Cover photo by NYRA/Adam Coglianese.

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)!

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 7: Alw 25000s

1. #6 St Andrews (5-1) – Has strung together three straight solid efforts and appears to want more distance as he was closing last time at a mile but ran out of ground

2. #2 Complete Agenda (7-2) – Can disregard his last race on turf, but drops down in class and has enough stamina to stretch out but needs to stay involved early

3. #3 On a Spree (2-1) – A winner of two straight, this eight year old gelding comes off the bench and should be given a boost if the track ends up sloppy

4. #4 Mystic Night (5-1) – May not prefer the added distance, but still should be close enough early to hang on in the mix late especially since the pace should be slower here

RACE 8: OC 45000n2x

1. #9 Cut the Cord (4-1) – Five wins in eighteen tries including a win here last year puts this grey gelding as one of the top winners of this group and is better form than Barese

2. #3 Dr. Kraft (4-1) – Frequently finishes second and third, but at least shows consistency and seems to run his best going this distance

3. #2 Shadow Dragon (3-1) – Struggles to win, but shows up and is one that should be in the mix late with a solid effort plus frequently bet to favorite

4. #10 Baldizar (6-1) – Jackson Heights and Cicciobello may be better on dry surfaces, but in the instance of rain, this gelding has a bit more early speed to avoid kickback

RACE 9: Grade II Glens Falls Stakes

1. #6 Atomic Blonde (6-1) – May need Royalty Interest to push Alpha Bella early, but this Clement and Rosario mare should be rolling late at a good price

2. #5 Eternal Hope (3-1) – Hasn’t raced since October, but won both races in the states this fall with a strong closing kick and endurance for twelve furlongs

3. #7 McKulick (2-1) – The likely favorite who won here last year, this Chad Brown trainee has run her best at this distance and may be too good even with lower value

4. #3 Chop Chop (5-2) – Alpha Bella may face some pressure from Royalty Interest leaving this mid pack finisher who has run her best on turf routes for Brad Cox

RACE 10: MC 40000

1. #12 Coach Sessa (9-2) – First time lasix but has a tough post draw here, gets a bump due to the class drop as well but may need more pace than what is here

2. #1 Miss Lao (9-2) – Maybe would prefer a tad shorter distance, but could opt for taking the early lead which gives her an advantage over the others

3. #2 Starlight Dancer (8-1) – Has improved each race and may be primed for a strong effort here after a good finish going the same distance last time out

4. #4 Dance On Air (6-1) – Justheart may have more upside at this distance, but this filly by Good Magic is tough to ignore with these top connections

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