Spa selections 2020: Saratoga picks July 18
Ginger N Rye won the 2017 Smart N Fancy Stakes at Saratoga. Photo by Chelsea Durand/NYRA.
by Joseph Aiello
In Spa Selections, Saratoga on-site correspondent Joseph Aiello provides Saratoga picks for a handful of key races at Saratoga, including all of the exciting stakes action!
Race 3 – Grade II National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes
1. #5 Gufo (5-2) – Has been hugely impressive in back to back stakes wins, and has shown the ability to close even without quick fractions
2. #7 Decorated Invader (1-1) – Deserves the even money price, and this colt’s versatile running style make him a must play in multi race bets
3. #1 Domestic Spending (7-2) – Get Smokin may be able to control this race, but the added distance will allow this gelding to likely pass him in the stretch again
Race 7 – Alw 74000n1x
1. #5 Cucina (6-1) – Should get good value on this gelding who is switching back to dirt after a few solid tries on the turf against better company
2. #1 Yaupon (2-1) – This Asmussen trainee fought through some bumps in the stretch in his only start, and was able to impressively hold off his challenger and should run well here
3. #2 Binkster (5-2) – Has run more recently than Blindwillie McTell, and may try to sit a stalking trip to finish in the money
Race 9 – OC 80000
1. #2 Ramsey Solution (4-1) – Has had good success with Gaffalione, and can win if he sits off Noble Indy early and holds off a few closers
2. #7 Digital Age (2-1) – This colt has struggled to find the winner’s circle, but can’t ignore this combo and should be closing with Monarch’s Glen and Set Piece
3. #6 Set Piece (8-5) – Gets Joel Rosario who can close on the turf, but will have plenty of work to do and others coming from the back in this evenly matched field
Race 10 – Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks
1. #1 Tonalist’s Shape (9-5) – Altaf will be too reliant on a fast pace from Crystal Ball, and this filly appears to be a slight cut above the rest coming from off the leaders early
2. #2 Antionette (6-1) – Mott trainee switches back to dirt after a valiant effort in the Grade III Wonder Again, and could improve at a decent price
3. #6 Paris Lights (2-1) – Should be sitting right off of Crystal Ball early, and can take advantage in the stretch if fractions are slowed down up front
