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 3: John’s Call Stakes

1. #6 Cathkin Peak (2-1) – Maker trainee gets Jose Ortiz here and should be a better price, plus appears to be geared to want more ground and gets it here

2. #1 Six Minus (3-1) – Distance shouldn’t be a problem for this Pletcher trainee, who seems to always be in the mix but has had trouble winning recently

3. #2 Andthewinneris (3-1) – Look to Costa Terra on an off surface, but this gelding seems to want more distance for Chad Brown and can’t be ignored here

4. #3 Foreign Relations (5-2) – Maybe not as good as last year, but still classier than Curbstone who may appreciate distance more but not as sharp on turf

RACE 7: Clm 50000

1. #2 Runnin Ray (7-2) – A bit classier than the rest, this eight year old gelding frequently runs off the bench and does so her on a class drop

2. #8 Complete Agenda (5-1) – Has run well when in claiming company, plus has no problems with this distance although he may need pace to run at

3. #5 Suerte (8-1) – Adds blinkers after a couple rough efforts, but gets much needed class relief and is good if he gets the lead but hasn’t been as strong recently

4. #9 Midnight Trouble (8-1) – Lost in Rome isn’t as strong at this distance, and this colt had two nice wins back to back in claiming company and returns to that class here

RACE 8: Alw 95000n1x

1. #4 Twisted Filigree (5-1) – Adds lasix first time and has never finished worse than second in three tries for George Weaver, plus should be near the lead

2. #3 Street Rod (12-1) – Hasn’t run since January, but ran impressively in his turf debut, getting another chance at a turf sprint against an evenly matched field

3. #6 Your Man Alex (6-1) – Has been in the mix in all three of his races, every one coming on turf sprints so should be close here even if he doesn’t win

4. #9 Big Prankster (7-2) – Has yet to win on turf, running his best by being aggressive early but will likely be closing late with Rosario in the irons

RACE 9: Mdn 90k

1. #4 Sweet Fantasy (4-1) – The only runner who has a positive effort in this field, this Arkansas bred Casse colt improved last time out on turf

2. #9 Mythical Man (5-2) – First timer gets Irad Ortiz here and faces an underwhelming group that may be ripe for the taking if he likes the turf

3. #8 Salvation (10-1) – Lezcano and Rice haven’t had as dominant a meet as years past, but are still dangerous with this colt by Palice Malice who debuts here

4. #2 Shoot the Waves (8-1) – Adds blinkers after being uninvolved in his debut, now improving with a slightly more forward trip and some distance to close into

CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!