Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Sunday, Aug. 21
Best Bet: CHOLE ROSE (8); Best Value: SICILIAN GRANDMA (9)
FIRST: Corningstone was third in race that was declared a no-contest; timid call in opener that's jammed with newcomers. Hola Gala was pulled up when debuting in same race as top selection; don't ignore. Treasured Gem, another runner from July 24 no-contest, has worked twice in the interim; must consider.
SECOND: Yarrow is riding a two-race winning streak; takes another. Deep Cover is speedy and can prove very tough on a soft lead. Phantom Smoke has been off the board only once in seven starts; obvious threat.
THIRD: Viradia could be get the early lead with heads-up handling. Miss Peppina could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Red Pepper Grill is another that would be aided by fast fractions.
FOURTH: El Segundo needed last and gets class relief and surface switch; forward move predicted. Vincent is fresh and owns fast numbers on best efforts. Icon should pack enhanced kick with cutback to 6 furlongs.
FIFTH: Regal Speaker endured tough trip in last; improves in third start of form cycle. Tiberius Mercurius is a front-end threat on best efforts; very interesting. Devamani takes precipitous price plunge for Chad Brown; fire sale?
SIXTH: Spelterini made sustained run when second in debut; added furlong is key. Rarify set hot pace in debut and could play out as the dominant speed. Grand Love has worked sharply for Steve Asmussen; charting a must.
SEVENTH: Kinenos drops after logging improved late-pace figure in last; rates close call. Tide of the Sea, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, is fleet-footed and owns a win, a second and a third in three starts on Spa sod; worth long look. Mud Pie packs potent late kick on best efforts; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Chole Rose has trained sharply since determined win in last; pairs up. Baba exits hard-fought placing in last; bounces today? Repealing owns speed and fast figures; right in the thick of this.
NINTH: Sicilian Grandma moves to grass after breaking maiden by nearly nine lengths last time; transfers razor-sharp form. Sweet Harmony has yet to taste defeat in two starts at Monmouth; big-time danger. Motown Mischief was a game third in same last race as Sweet Harmony; very interesting.
TENTH: Ironic Lady drops and gets the meds in first start since last October; rail draw seals the deal. Bayou Wind could get the early jump in bulky group; price will be tempting. Candlestick Maker was a fast-figured fourth in last; worth long look. Vagaries makes first start with maiden-claiming tag for Chad Brown; potential underlay.
