Spa selections 2018: Saratoga August 29

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 – Alw 77000n1x

1. #8 Mama White Socks (20-1) – Getting overlooked because of cheap races, but with the most speed in this race, take a shot here

2. #2 Y’all Wicked (5-1) – Englehart trainee comes over from Finger Lakes after winning two straight and should fare decently here in a field that lacks winners

3. #4 Fair Regis (2-1) – Irad Ortiz stays on this filly who has had a few too many seconds, but should at least find her way into the money

Race 8 – OC 40000n2x

1. #4 The Caretaker (8-1) – Drops from an allowance race and has won his last two tries, sitting off the leaders should be the right style for him to win in the stretch

2. #9 Aveenu Malcainu (4-1) – Runner in five straight stakes races and removes blinkers which should help him settle down more and not go out too fast

3. #11 Stretch’s Stone (7-2) – Horoscope probably needs a rest, and while he will probably end in the money, any solid number on this gelding by Bustin Stones should be played

Race 9 – Grade III With Anticipation Stakes

1. #2 Joyful Heart (5-1) – Bet to favorite in open maiden and likely to have the front on a dry track and is stretching in distance

2. #7 Somelikeithotbrown (7-2) – Colt by Big Brown won huge last time coming from twelve lengths off to win by eight, and should be the one to beat

3. #1 Henley’s Joy (9-2) – Was impressive last time out and should be a bit more forwardly placed with the addition of blinkers