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 5: Smart N Fancy Stakes

1. #4 Roses for Debra (6-5) – Maybe not quite as strong as she was last year, but still the top runner here who wins with some pace to take aim at

2. #1 Dontlookbackatall (4-1) – An impressive ten straight races finishing in the top two, this filly proved herself in the Caress and is a top contender here

3. #7 Future Is Now (3-1) – Possesses plenty of early speed, but may want to stalk the lead here with others who will leave or hope for a more modest pace than last time

4. #3 Star Guest (9-2) – Left herself too much ground to gain in the Caress, and can have winning chances with a similar pace set up or a more forward trip

RACE 9: Alw 110000n1x

1. #8 Edified (5-1) – This Tapit colt trained by Asmussen hasn’t been winning, but another crack at six furlongs in this class should suit him well here

2. #5 Classify (6-1) – Flavian Prat gets the mount for this Saffie Joseph trainee who gets much needed distance relief and should be in the mix with a good effort

3. #6 Mariachi (7-2) – Hits the board at a strong clip and faces a weaker field than his last two with enough early speed to have a chance at wiring this group

4. #10 Tivy (12-1) – Eight for nine in the money at six furlongs, this colt by Into Mischief has the speed figures to be competitive here and has been working well

RACE 10: Grade I Personal Ensign Stakes

1. #4 Idiomatic (6-5) – Unable to catch Randomized in June over a very speed biased Saratoga dirt course, this mare by Curlin has a better chance this time around

2. #5 Randomized (8-5) – Will need to set modest fractions to win, but in a smaller field of five with a primary threat, this filly should be in good position here

3. #3 Raging Sea (9-2) – Almost always in the mix, this other Chad Brown trainee may be the one to take advantage if the pace gets quick and has been sharp this year

4. #2 Soul of an Angel (5-1) – Just appears to be in a bit better form right now than Xigera, even though she has not yet won at this distance and needs pace to aim at

1. #11 Aunt Yola (8-1) – Took a noticeable step forward in her first turf try last time out, and can be a winner by building off that try but gets a tough post draw

2. #8 Linarite (4-1) – A deep closer who will need the pace to be contested to win here, but frequently runs in the money and should be in the mix in this field

3. #9 Turriga (6-1) – Adds blinkers hoping to get back to her gate to wire win from two back, and clearly runs better when breaking more forwardly

4. #1 Quick Power Nap (12-1) – May not be the primary win candidate, but has hit the board in eight of her twelve turf tries with three wins at the distance

RACE 12: Mdn 100k

1. #3 Dazzling Cruiser (4-1) – Made a nice late move to get into third in her debut at this distance, now more of a threat with a better start and more experience

2. #4 Strife (7-2) – Three tries with three places, this Clement filly should be running late with Rosario and has shown some improvement going into her fourth race

3. #2 Save Time (5-1) – Tries turf for the first time for Juddmonte and Chad Brown, already hitting the board in four out of five tries on dirt

4. #1 Time Stone (9-2) – Steps up in class a bit from Tampa, but has been competitive through two tries and should be in good early position here

CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!