Spa selections 2021: Saratoga picks July 30

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 8 – Alw 103000n1x

1. #2 Galawi (5-1) – Closed into a slow pace last time breaking his maiden in his first try in North America, should be a solid price and will like the softer turf if it is on

2. #8 Compliant (3-1) – This five year old horse has been in the money in six of seven career starts, and even with plenty of layoffs seems primed for a good showing here

3. #3 Mud Pie (8-1) – Broke his maiden at a mile and a half, so distance isn’t an issue, but placement will be key for this colt who can come from far back or sit off the leaders early

Race 9 – Curlin Stakes

1. #6 Collaborate (6-1) – After a tough Florida Derby, this colt by Into Mischief has improved, with his best effort last time out up on a quick pace and still with plenty left to win convincingly

2. #4 First Captain (7-5) – The most likely, as this undefeated colt by Curlin was impressive in the Dwyer, but still unproven and might not be great value to play here

3. #2 Snow House (8-1) – Drops from the Grade III Dwyer with First Captain, and despite fading in the stretch there, he was up on a fast pace and could improve closing with strong connections

Race 10 – MC 40000

1. #5 Lookin to Fly (4-1) – Take To the Tune and Lemon Taffy on an off track, but this filly has been consistently solid and should like the distance stretch here

2. #10 Highway Queen (3-1) – This filly by Super Saver improved with the surface change and drop into claiming company, and could take another step forward with another try in this class

3. #6 Mill Stone Creek (10-1) – A good race last time and has run her best on turf, so could be good value here

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