Spa selections 2018: Saratoga August 20

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 – OC 62500b

1. #6 Quality Time (4-1) – In the money three times this year including a win, and although cheaper than some others, will have the right style if she is stalking

2. #8 Fairyland (8-1) – The most speed in this race with some good class and returns to the turf after two on artificial

3. #4 Black Canary (5-2) – Will have her best chance of winning if the pace heats up and she sits more towards the rear with Rumble Doll, both making a move late

Race 8 – Evan Shipman Stakes

1. #7 Pat On the Back (2-1) – Second by a nose at Belmont in May to Diversify, who won this race last year, this four year old colt seems to be ready to take the next step in his career

2. #2 Can You Diggit (8-1) – Should have an opportunity to close into a bevy of frontrunners at a price, so take a shot with this Jerkens trainee

3. #3 Twisted Tom (3-1) – Control Group will likely have trouble hanging on to the lead even though he is good at this distance, but give the edge to this gelding in a bounce back effort

Race 9 – MC 40000

1. #5 Millies Party Boy (8-1) – Drops from open maiden race into maiden claimer, but will need a little bit of pace to win from the back

2. #10 Lemon Blitz (7-2) – Clearly didn’t like the mud last time out, and has one of the better turf tries of this field two back

3. #1 Riendo (9-2) – Run for Boston could end in the money, and Cuarenta is a toss up but worth a play, but neither competed in non claiming maidens meaning this gelding gets the edge