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Spa selections 2018: Saratoga August 17

by | Aug 16, 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 2 – Saratoga Dew Stakes

1. #6 Pink Twist (6-1) – Allowing this Malibu Moon filly a chance to sit off the leaders and let them go at each other will give her a great chance to pick up the pieces late

2. #1 Frostie Anne (7-5) – Winner of her last five, the best in this race, but will need to hold off other challengers on the front end and steps up in class

3. #4 Frosty Margarita (7-2) – Has been better in her last two compared to Verdant Pastures, getting leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr. doesn’t hurt either

Race 7 – Alw 87000n1x

1. #5 Dancing All Night (7-2) – Velazquez staying on this mare instead of riding for Pletcher must mean she is live

2. #4 Ascot Walk (6-1) – Won at this distance and over this track a month ago, should be ready for class step up and will likely be near the front

3. #6 Laney (15-1) – McCall doesn’t have a great jockey trainer combo, and Cilantro was impressive last time but will need a softer pace, leaving this longshot with a chance to close

Race 8 – OC 40000n2x

1. #9 Honor Up (4-1) – Seemed to like the turf in first try last time, and should be in a decent spot in what might be an average pace

2. #8 Royal Blessing (8-1) – Always seems to be in the mix with a solid closing kick, gets edge over other closer Manoffire due to better record at distance

3. #1A Catch a Cab (3-1) – Jose Ortiz leaving Manoffire for this gelding by Proud Citizen should help his chances, needs some pace from Yummy Bear

Race 9 – Skidmore Stakes

1. #12 Sir Truebadour (5-1) – Asmussen decided to scratch this colt out of a dirt race to try him on turf, meaning he must be ready for this try dropping from a Grade III

2. #7 Good Good (12-1) – Another dirt to turfer but for Pletcher; getting a nice number here and some pace from Gins and Tins would be Good Good

3. #2 Shang Shang Shang (5-2) – This filly by Shanghai Bobby better be for real for trainer Wesley Ward who held her out to run in this stakes; will need to hold off Gins and Tins early