Steve Matthews’ Saratoga selections for Saturday, Aug. 26

Best Bet: GOOD SAMARITAN (11); Best Value: KABANG (2)

FIRST: Good Magic sold for a million dollars as a yearling; we’ll see if he’s worth it. Victory Lane, another big-tagged youngster ($650k), is by a win-early sire. Hazit ($430K) is training with a purpose for debut; happy handicapping.

SECOND: Kabang made explosive rally to win second in a row last time; more to come. Memories of Peter owns speed and should be aided by cutback in distance. War Bond consistently logs fast figures but has failed as the favorite in last two starts; must take the good with the bad.

THIRD: Chirping rallied after poor start in debut; longer trip is key. Magnanimus Man owns speed and could prove tough on a soft lead. Neepawa was a strong third in a blanket photo in debut; right in the thick of this.

FOURTH: Sticksstatelydude is 1-for-1 at Saratoga and is training impressively for first start since November. Ostrolenka holds razor-sharp current condition; dangerous. Lex Vegas fired half-mile bullet since making first start since three-month layoff last time; worth long look.

FIFTH: Sycamore Lane is training swiftly for first start in more than two years; demand value. Cerise’s Prince is fleet-footed and could play out as the dominant front-runner. Cloontia also owns speed and has a win on Spa sod; very interesting.

SIXTH: Forever Unbridled has worked sharply since winning Grade 2 at Churchill Downs; rates upset call. Songbird needs no introduction; paltry price is the problem. Going for Broke owns a win and two seconds at Saratoga; someone has to finish third.

SEVENTH: Curlin’s Approval has advantageous stalker’s style and compiled eye-catching work slate at Gulfstream. Paulassilverlining has fast figures and is 11-for-21 lifetime; be no surprise. By the Moon loves 7-furlong distance; must consider.

EIGHTH: Practical Joke should pack intensified wallop with cutback to 7 furlongs. Takaful logged scorching pace and final figures when winning on Opening Day; very dangerous. Coal Front has yet to taste defeat in three starts; need more?

NINTH: Divining Rod tallied rapid final fraction when winning overnight stakes at Laurel last time; ready for prime time. Drefong lost rider in Bing Crosby at Del Mar last time; big-time, front-end threat on best. Stallwalkin’ Dude is 3-for-4 at Saratoga and consistently logs swift numbers; right in the thick of this.

TENTH: Hunter O’Riley was a determined winner in Grade 2 Bowling Green last time; recent victory over the course is key. Money Multiplier won Grade 2 Monmouth Stakes last time and owns faster back figures; dangerous. Bigger Picture was just neck behind “O’Riley” in Bowling Green; must be considered.

ELEVENTH: Good Samaritan notched rapid late-pace figure when winning Jim Dandy last time; pairs up. Always Dreaming is speedy and handles 12-furlong trip; big-time player. Girvin made sustained rally to win Haskell last time; right in the thick of contentious Travers.

TWELFTH: Dickinson should be favorably positioned near the front in compact Ballston Spa field. Lady Eli is ultra-talented and has the benefit of the rail; if chalk is your game. Roca Rojo logs fast late-pace numbers on “A” efforts; don’t ignore.

THIRTEENTH: Praise the Moon was empty in raced moved to main track last time; return to turf makes the difference. Herecomesyourman owns speed and drops to lifetime low; very dangerous. Summer Causeway owns solid late-pace figures and will offer fat ticket; worth long look. Prognostication has failed as the favorite in last two starts; takes third strike today?

By Steve Matthews

steve.matthews@newsday.com