Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Sunday, July 17
Best Bet: DANCE FOR BOURBON (10); Best Value: BELLA PRINCIPESSA (7)
FIRST: Miracle Mike was a willing second to an easy winner in debut; experience is key in nine-horse field with seven newcomers. Conman concluded work tab with 5-furlong bullet; follow the money. Pete N Billy owns win-early bloodlines; very interesting.
SECOND: Mommasgottarun projects as the main speed with aggressive ride. Trinity Titoli was a visually impressive winner in last; very dangerous. Waters of Merom takes two-level price drop; damaged goods?
THIRD: Roz gets favorable cutback after being done in by swift splits last time; forward move predicted. Big Bean Christine could be in the garden spot if top selection wilts in the lane. Escapewithfriends drops and moves to dirt; wake-up potential.
FOURTH: Two Thirty Five is riding a two-race winning streak; keeps on giving. Zoomer is firing bullets for first start in eight weeks; worth long look. Crafty Daddy has drilled three times since claimed at Churchill Downs on June 4; very playable.
FIFTH: Disco Deano could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat; rates close call. Yarrow exits determined maiden score on June 10; dangerous. Sheriff Bianco wheels back in a hurry for new barn after wire-to-wire win on July 9; big-time player.
SIXTH: O'Trouble gets class relief and owns fast back numbers; demand square price. Brunate could be in the catbird seat if fractions get hot and hectic. Road to Success is ultra-consistent and can win from on or just off the pace; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Bella Principessa gets added ground after useful fifth in last; big effort predicted. Russiarussiarussia made sustained rally to break maiden last out; serious contender. Masterof the Tunes packs potent kick on best efforts; worth long look at long price. Just Ok Is Not Ok is rested and owns competitive numbers; must consider.
EIGHTH: Nobals looms the speed of the speed with proper handling. Asymmetric also is quick from gate and has drilled three times since stateside debut in May; must respect. Big Invasion has won four in a row and could sit the trip if top pair hook on the lead.
NINTH: Fortin Hill compiled five tight works since willing second in last; more to give. Sound Money fires strong efforts with machine-like consistency; very dangerous. Gun It is another that almost always brings his "A" game; very deep sprint.
TENTH: Dance for Bourbon moves to grass and cuts back to sprint; breakthrough predicted. Inkblot, a sharp second in last, is riding a forward line on the numbers. Skyward Princess, an even fifth in last, should move forward in second start since 10-month layoff. Our Jessica exits clear-cut placing at this level in last; be no surprise.
