Spa selections 2020: Saratoga picks August 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 7 – Mahony Stakes

1. #9 Jack and Noah (4-1) – Casse hasn’t won a race yet in thirty-one tries, but is due for a victory with one of his two entries, and this colt should put in a bounce-back effort

2. #8 Maven (5-2) – Will pressure Jack and Noah and gets an advantage if there is any rain or a softer turf surface, plus has won both times off a layoff

3. #10 Turned Aside (2-1) – This race may set up best for Old Chestnut and Competitive Saint who can be played here, but this colt should get a good stalking trip with every chance to win

Race 8 – OC 80000n3x

1. #5 Catch a Bid (5-2) – This Klaravich and Brown entry didn’t have her best effort last time out, but has some versatility and can sit off of Blowout or close if necessary

2. #4 Blowout (9-5) – Will likely win here if she reverts to form and the turf conditions do not play too much of a role here, but can go wire to wire at this distance with the right fractions

3. #8 Joy Epifora (15-1) – Clara Peters is a more likely winner if there is any pace, but getting Jose Ortiz with this filly who should improve with the surface change can’t be passed up

Race 9 – Mdn 72k

1. #8 Let Them Eat Cake (3-1) – Was closing strong last time out with Rosario, and should continue to show improvement here if there is pace to run into

2. #7 Dial Me Up (6-1) – Goes dirt to turf for Clement and Irad, and may take an aggressive approach which should have her involved late

3. #3 Admaa (4-1) – Could consider including Thrill as another closer, but this first time starter has good upside with a top duo in Jose Ortiz and Chad Brown

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