Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, July 22
Best bet: SPIRIT AND GLORY (9)
Best value: MAKART (6)
FIRST: Wico was third when 70 cents on the dollar in key-race debut; call in treacherous opener. Dataman is from a dam that has thrown four turf winners; very interesting. Appraise makes first start for Chad Brown; good race to pass.
SECOND: Oglethorpe has trained sharply since game placing in debut; makes next forward move. Growth Capital has finished second as the favorite in all three starts; depletes more bankrolls? Clubbing is from a dam that has produced a grass winner; don't ignore.
THIRD: Claytnthelionheart makes peak start of form cycle and owns three wins and two seconds on Spa loam. Hammerin Aamer packs potent kick on best efforts. Pioneer Spirit is speedy and could play out as the controlling front-runner.
FOURTH: Rhombique should be aided by cutback to shorter route. Whiskey Lullaby made a forward move on the numbers last out; dangerous. I'm Glad makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; likely to be undervalued.
FIFTH: Gussy Mac owns fast back numbers and logged 5-furlong work since last start. Future Victory has finished second in last two; runner-up again? Our Country is rested, drops and owns a win on Saratoga grass; must consider.
SIXTH: Makart logged fast late-pace figure when second in last; additional furlong plays to strength. Ria's Angel gets class relief and returns to dirt; big-time contender. Tuesday's Child owns speed but has finished second in three of last four starts; mixed message.
SEVENTH: Tiwanaku projects as the swiftest of the swift with heads-up handling. Keepmeinmind will be sitting in the garden spot if top selection wilts in the lane. Naval Aviator, another that would be aided by pace meltdown, is riding a two-race winning streak; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Big Q makes third start of form cycle after game victory in last; pairs up. Palace Gossip, another determined last-race winner, will be favorably positioned near the front. Jill's a Hot Mess, 2-for-2 on Spa sod, has failed to beat a runner in two starts this year; regains prior form?
NINTH: Spirit and Glory overcame soft fractions when an eye-catching winner in stateside debut; more to give. Sister Lou Ann was a front-running winner on GP turf last out; speedy threat once again. Eminent Victor (two wins from three starts) and Dolce Zel (fresh and working strongly) are two uncoupled Chad Brown runners that obviously wouldn't surprise.
10TH: Gringotts should pack enhanced kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Leeloo is training swiftly for first start since March; dangerous. Let Her Inspire U has drilled three times since wire-to-wire maiden score last out; very playable. Queen Arella owns bullet-like speed and has won five in a row at Finger Lakes; don't ignore.
