Spa selections 2022: Saratoga picks July 31
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)!
- Laurel Park cancels all weekend racingLaurel Park will cancel all three days of live racing this weekend, and its three Saturday stakes will return as extras for Friday, Nov. 29.
Race 8 – Grade II Bowling Green Stakes
1. #4 Cross Border (4-1) – Has won all three tries at this distance, and clearly one that thrives at Saratoga, with six wins in eight starts here over the last three years
2. #3 Highland Chief (5-2) – Was a bit too far back in the Grade I Manhattan last time out, but a bit more forward of a trip could have this one with control of the pace
3. #2 Arklow (2-1) – Comes off a tough loss in October, but could be the best in here if he rediscovers past form and has been working well
4. #1 L’Imperator (6-1) – The other Chad Brown trainee in this race, and despite being slightly less impressive than Rockemperor, this one is more consistent and has won here before
Race 9 – Grade II Amsterdam Stakes
1. #8 My Prankster (8-1) – Needs to break well to be a factor here with a close stalking trip, but broke his maiden at this distance here last year and won by ten lengths
2. #7 Corniche (5-2) – This colt by Quality Road has shown the best form, winning all three of his tries with sharp speed figures, but is off a long layoff and at a shorter distance than usual
3. #2 Gunite (4-1) – Might be best at seven furlongs, but this colt by Gun Runner won the Hopeful last year and has hit the board in every try under eight furlongs
4. #5 Accretive (7-2) – With a few in here who are more accustomed to running longer distances, this second time starter has won at the distance and offers upside here
Race 10 – MC 40000
1. #9 Chapel Road (9-2) – Has shown improvement on turf of Christophe Clement, and may have found his ideal surface and distance here
2. #5 Martinez (4-1) – Keeps Rosario who has been on a tear recently, and has finished second in two straight so seems ready to break through after ten failed maiden tries
3. #1 Slugo (12-1) – Comes off an impressive work and improved a bit in the switch to turf last time, so this gelding by Big Brown could be a nice play at good value
4. #6 Majestic Johnson (7-2) – Finished fifth in his debut but only by a length and three quarters, so certainly something to build off of and should be a bit more aggressive here
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