Spa selections 2020: Saratoga picks July 26

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 6 – Alw 74000n1x

1. #11 Cost Benefit (2-1) – Should get a better post when three MTOs likely scratch out, and any type of slow fractions will allow this filly to go wire to wire

2. #6 Witez (4-1) – Should see major improvement dropping from a Grade III, but does have trouble winning so best if used in exotics

3. #2 Eye of a Soldier (6-1) – Jazzique may end up in the money, but this filly will provide better value and a chance for a closing score if Cost Benefit faces unlikely pressure

Race 7 – Alw 74000n1x

1. #9 Cryogenic (7-2) – Steps up in class which may help his price, and Irad Ortiz should have this grey horse within striking distance of the leaders in the stretch

2. #8 Fast Getaway (9-5) – A repeat of last race will likely lead to a win here for this Linda Rice trainee who should finish in the money at the very least

3. #7 American Mandate (3-1) – Has had major seconditis in his career including his only turf try, but a return to the grass could be the spark this colt needs

Race 8 – Alw 74000n1x

1. #5 Beau Luminarie (6-1) – Should be good value here and showed a strong closing kick last time out at this distance in a near win

2. #3 High Amplitude (3-1) – Sitting off of Summer Kid and Happy Saver will set this gelding up well for the slight distance stretch out which he should relish in

3. #2 Happy Saver (6-5) – Irad and Pletcher duo have been very strong so far this meet, and will have the favorite with this colt who will win if he avoids going out too fast with others

Race 9 – Grade II Bernard Baruch Handicap

1. #1 Seismic Wave (6-1) – Interesting jockey switch to Jose Ortiz for this Juddmonte ridgling who will need some pace from Somelikeithotbrown and Halladay to close into

2. #2 Good Governance (9-5) – His return race from a long layoff last time was a resounding success, and it is hard to overlook Klaravich and Chad Brown entries even at a short price

3. #6 Halladay (2-1) – May be compromised early, but his last two tries were faster than this field and are likely good enough to beat this incredibly evenly-matched group