Saratoga Racetrack: Grade 2 Ballston Spa

Rain appears to be in the forecast at Saratoga, but I still like Romacaca to win the Grade Two stakes race today.

Miss Keller is 10-1 with Javier Castellano but appears off form. Winless in her last six tries, this 5-year-old mare has shown potential over the turf at Saratoga but appears overmatched.

Romacaca is the play in this race, currently at 7-2. Five wins in a row and never off the board in eight starts at 1 1/16 miles. There is other speed in this race, so early fractions could be cause for concern.

Daveron is my second choice, currently 3-1 with Eddie Castro. This 6-year-old mare was awful in her lone start over the turf at Saratoga but she has three wins in four starts at the distance. I like her form.

Desert Sage is a must use in any trifecta or superfecta. Chad Brown trains this talented 4-year-old filly and any moisture will help her. I like that Jose Lezcano rides her and she's the stalker in this race.

Mekong Melody is a nice closer but the distance appears a tad short for her and her form appears questionable. The pace will help but I don't see her doing better than a small piece of the prize.

Trix in the City is coming off a very nice win over the turf at Saratoga on August 6 and appears the main early danger to Romacaca. This Richard Violette trained horse has two wins over the turf at Saratoga but is winless in three starts at the distance.

Aviate has the potential to win this race but I just don't have any confidence that this talented horse will actually show up. Since her win in the Grade Two Distaff on  May 7, she's run two marginal races. At 4-1, I don't see the value.

Strike the Bell is 15-1 with Ramon Dominguez but appears to have no chance to win. With just one win in eight career starts at 1 1/16 miles, this David Donk-trained horse doesn't factor much.

Tapitsfly is a solid play, especially at 10-1. Her last two races have been good, but she lost both. She likes the turf at Saratoga and the distance of the race. Use her in the superfecta and you will be rewarded.

Romacaca over Daveron and Tapitsfly with all in 1:43.