well

3. #2 Guacamole (8-1) – Pletcher’s other filly that placed first through disqualification last time gets an edge over Sue’s Fortune if she is at a price of over five or six to one

Race 7 – Alw 87000n1x

1. #4 Majestic Won (6-1) – Won in a solid try last time with her first turf race, will probably be in control of the race and has the most potential in a more heavily raced field

2. #5 La Naturel (8-1) – Lezcano almost brought this filly home last race at Saratoga and seems to be slowly improving making this race a likely breakthrough

3. #10 First Appeal (8-1) – Ultima D has more class and speed, but this four year old filly can close and has run well at the Spa

Race 8 – Grade I Fourstardave Handicap

1. #7 Yoshida (3-1) – Was so close to two graded wins at Saratoga last year coming from the back, and this race sets up well with two fast entries to his inside

2. #2 Delta Prince (4-1) – Wasn’t able to run down Heart to Heart last year here in the Bernard Baruch, but with Voodoo Song here as well, this Jerkins trainee should be there in the stretch

3. #4 Made You Look (4-1) – Gets slight edge over other closer Divisidero because of record at this track and distance

Race 9 – OC 62500n2x

1. #3 Mask (3-1) – Castellano returns on this colt by Tapit dropping from a stakes race and returning to a distance that suits him better than his last two

2. #1 Patternrecognition (9-5) – With 8 career races and 5 second place finishes including two at Saratoga, this five year old is a safe bet to come in the money

3. #5 Breaking the Rules (7-2) – Spikes Shirl gets the nod here if Phi Beta Express gives enough front end pace, but this colt by War Front is a bit classier

Race 10 – Fasig-Tipton Lure Stakes

1. #1 Projected (5-2) – Has come in the money in all three tries this year but without a win, should be due for a big performance after almost running down Voodoo Song last time

2. #3 Inspector Lynley (7-2) – Like Projected, this horse is very close to a win, but is a bit cheaper and needs more speed to run into

3. #2 Blacktype (8-1) – Tough to take Zennor here who last ran in this same race a year ago, so hope for a solid ride by Manny Franco on this gelding who should sit second or third early