Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Saturday, July 23
Best Bet: ROBIN SPARKLES (10); Best Value: WRITERS ROOM (7)
- FIRST: Mo's Treasure could play out as the main speed in turf debut. I Like Boston is from a dam that has thrown a grass winner. Wideright is another newcomer with turf pedigree; tough opener.
SECOND: Me 'n Sap was compromised by wide trip in valuable race over course on opening day; call based on price. Brazillionaire was a front-running winner in last; could easily take another. Steelersfanforlife is competitive on best efforts; don't ignore.
THIRD: Jane Grey was a useful second in first start since nine-month layoff; tighter. Breakfastatbonnies, 1-for-1 at Spa, is rested and could play out as the dominant speed. Bank On Anna could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.
FOURTH: Herington Rocket has trained strongly since hard-charging placing in last; more to give. Wings Like Eagles endured "brutal trip" when fifth last out; very dangerous. Get Respect has worked sharply since much-improved fifth in last; worth long look.
FIFTH: Nest holds an edge on the numbers on best efforts. Secret Oath got the better of top pick in Kentucky Oaks; can take this on "A" game. Society gets litmus test after winning first three starts; very interesting.
SIXTH: Bring Theband Home failed to get job done when a front-end second at 80 cents on the dollar in debut at Gulfstream; better price on Saturday. Summonyourcourage was second to Sanford winner last out; big-time threat. Phelpsy was bought for an ungodly $1M as a yearling; needs to be real deal to overcome that deficit.
SEVENTH: Writers Room was a non-stressful fourth in debut; forward move predicted. Queen of Lies is quick from gate and should be aided by slight cutback in distance. Lollygag has rounded out the trifecta at beefy odds in last two starts; worthy exotics inclusion
EIGHTH: Ryan's Cat should back intensified wallop at shorter sprint; owns fast back numbers. Prisoner failed to beat a runner when favored last time; bounce-back potential. Rejected Again has drilled three times since hand-ridden score in last; very playable.
NINTH: Gentleman Joe fired bullet drill since failing to beat a runner in Delaware stake last time; rebound effort on tap. Rising Empire is fresh and training with a purpose; very interesting. Air Attack logged two seconds and a third in last three starts; must be factored into the mix.
TENTH: Robin Sparkles projects as the speed of the speed with aggressive ride. Souper Sensational could be sitting in the catbird seat if pace meltdown ensues. Fouette is another that may work out a garden trip in wildly contentious Caress Stakes.
ELEVENTH: Catch that Party tallied rapid late-pace figure when a strong fourth in last; more to come. Shinsun made sustained rally when a good-looking winner in debut; dangerous. Lord Flintshire was second in both starts on Spa sod; must consider. F F Rocket owns sprinter's speed and should be favorably positioned near the front at a juicy price; worth long look.
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