Spa selections 2019: 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 4 – Alw 50000s

1. #7 Surge Pricing (9-2) – Obviously not ideal to have Chad Brown and Klaravich give up on you, but this race could set up for someone off the pace

2. #5 Tenure (5-2) – Was impressive even in defeat last time, going out in a blistering pace and nearly hanging on and will win if he gets away easy

3. #8 Wild One Forever (4-1) – Has the ability to press Tenure, and though Seven Gems may try to press as well, this gelding is just a bit faster and has run well his last two

Race 8 – OClm 50000

1. #3 American Power (5-1) – Gets Jose Ortiz and should benefit from a likely hot pace in this wide open race where he should close

2. #4 Ray’swarrior (8-5) – Could have some trouble holding onto the lead, but clearly the class of this field who will win if he isn’t pressured early

3. #8 California Night (10-1) – Can’t ignore Majestic Affair who should improve off a tough performance last time, but this colt should do the same and can win if he breaks

Race 9 – P. G. Johnson Stakes

1. #7 English Breeze (5-1) – Won by four in her only try, and should get a little pace to run into from mid pack with a slew of front runners here

2. #2 Sunset Promise (8-1) – May try and wire on what has been a dry turf course, has been bet to favorite every time, and picks up Luis Saez

3. #6 Crystalle (3-1) – Joel Rosario should love this deep closer, and with Lady Melania overbet,  take this filly to pass others in the stretch