Spa selections 2019: Saratoga August 4

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 – John Morrissey Stakes

1. #6 Gold for the King (2-1) – If Saratoga Giro can press Eye Luv Lulu just enough, this gelding should be able to pass them in the stretch

2. #1 T Loves a Fight (12-1) – Cheaper than others, but clearly in top form with a bullet work and three straight wins, so worth it at the price

3. #4 Build to Suit (5-2) – A lot to ask coming off a layoff from January, but has won in both tries at Saratoga and better than Eye Luv Lulu who usually fades in the stretch

Race 5 – Grade III Fasig-Tipton Waya Stakes

1. #6 Gentle Ruler (5-2) – Not quite the class of Santa Monica, but loves this longer distance and has won her last four in a row with jockey Chris Landeros

2. #4 Santa Monica (1-1) – Class of the race who may prefer a bit shorter, but if she gets a little bit of pace, should win

3. #2 Fools Gold (7-2) – Maybe not her ideal distance, but usually has a nice closing kick and should find her way into the money

Race 9 – Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes

1. #9 Seismic Wave (6-1) – The two Chad Brown horses finished ahead of him last time, but this could be a bounce-back effort as this colt has narrowly missed recently

2. #5 Eons (15-1) – Winner of his last four, including the Grade III Kent Stakes, and should be a nice number on the board

3. #4 Rockemperor (7-2) – Lost to Henley’s Joy last time, but was finishing strong in the stretch and can win here with some pace

Race 10 – Grade II Adirondack Stakes

1. #2 Frank’s Rockette (2-1) – Showed the most speed in the field last time, and will win in the stretch with a stalking trip

2. #8 Magic Dance (7-5) – Winner of a stakes race last time, and should be best suited to go this distance

3. #3 Perfect Alibi (9-2) – Will take advantage of any possible pace duel, and should prefer the extra furlong as more distance to come from mid pack