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 1: Michael G. Walsh Novice Stakes

1. #7 Hold Hard (3-1) – Should have no problem with the added distance, winning his last two tries including recently off the bench

2. #5 Kitten Around (6-1) – A recent winner at Colonial, this gelding by Flintshire has finished in the mix at a good clip in steeplechase races

3. #8 Evie’s Prince (6-1) – Won by a dominant sixteen lengths last time out, so it is tough to ignore this gelding by Animal Kingdom here

4. #1 Hidden Path (9-2) – Recently made the change to hurdles, improving last time after a third place finish two back so should factor in here

RACE 2: Alw 110000n1x

1. #2 Fromtanothamutha (9-2) – Seven for eleven in the money at eight furlongs, and recently put forth a solid place at this distance over this track

2. #6 Reserve Currency (3-1) – Jose Ortiz has won at a strong clip with Maker, now getting the mount on this winner of two straight who compares well with this group

3. #7 Eliminate (4-1) – Improved last time on the class drop, now going back up to allowance company but at a more preferable distance

4. #4 Sun Thunder (2-1) – The classiest of the bunch, this colt by Into Mischief hasn’t been winning, but is still good enough to finish well here

RACE 8: P. G. Johnson Stakes

1. #9 Reining Flowers (6-1) – Finished impressively last time in a class step up over this turf course, and can win if there is a bit of pace here

2. #1 Virgin Colada (2-1) – Didn’t have pace to close into in her debut but still won for Chad Brown and keeps Flavian Prat in the irons here

3. #4 Lady Orient (9-2) – Clearly has speed after her debut, but adds distance here so may be sent to the lead which could be an advantage in a slower field

4. #1 She’s Our Tiz (10-1) – If this filly can stretch in distance, she may be dangerous with one of the better races in this field first time out

RACE 9: MC 40000

1. #4 Splashy (7-2) – Has had plenty of chances to break her maiden, finally dropping into claiming company which should help her improve for Clement

2. #10 Majulu (9-2) – Nearly a winner last time in this company, this grey filly can be a winner with some improvement but draws a tougher post here

3. #6 Laurana (3-1) – Probably ran her best in her debut going six furlongs, so getting back to a sprint distance may lead to a better effort off the bench

4. #5 Better Be Smart (8-1) – Her try two back puts her in the mix, with the class drop a main positive after showing improvement when switching to turf

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