Spa selections 2019: Saratoga July 18

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 3 – Stillwater Stakes

1. #3 Fierce Lady (1-2) – Pretty telling that Javier Castellano took this mount over second morning line choice Time Limit

2. #6 Time Limit (9-2) – Only other in six horse field who can keep up with Fierce Lady, and the only chance for others is if this filly runs her into ground early

3. #2 Jewel of Arabia (8-1) – Could certainly play My Italian Rabbi or Classy Sadie for a closer, but take a chance with this first time starter who Rosario jumped onto from Jen’s Battle

Race 9 – OC 62500n2x

1. #6 Roaming Union (5-1) – Another stalking running style that will serve him well here with a strong jockey trainer duo

2. #5 Vincento (10-1) – Quick turnaround means this gelding is in top form, and sitting off Flowers for Lisa is his best bet

3. #4 Royal Albert Hall (12-1) – Hofburg may come in the money, and Proven Reserves gets a plus if the track is sloppy, but this Atras trainee can close

Race 10 – OC 40000n2x

1. #7 Mama Mary (6-1) – Even in the case of an off the turf, this filly by Bodemeister has every chance to wire the field with some great bullet works showing her form

2. #11 Sadie Lady (7-2) – Another speed, but has been consistent and has the jockey trainer combo to make a play

3. #8 Merlins Muse (6-1) – If this race stays on, this filly could take advantage of a hot pace on the softer surface and close in the stretch with First Appeal

MTO Pick: #5 Kept True (3-1) – Covering this filly and the entry along with Mama Mary should be enough to get a winner on an off track