Spa selections 2020: Saratoga picks August 12

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 64000n1x

1. #6 Kinky Sox (5-1) – Has been doing her best running this year, and despite the step up in class, this mare can win with some of her efforts against this field

2. #7 Eloquent Speaker (4-5) – Should be able to run well against this group, but may be over-bet, although should improve with distance cutback

3. #5 Bustin Scones (6-1) – Has put in three solid efforts since the trainer switch, and will likely be overlooked here to finish in the money

Race 8 – Alw 74000n1x

1. #4 Lil Commissioner (5-2) – Should get a better price than this considering the step up in class, but has been winning and seems to be in top form

2. #7 Candy Tycoon (7-2) – Was beaten easily in the Peter Pan earlier this meet, but should see improvement out of that effort and is likely to finish in the money despite winning issues

3. #2 Forza Di Oro (9-2) – Very evenly matched field, but this colt is the most unproven and has more upside than others here dropping from a Grade II off a long layoff

Race 9 – Grade II Adirondack Stakes

1. #3 Lilac Lace (6-1) – If this filly takes well to the dirt, she may have the right closing running style to run by some of the favorites here but will need pace

2. #4 Thoughtfully (2-1) – Won by eight lengths last time and will win here if she avoids getting tied up with other speeds early

3. #5 Lucifers Lair (3-1) – Filly by Quality Road wasn’t quite as impressive in her first start at Thoughtfully, but having Irad and Pletcher helps, plus is the only one with a win over this track

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