Spa selections 2022: Saratoga picks July 23
In Spa Selections, Saratoga correspondent Joseph Aiello provides Saratoga picks for a handful of key races at Saratoga, including all of the exciting stakes action!
Follow along all meet with all the exciting action (and good betting opportunities)!
- MTROA: Pimlico plan may preserve current track layoutMaryland’s MTROA may jettison its plan to rotate the Pimlico racing strip, saving the historic track and a substantial amount of money.
Race 5 – Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks
1. #3 Nest (1-1) – Ran an admirable second in the Belmont, and could be one that fares better at ten furlongs as opposed to eight, but not many options here outside of the clear top two
2. #5 Secret Oath (6-5) – The positive for this one is that she has been working great and beat Nest in the Kentucky Oaks, but should probably be a bit closer to the pack than she was in the Preakness to be able to beat Nest here
3. #2 Society (8-1) – This filly by Gun Runner hasn’t lost in three tries, but isn’t posting great figures or closing very fast, still might have the lead to herself here
4. #1 Butterbean (8-1) – Has been more consistent than Nostalgic, hitting the board in seven of eight by making huge strides recently but might need some pace and continued improvement
Race 8 – Alw 115000n1x
1. #7 Highly Respected (9-5) – There are certainly others who are capable, but still seems like taking this likely favorite at six furlongs is the best play to win
2. #6 Under Oath (4-1) – Won last time from six lengths back, but may need the right set up from Prisoner and Peaceful Waters to have a similar style trip here
3. #4 Favorite Outlaw (5-2) – Tried to go directly to the lead last time which didn’t work, so a stalking trip here should give this Asmussen trainee the best chance here
4. #3 Prisoner (8-1) – Hasn’t finished races particularly fast, but his gate to wire wins were easy and the recent works are incredibly sharp, he needs to break first to bounce back off a bad effort
Race 9 – OC 62500n2x
1. #1 Uncle Moonlight (9-2) – Flashed some real speed last time and should here as well with Carmouche in the irons but will need to hang on with the added furlong
2. #7 Stage Raider (1-1) – His last race showed enough to beat most of these, but has finished second more than he has won and needs to break well to win
3. #3 Rising Empire (10-1) – Should be the ideal distance for this colt by Empire Maker, and adding blinkers may keep him a bit more forward where he has won
4. #2 The Reds (6-1) – Hasn’t been great recently, but a bit easier of an ask than Creed who comes off a long layoff, and has a good chance to hit the board here
Race 10 – Grade III Caress Stakes
1. #4 Bout Time (3-1) – Brutally tough race that could see a handful of winners, this one has the right running style and has found her stride at this distance on the turf
2. #1 Caravel (5-2) – Has won her last five against fillies and mares, often times stepping up to face the boys, but might need to lay off Robin Sparkles here to win
3. #5 Tobys Heart (8-1) – Not always the most consistent, but something to be said about being four for four at this distance and should get speed to aim at
4. #3 Star Devine (9-2) – Souper Sensational is playable here as well, but this one has a bit more experience on the turf and is a solid play to round out exotics
LATEST NEWS
- MTROA: Pimlico plan may preserve current track layout
- Showing of “Maryland’s Horse” slated for Nov. 25
- HISA seeks new horsemen’s advisory group members
- Laurel Park picks and ponderings: November 15, 2024
- Laurel: Stakes winner Speedyness makes return Friday
- WVBC winner Runaldo headlines Funkhouser Memorial
5th. Good start,Joe,”Nest”proved best.
8th.Even”under Oath”I will
attest that Johnny V is the best
but”Rejected Again”should be”Highly Respected”.
“Under Oath”was under the weather
and”Highly Respected”deserved none today.
Back to the drawing board for the 9th.
9th.”Stage Raider”is very well liked but not by me,
I see “Gentleman Joe” ready to go.
“Creed”may need this one.