Spa selections 2020: Saratoga picks August 23

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 7 – OC 62500n2x

1. #1 Big Engine (5-1) – Almost always in the money, and has finished in the top two in his last four tries, plus seems to prefer this distance

2. #3 Free Enterprise (7-2) – Certainly underwhelmed last time out off a long layoff, but getting this gelding more involved early can set him up for a better result

3. #2 Lone Rock (9-2) – Steps back up into optional claiming company, but clearly enjoyed the shorter distance last time out and should be closing here

Race 8 – Grade I Diana Stakes

1. #3 Rushing Fall (3-2) – After getting shut out in yesterday’s Fourstardave, Chad Brown has this likely favorite in top form who should bet sitting off of Mean Mary early

2. #1 Call Me Love (8-1) – Has been running very well against some top entries in this race, and should find her ideal distance here with a chance for an upset score

3. #5 Sistercharlie (5-2) – Starship Jubilee and Mean Mary are in better form having not lost yet this year, this mare gets a more ideal distance and could have some pace to run into

Race 9 – MC 40000

1. #2 Ringgood (4-1) – Goes back to the turf and drops into claiming company for the first time, plus picks up Jose Ortiz here

2. #3 Allied Invasion (8-5) – This gelding put in a solid effort last time against similar class, and could improve here with a similar closing effort in his second try

3. #5 Nero’s Fiddle (6-1) – Adds blinkers which should get this gelding closer to the lead, and the added distance may be the key even if he still closes

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