Spa selections 2023: Saratoga picks August 24 * The Racing Biz

Spa selections 2023: Saratoga picks august 24

Joseph Aiello
August 23, 2023

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)!

Aftercare grants made to 83 groups
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today it had made more than $4 million in grants to 83 accredited organizations.

Race 7 – OC 45000n2x

1. #6 Sweet Mystery (2-1) – Hasn’t been winning frequently, but consistently puts forth good efforts and at this distance plus seems to be in her top form recently

2. #1 Bustin Bay (1-1) – A winner of three of her last four for Linda Rice, this mare should be near the lead and already has three wins at Saratoga in six career tries

3. #4 Mia Bea Star (6-1) – Has hit the board at a pretty solid clip in her career, also faring well at this distance and even if she doesn’t win here should be in the mix

4. #2 Sweetie (8-1) – Won last time out in early July at Belmont, but will need to take another step forward to compete with the top runners in this field although she has upside

Race 8 – Clm 20000

1. #2 To a T (9-5) – Has a clear class advantage on the others here, dropping from open allowance company over this track to claiming, and had been running well this spring

2. #1 Timed Out (4-1) – Not quite as classy as To a T, but has been having a strong year finishing in the money in seven of eight races even if she has faced lesser at Finger Lakes

3. #7 Meraviglioso (6-1) – Nearly won against similar company last time out over this track, and is one that is usually in the mix and can win with one of her best efforts here

4. #3 Midtown Rose (8-1) – A winner last time at this distance, she doesn’t have the consistency of Vitaemi, but her top flight races give her a chance if she breaks well

Race 9 – Grade II Mohegan Sun Ballston Spa Stakes

1. #2 Consumer Spending (3-1) – If Evvie Jets is more aggressive this time and presses Technical Analysis, this “other” Brown and Klaravich entry should be in the right spot mid pack

2. #8 Technical Analysis (9-5) – May get over-bet a bit, but has a leg up on the others here if she doesn’t get pushed out too fast and seems to enjoy running at the Spa

3. #4 Fluffy Socks (9-2) – Didn’t get her ideal trip last time in the Diana, but has strong class and is usually there late so expect Irad Ortiz to have this one moving in the stretch

4. #5 Surprisingly (8-1) – Has finished within striking distance of Consumer Spending in back to back tries, and is one that almost always finds herself close late even if she doesn’t win

Race 10 – Mdn 136.5k

1. #2 Sacred Rhyme (4-1) – Adds blinkers after a distant sixth place finish last time, but took a clear step forward after his debut and can win with continued improvement here

2. #9 Toofareastiswest (5-2) – Ran a close fourth last time, now getting a bit of a distance cut back and can win with a repeat of that effort and similar mid-pack trip from Saez

3. #8 Dr Kringle (6-1) – Ran at this distance second time out on turf and handled the distance fine, now switching back to turf with a chance to finally build off that effort

4. #6 Atlantic Dancer (12-1) – Maybe doesn’t have the upside and potential of War Officer, but in this gelding’s one try on turf, he finished better than nearly all of his eleven dirt tries