Spa selections 2018: Saratoga August 27

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 4 – Alw 85000nc

1. #5 T Loves a Fight (12-1) – Not sure if this gelding is in top form, but had a similar pattern last year running in the John Morrisey, then winning and Allowance the race after and is a price

2. #2 Eye Luv Lulu (6-5) – Seems like Weekend Hideaway took advantage of a muddy track last time against this gelding who will sit off the two leaders and pounce late

3. #4 Celtic Chaos (3-1) – Eric Cancel had to check this horse in the stretch in the John Morrisey and otherwise would have beaten the co favorites here so give him a play

Race 6 – Alw 87000n1x

1. #6 Bam Bam Blu (7-2) – Irad Ortiz jumps off of a few others to ride this Servis trainee who has already won here this year

2. #8 Thunder’s Honor (8-1) – Bet to favorite in last two, and seems to have found his distance and surface in his last race

3. #3 Stolen Pistol (4-1) – A bit more class than Dr. Shane, and in better form than Pagliacci and New York Song so take him at a decent number

Race 8 – Better Talk Now Stakes

1. #5 Rose’s Vision (9-2) – A lot of class and the ability to sit off the leaders on a track that has been playing to speed

2. #2 Ceevee (6-1) – Some solid works and a few wire to wire wins, especially last time out with good fractions; definitely play at a solid price

3. #8 Irish Territory (10-1) – Will be a better number than other likely players Have At It and Prioritize, and just ran in a Grade II against Catholic Boy