Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, Aug. 12
Best bet: LOOKIN TO FLY (10)
Best value: QUEEN OF LIES (4)
FIRST: Im Just Kiddin was a clear-cut second when favored in debut; two works in the interim seal the deal. Highway Harmony debuts for potent first-out barn (Jorge Abreu); follow the money. Nice 'n Spicy is a newcomer from the Mike Maker stable; must consider.
SECOND: Run Up the Score drops after displaying improved speed in last. Honeycomb also gets class relief and is training with a purpose; very playable. Pout should be favorably positioned near the front; don't ignore.
THIRD: Saint Selby is fleet-footed and projects as the speed of the speed with top-notch front-end rider aloft. Ny Traffic could be in the garden spot if top selection gets hooked on the lead. My Boy Tate is another that would be aided by pace meltdown.
FOURTH: Queen of Lies owns sprinter's speed and could capitalize on soft lead. Cupere is the late runner that would benefit the most if fractions get hot and hectic. Quiet Type is another stretch runner that must be factored into the mix; good betting race.
FIFTH: I Am the Law holds razor-sharp current condition and fired half-mile bullet on Aug. 3; more to come. Khafre drops and gets surface switch; bounce-back threat. Southern Passage owns fast back numbers; don't overlook.
SIXTH: Snicket is fresh and could be ideally placed in the stalker's seat; 3-furlong bullet last week is the clincher. Secret Love, compromised by wide trip in last, is circling back to best numbers; very interesting. Mashnee Girl is speedy and should be aided by cutback to sprint.
SEVENTH: Spicer owns field's fastest late-pace figures; fits classic Chad Brown profile. Gal in a Rush finishes with a rush and added ground could play to strength. Bravo Kitten needed last and has benefit of rail on tight-turned course; worth long look.
EIGHTH: Tiergan wheels back in a hurry after 10-length score on Aug. 3; more in the tank. Sea Foam could play out as the main speed with heads-up rider in the saddle. Therisastormbrewin also is fleet-footed and holds sharp current form; must consider.
NINTH: Galley Head was a non-stressful fourth in last; needs scratches to get off AE list. Rent Control, another outside body of race, is a front-running threat if able to draw in. Smokin Hot Kitty should pack amplified kick with cutback to sprint. Coolcatsnkittens was a sharp second at this level two starts back. Sarah's Splendor makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; must be factored into the mx.
10TH: Lookin to Fly notched rapid final fraction when a hard-charging winner in last; pairs up. Sinfully Sweet is another last-race winner that could have more to give in second start of new form cycle. Waterville is fresh and compiled tight work tab; dangerous. Masterof the Tunes could land in the exotics at juicy number; don't dismiss.
