Spa Selections 2025: Saratoga Picks August 9

  • userJoseph Aiello
  • dateAugust 8, 2025

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 8 – OC 100000b

1. #6 Little Ni (3-1) – Good at the distance and may have a slight edge if he breaks to the lead against this evenly matched field

2. #2 Damon’s Mound (2-1) – Drops from a grade II against Book’em Danno and should be a prime contender purely on the class drop with some trip versatility

3. #3 Maximus Meridius (6-1) – Pennsylvania bred runner has been solid at this distance and has speed figures that compare well with this group

4. #8 Surveillance (4-1) – Good back class and has been finishing in the mix when competing on a dry surface for Linda Rice

Race 9 – Grade II Saratoga Oaks Invitational Stakes

1. #2 Sigh No More (8-1) – Appears to be one that wants more distance and will get an extra furlong here from her last try where she won and gets Irad Ortiz in the irons

2. #6 Laurelin (9-5) – Undefeated in four starts with the right running style to win here but faces her toughest test even if her best effort can win

3. #1 Opulent Restraint (2-1) – Strong connections and drops from a grade I where she couldn’t get the distance so may stalk the leaders in this spot

4. #4 Evershed (8-1) – Totally Justified is classier and may be a safer play to hit the board, but she may not take to the distance while this filly seems to want more ground

Race 10 – Grade I Sword Dancer Stakes

1. #5 Nations Pride (3-1) – Should adjust well to the distance stretch, and even if Far Bridge is a step ahead right now, this one has the past form to compete

2. #6 Far Bridge (9-5) – Impressive winner of the Grade II Bowling Green last time out, and thrives at this distance with good performances over this turf course

3. #9 Utah Beach (8-1) – Has seven tries at this distance which is the most of this field, and should be making a late push in the stretch at a good price in a tough field

4. #3 Vote No (15-1) – Grand Sonata is classier with better previous form, but this gelding is in good form recently and won his lone try at this distance

Race 11 – Alw 110000n1x

1. #1 Practical Luv (3-1) – Ran one of the more impressive races of anyone in this field last time out breaking maiden, and can be a winner if she builds off that effort

2. #6 Street View (15-1) – One of the better seven furlong tries last time out in a win, and despite less class than some others, this filly has been consistent on dry tracks

3. #5 Chatter (6-1) – First time lasix and drops from a stakes try with a good try two back that compares well to the best from others in this field

4. #8 Next On Stage (9-2) – Good at this distance and should sit off the leaders this time rather than taking the lead which should help her run better here

Race 12 – Alw 95000n1x

1. #2 Amplitude (5-2) – Questions from others leave this Klaravich and Chad Brown colt by Uncle Mo who may just need a bit more distance to run into

2. #9 Ortus (10-1) – Steps up from claiming company but has been more consistent than others and should find nine furlongs to be his ideal distance

3. #5 El de Larry (4-1) – Has a chance to take the lead from the jump here, with some good efforts on the turf recently and last time in this class

4. #6 Terminal Velocity (6-1) – Fidelightcayut has been fading in his stretch runs going shorter than this, while this gelding went gate to wire last time out at nine furlongs

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