Spa selections 2021: Saratoga picks July 31

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 – Alw 103000n1x

1. #2 Invincible Gal (3-1) – First time lasix filly has finished a near second in four stakes races, and has her only win at the Spa so she seems due for a breakthrough win

2. #8 Love And Thunder (2-1) – Chad Brown trainee lost by a nose last time and definitely has the closing kick to win here, but could use some pace to aim at to win

3. #7 High Opinion (4-1) – Another one who has had some tough seconds, keeps Irad Ortiz and cuts back to a mile plus runs well on a good surface

Race 8 – Grade I Alfred G Vanderbilt Handicap

1. #3 Firenze Fire (3-1) – One that has been in top form and comes back down to his preferred distance, a versatile running style which could prove beneficial here

2. #9 Special Reserve (9-2) – Very good jockey trainer combo and is undefeated at six furlongs this year with some blistering races, should get a solid price due to step up in class

3. #7 Miles Ahead (12-1) – Sneaky good value for this gelding that has won half of his career starts and is five for seven at the distance plus comes off a win in his first graded try

Race 9 – Grade II Jim Dandy Stakes

1. #5 Essential Quality (1-2) – This isn’t his ideal spot, he probably prefers longer races such as the Belmont and will have a tough time topping that effort, but still the best despite the price

2. #4 Keepmeinmind (6-1) – Has had some extremely impressive works at Saratoga, adds Rosario, and has his best efforts ahead, but still could use more pace and distance than here

3. #2 Masqueparade (4-1) – Since breaking his maiden by disqualification, this colt has won two straight at this distance, including the Grade III Ohio Derby and should be in a perfect spot early

Race 10 – Grade II Bowling Green Stakes

1. #1 Channel Cat (5-1) – Will likely be on the lead with Channel Maker, and seems primed for a good performance after a disappointing showing in the Grade I Manhattan last time

2. #7 Moon Over Miami (7-2) – One that has struggled to win in the past, but three straight in the money this year and should be a good play to hit the board here

3. #3 Breakpoint (10-1) – Fourth by four in his first race outside of Chile where he was undefeated in five starts, but this Brown trainee gets much needed distance and should improve

Race 11 – Clm 25000

1. #3 Morocco (9-2) – Drops from an optional claimer and had been running well over the past year, with a couple of wins and a few others in the money

2. #8 Hieroglyphics (6-1) – Has won four of his last six, and despite typically running longer distances, this gelding has fared well recently going shorter and has three wins at Saratoga

3. #7 Tizzarunner (5-1) – Gets Irad Ortiz for Michael Maker, and is a consistent finisher with a strong closing kick but might need more pace than is in here to win

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