Spa selections 2019: Saratoga August 2
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 6 – Clm 35000n3L
1. #4 Herecomesyourman (3-1) – Certainly has some winning issues, but gets a nice class drop and is always in the mix
2. #7 The Green Mo’ster (8-5) – His try two back will win this race, and should run better off the layoff as he did last year
3. #5 Bemma’s Boy (6-1) – Soulmate got a perfect trip and slow fractions last time, so this gelding by Into Mischief should be able to close with a little more pace
Race 7 – Grade II National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes
1. #5 Casa Creed (3-1) – Was still closing in the stretch against Win Win Win in an extremely fast race, and will be tough to beat even if Award Winner controls the race
2. #4 Award Winner (7-2) – Gets Jose Ortiz, should like the distance cut back, and should control the front end early with a chance to steal
3. #3 English Bee (9-2) – Can’t ignore Global Access, but this colt should revert to form after a tough Grade I try and returns to his ideal distance
Race 8 – Alydar Stakes
1. #8 Candygram (9-2) – Keeps Junior Alvarado and should be able to sit off of American Tattoo and come home in the stretch
2. #6 Carlino (8-1) – Plenty in this field are suited for other distances, including this gelding, but he and You’re to Blame will close if the pace gets too hot
3. #2 Tom’s d’Etat (7-5) – Clear class of this race and likely favorite who finished four lengths off of McKinzie two back and has won both tries at Saratoga
Race 9 – Saratoga Oaks Invitational Stakes
1. #5 Concrete Rose (2-5) – Too many questions surrounding the others here, and will win if Julien Leparoux times her move correctly
2. #6 Her Royal Highness (15-1) – Only filly here who has shown the most potential to upset Concrete Rose since she will like the distance and has shown some impressive stretch runs
3. #1 Olendon (6-1) – Has a more experienced jockey at Saratoga than happen, gets first time lasix, and picks up trainer Chad Brown who should help her improve