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 10: OC 45000n2x

1. #5 Russi (12-1) – Has run well in two wins at Saratoga, both coming at this distance and is always finishing well with no true standout in this field

2. #7 Set (4-1) – Yet to be seen if this distance is his preference, but comes out of three straight graded tries with a chance to improve on the class drop

3. #1 Scuttlebuzz (5-1) – Has some back class, but ran his best yet last time at this distance albeit in a claimer, but is a threat with a repeat performance

4. #2 Run Curtis Run (5-2) – Hasn’t been finishing well in his stretch runs, but still hits the board at a good clip and should be there late even if he doesn’t win

RACE 11: Bernard Baruch Stakes

1. #7 Taking Candy (5-2) – Put in a sharp effort last time out after a long layoff, now coming off the bench again where he has run his best

2. #5 Running Bee (9-5) – May actually prefer longer distance, but still has a good record in two turn turf routes and has the best top flight races in here

3. #4 Pioneering Spirit (6-1) – May enjoy the distance cut back, and even if he isn’t running as well as last year, the class drop should help here plus is good value

4. #1 Fort Washington (9-2) – Maybe not the top win contender, but seven for eight in the money at this distance with a strong closing kick should put him in the mix

RACE 12: Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes

1. #3 Bright Future (10-1) – Adds blinkers after a disappointing effort in the Whitney, but has run his best when closer to the lead and improves with a more forward trip

2. #7 Arthur’s Ride (4-5) – The winner here if he is able to get away with little to no pressure early in a field with mostly mid pack finishers, but fatigue could be a factor

3. #1 Tapit Trice (4-1) – Won convincingly last time out after his first try since the Travers last year, and is one by Tapit that prefers more distance

4. #4 Disarm (8-1) – Pyrenees has more upside to win, but this colt by Gun Runner has consistently closed into the top four, and likes more distance in this tough field

RACE 13: MC 30000

1. #5 Irie Man (4-1) – Has been running better as of late, now getting a distance that should suit him well after a good effort in this class last time out

2. #8 Mama’s Middie (2-1) – Outside of his effort two back in the mud, this gelding has had better top speed figures than the rest, and can win with a top effort from mid pack

3. #2 Senegal (6-1) – Ran his best at six furlongs two back, and should be positioned mid pack with Dylan Davis in the irons who has been on a tear recently

4. #10 Burn Rubber (6-1) – First timer for Linda Rice by Accelerate gets the slight nod over Landauer with a good work over the Saratoga track last week

CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!