Spa selections 2021: 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 3 – Saratoga Dew Handicap

1. #5 Mrs. Orb (6-5) – Gets the edge as the only one who has a win at the distance and has proven that she can go this far

2. #2 Simply Ravishing (7-2) – This filly has plenty of class and was a grade I winner as a two year old in October, and the class drop could be enough for improvement here

3. #4 Expresso Shot (5-2) – Is familiar with this class, but will need the exact right set up to not get caught up with the pace early and is still unlikely to win

Race 8 – OC 80000n2x

1. #3 Briefcase Bully (4-1) – Two wins and one second in his three career tries on dirt, and gets Luis Saez who has a strong winning percentage with DeVaux

2. #4 Letmeno (7-2) – A potential wire to wire threat if he breaks well, this grey colt should prefer this one turn distance over some longer efforts from late last year

3. #2 Mihos (2-1) – Will need some pace to close into with Rosario in the irons, and has struggled to win recently but second race with Brad Cox is a plus

Race 9 – Alw 90000n1x

1. #1 Uncle’s Gem (2-1) – Broke her maiden earlier in the meet, but will be difficult to wire this field although there is still room for improvement in just her third start

2. #10 Snicket (4-1) – Six second place finishes in seven career tries on turf, this filly by Lemon Drop Kid can win here, but will need some pace even with added blinkers

3. #2 Athena Dancer (8-1) – Comes off a long layoff from December where she was beaten by over thirty lengths, but switches back to turf where she won as a two year old

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