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Ginger N Rye won the 2017 Smart N Fancy Stakes at Saratoga. Photo by Chelsea Durand/NYRA.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”JOE – Enter text here.” _builder_version=”4.5.2″ module_alignment=”left” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]by Joseph Aiello
In Spa Selections, Saratoga on-site correspondent Joseph Aiello provides Saratoga picks for a handful of key races at Saratoga, including all of the exciting stakes action!
Race 8 – Alw 103000n1x
1. #3 Ten for Ten (9-2) – Disappointing last time out, but breaking strongly will be the key here and if this colt can do that, he has a good chance of leading the whole way
2. #4 Speaker’s Corner (6-1) – Strong jockey trainer combo and gets lasix for the first time, plus is one of three with a win at this distance
3. #5 Ducale (9-5) – This Brad Cox trainee started to draw away in his maiden win earlier this meet, and got a strong speed figure that try, but may need a repeat performance or better to win
Race 9 – Grade II Saratoga Special Stakes
1. #2 Gunite (5-1) – With a lack of runners that have shown speed, this colt by Gun Runner adds blinkers and won near the front last race, so he could be a gate to wire winner here
2. #11 High Oak (12-1) – Should be long odds in here and won narrowly in his debut, but comes off a bullet work and should appreciate the added distance
3. #7 Double Thunder (6-1) – Doctor Jeff has more upside, but this colt is coming off a grade III win, and could be a closer if somehow the early pace is a bit fast
Race 10 – Grade I Fourstardave Handicap
1. #5 Set Piece (5-2) – Can’t be eleven lengths back like last race, but this closer has won his last three and is coming off a bullet work in top form
2. #8 Blowout (6-1) – Will be difficult to go wire to wire with Whisper Not providing pressure, but this one has never finished out of the money and should hold on here
3. #1 Raging Bull (9-5) – Got Stormy might be better value and will be in a better spot, but this six year old keeps Irad who has ridden him well and seems due for a good effort here
Race 11 – Alw 90000n1x
1. #9 Dr. Duke (9-2) – The clear speed here, and should see improvement after a tough effort on an off track last time, plus finished close in a stakes try in March
2. #7 Luna’s in Charge (5-1) – Has had winning troubles, but his only race on turf came last year at Saratoga as a strong second place finish, so returning to the grass bodes well here
3. #2 Neuro (4-1) – Took fourteen tries to finally break maiden, but this colt by Freud may have found his race in turf sprints, and can compete here
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