Spa selections 2019: Saratoga August 7
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 1 – Mrs. Ogden Phipps Stakes
1. #3 Down Royal (5-2) – Consistently involved in her races and in the money, plus gets her usual rider back in Bernard Dalton
2. #1 Wigwam Baby (2-1) – Nearly won this race two years ago, and should benefit from a stretch out in distance
3. #2 Our Frosty (6-1) – Once won by fifty nine lengths, and will also prefer the stretch out back to over two miles
Race 6 – Mahony Stakes
1. #2 Elektronic (6-1) – Was flying down the stretch in the Quick Call, and will get a plus if the turf is a bit softer due to rain
2. #1 Uncle Benny (5-2) – Hasn’t run since nearly missing in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf, but is still one of the most talented here
3. #7 Archidust (2-1) – The Black Album might want longer distances, so take this colt by Verrazano who was strong on the turf last time
Race 8 – Alw 50000s
1. #5 Golden Tiger (5-1) – Isn’t moving up in class like a few others here, and was bet to favorite last time plus should like this distance
2. #3 Clench (5-2) – Might get overplayed because of a second place finish to Shancelot last time, but should still take advantage of some solid fractions
3. #8 El Asesino (4-1) – Can make a case for many others in this race, but this gelding should at least find himself in the money and has the largest class drop in the field
Race 9 – Evan Shipman Stakes
1. #1 Vincento (10-1) – Scratched out of a few races to land in this spot, keeps Jose Ortiz and should get a nice stalking trip in what could be a hot pace for the leaders
2. #2 Mr. Buff (6-5) – Clear best in the race, but with a few others who may push him early, it could be hard for this gelding to hang on in the stretch
3. #4 Dynamax Prime (5-1) – Should be able to close if pace is too hot, and has been running well and in good form this year
