Spa selections 2021: Saratoga picks August 13

by | Aug 12, 2021 | Breaking, Handicapping

Ginger N Rye

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 – OC 80000n2x

1. #3 Noble Emotion (3-1) – Winner of both this year with Jose Ortiz, and has run his best at Saratoga and at this distance

2. #1 Shekky Shebaz (2-1) – Maybe not the same runner he was two years ago, but still enough speed to contend and hold on in the money at least

3. #9 Competitive Saint (4-1) – Has had difficulty winning, but one that could be the beneficiary of a fast pace with a chance to pick them off in the stretch

Race 9 – Tale of the Cat Stakes

1. #2 Shashashakemeup (8-1) – Good value here in a brutally close field where anyone could win, plus might get the right set up with three speeds breaking on the outside

2. #1 My Boy Tate (5-1) – Consistent finisher in the money, should get a bit more pace here and should be sitting in fourth early with a chance to pick up the pieces in the stretch

3. #6 Foolish Ghost (4-1) – Not as classy as the two to his inside, but has actually shown a bit more speed than them and comes off a stakes win already this meet

Race 10 – Clm 16000n2L

1. #1 Joey Loose Lips (2-1) – Odd to see this gelding drop into claiming company after a strong effort last time out, but a distance cutback and repeat of last race makes him a winner here

2. #3 Vikram (8-1) – Good jockey trainer combo with this gelding by Blame who goes from turf to dirt and adds blinkers looking to get more involved early

3. #9 Well Done West (9-5) – This Gargan trainee has shown the most upside with his wire to wire win three back, and is working well so he could be looking for a front-running score

LATEST HANDICAPPING

About The Author

Joseph Aiello

Joseph Aiello, III, a graduate of Colgate University, is a lifelong racing fan and frequent Saratoga visitor, where he avidly hones his handicapping skills.

Get The Racing Biz in your inbox!

Join our mailing list to get our latest news delivered to your inbox each week! And, by the way, we never sell our lists or share your info with outside parties.

You have Successfully Subscribed!