Spa selections 2019: Saratoga September 2

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 5 – Alw 50000s

1. #5 Labeq (5-1) – Has run well in his turf tries, and ran a strong second ahead of many of these in this field for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin

2. #11 Mo Gee (8-1) – Tough post hampers this gelding a bit, but still has some versatility to control this race or come from off the pace and has run well at Saratoga this meet

3. #7 Southern Brigade (10-1) – Whiskey is My Wine needs to come from too far off the pace, and Clyde’s Runner has good speed but cheap, so take this stalker at a nice number

Race 8 – OC 40000n2x

1. #7 Hay Field (5-2) – The best in this field, and should be well suited for this distance stretch, giving him more ground to close into the front runners

2. #10 Timely Tradition (6-1) – Should at least close into the money, but can get a nice trip from mid pack allowing her to take over late

3. #5 Miss Lilly B (6-1) – Can steal this race if she turns away New Girl in Town and Newport Breeze early, but the added distance will be tough for this Finger Lakes shipper

Race 9 – Grade II Bernard Baruch Handicap

1. #3 Qurbaan (7-2) – This six year old hasn’t won a race since winning this last year, but with some others likely trying to make up too much ground, take this horse off a layoff

2. #6 Sacred Life (5-2) – Probably the best of the Chad Brown entries, nearly running down Lucullan in the blistering Lure Stakes, and can win with some pace to run into

3. #1 March to the Arch (3-1) – Can play Dream Friend as a longshot who will try and steal this, but if this gelding is a bit more forward, he should have less ground to make up and can win

Race 10 – Grade I Hopeful Stakes

1. #3 Green Light Go (8-5) – With a nice stalking trip this winner of the Saratoga Special is the best here, and can handle getting involved in a hotter pace up front

2. #7 Basin (5-1) – This “third” Asmussen entry could be his best for this race and distance, as he draws Jose Ortiz and has been impressive in both starts

3. #5 By Your Side (6-1) – Gozilla may have trouble hanging onto the lead, and this winner of the Sanford might get overlooked, despite a graded win and spotless record