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)!
We provide full-card picks and analysis for this afternoon’s races at Laurel Park.
Race 9 – OC 80000b
1. #6 Rocket Can (9-2) – Comes off a sharp work and has all three wins off of a layoff, meaning this should be a good spot for him
2. #3 Film Star (5-1) – Should be on or near the lead and has a good record in the money lifetime as well as against similar competition here last year
3. #2 Salute the Stars (6-1) – Should be good value, and has a chance if he runs back to his form last summer with a stalking trip by Irad Ortiz
4. #7 Blazing Sevens (7-2) – Hasn’t fared well at the Spa since his debut, but gets the edge over the other Chad Brown trainee Artorius and Signator due to back class
Race 10 – Schuylerville Stakes
1. #3 Sherbini (9-2) – Tough field where many can win, this filly should get the right set up in a stalking position to have winning chances here
2. #10 Viggiedal (9-2) – Could end up being the favorite come post time with Asmussen, and may be the best if she gets a clean break and trip
3. #9 Long Neck Paula (8-1) – Comes off a layoff for Wesley Ward and adds distance, but has a half a million price tag and plenty of talent to compete here
4. #5 Complexion (7-2) – Controlled a slower pace in a dominant debut and likely won’t have the same trip here, but gets a slight edge over Dreamgirl
Race 11 – MC 40000
1. #7 Il Siciliano (8-1) – Was showing improvement on the turf before a try on artificial last time, and could win here with a repeat of his race two back
2. #9 Kick a Buck (9-5) – Chad Brown trainee has run against better competition than most of these in his three starts, and should improve here but at a short price
3. #8 Parkway (4-1) – Didn’t improve last time with the class drop, but still has a bit more upside on the turf than the more consistent Bolt d’Plata
4. #10 Battlefield Park (8-1) – Was near a quicker pace last time and still held for place, also running better with the surface change
Joseph Aiello, III, a graduate of Colgate University, is a lifelong racing fan and frequent Saratoga visitor, where he avidly hones his handicapping skills.
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