Joseph Aiello
July 31, 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!
1. #7 Zulu Kingdom (6-5) – Faces a tough test here as the favorite, but should be in a prime position and has shown good consistency with two wins over this track
2. #2 Luther (3-1) – Could benefit from what appears to be a quick pace on paper, likely to be making a late charge with Rosario in the stretch
3. #3 tiz dashing (15-1) – Clever Again has no turf experience and could get caught up in a hot pace, setting up well for this stalker who is typically gaining in the stretch
4. #8 Tank (8-1) – Should be on the lead and still ran well in defeat last time plus cuts back in distance which could help him finish out stronger
Race 8 – MC 30000
1. #2 Omaha Pistol (3-1) – Frequently bet to favorite but couldn’t hold on at eight furlongs last time so may benefit from the cut back to seven
2. #7 Army Proud (5-2) – Hopefully gets a dry track here and picks up Irad Ortiz for Joe Sharp with good speed figures that put him amongst the top contenders
3. #6 Allofasuddenlee (6-1) – Has hit the board in five of eight on dirt and ran second last time to a better horse than any in this group so could improve here
4. #9 Come Full Circle (12-1) – Hasn’t been particularly competitive, but switches from turf to dirt and may take a slight step forward if he gets a dry dirt course
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