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)!
- OwnerView webinar tackles state-bred incentivesThe most recent OwnerView webinar took place November 5 and examined state-bred incentive programs around the country.
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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