Joseph Aiello August 10, 2024
Cover photo by NYRA/Adam Coglianese.
In Spa Selections, Saratoga correspondent Joseph Aiello takes a look at some of the key races at Saratoga, including some exciting stakes action.
Follow the exciting action (and great betting opportunities) in every competition!
For other handicaps, click here.
Race 7: Clm 12500
1. #4 Rider's Special (7-5) – Dropped a class against a disappointing field and can win with a top effort, but is just as inconsistent as the other horses here.
2. #2 Joking Way (8-1) – Hasn’t been in great form since March, but has fallen further down the claiming ranks and could be a good bet if the other horses tire in the closing stages.
3. #3 Nottoway (12-1) – This horse out of the Finger Lakes should be close enough to the lead not to drop out of the race completely, and he has been finishing well recently.
4. #7 Mr. JT (6-1) – He hasn't been at his best in his last two races, but this Stay Thirsty colt has performed better in tougher fields and has a chance to get into the mix.
Race 8: Mahoney Stakes
1. 1. Fandom (7-2) – Second to Mansa Musa last time out, but beat him in the Palisades. This colt should be even more of a front-runner this time around with blinkers on.
2. #4 Apolloten (8-1) – Made his debut last year against Fierceness on dirt, but has had success since switching to turf and has the speed to get into the lead.
3. #7 Mantha Musa (5-2) – Good at the distance, has a high percentage of winning the money and getting a little closer to the lead would be to Mott’s advantage.
4. #9 Leaf Runner (8-1) – He may have had an advantage on the dry turf course at Gulfstream, but he will certainly be a threat with his late pace against better horses.
Race 9: Clm 25000n3L
1. #10 That's Money (9-5) – Not a clear-cut winner by any means, but in an overall weak field, he holds the advantage by just being a class down.
2. #1 J J's Joker (5-1) – Dropped down to Claiming Company and won both times, then struggled on turf before returning to dirt and winning again.
3. #7 Badlands Ruler (15-1) – Will have to start well, but has been effective when he gets an early lead and should be up there with Bobby the Tank and Dazz Good Runner.
4. #5 Anthracite (8-1) – They might not be able to win, but they are in the middle of the pack in this group and have a good chance of finishing in the top four.
Race 10: Grade I Four Star Dave Handicap
1. #6 Osmanfleet (8-5) – Carl Spackler excels at long distances and while this Appleby trainee might prefer longer distances, his speed numbers are slightly better and he's in great form.
2. #4 Carl Spackler (9-5) – Aside from a disappointing Grade III Poker in June, this colt has had his best run at Saratoga and is in great form over eight furlongs.
3. #7 More Than Looks (7-2) – Having not run since the Breeders' Cup Mile, Strong Quality will need to set a fast pace to get from the front and win.
4. 1. Strong Quality (8-1) – Will likely take an early lead and could be a threat if he can control the pace and slow down. Has only won one race over a mile on turf.
Race 11: Grade I Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes
1. #7 First World War (9-2) – Staying in the middle of the pack here and stretching out in distance gives Dettori his best chance of winning his only ride of the day.
2. #8 Tricalli (3-1) – He’s already beaten Legend of Time twice, including in the Belmont Derby at this distance, so he’ll have no problem being near the top here.
3. #5 Fulmineo (10-1) – The increased distance should be good for this colt. He seems to be making progress in his final stretch and I hope he can find the pace he is aiming for.
4. #6 Deterministic (9-2) – Rosario and Clement haven’t been as dominant in this turf race as they have been in years past, but they have the talent to make a late charge in this second turf race.
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