Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, July 21
Best bet: I AM THE LAW (3)
Best value: BIG PACKAGE (7)
FIRST: Citizen Mack gets Lasix for first start since December; timid call in six-horse field with three newcomers. Drink the Wind logged fast numbers in last two starts; dangerous. Frat Pack debuts for Chad Brown; stay tuned to the tote.
SECOND: Perceived was a fast-figured winner in last; pairs up. No Burn burns it from the gate and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Palace Coup delivers strong efforts with machinelike consistency.
THIRD: I Am the Law has worked three times since hand-ridden maiden score last time; keeps giving. Cash in a Flash is fleet-footed and owns a turf pedigree; very interesting. Icarus drops after speed and fade last out; tighter this time.
FOURTH: Smart Prize was a non-stressful third in debut; forward move predicted. Clear the Deck ran third in both starts at CD; be no surprise. Kbcya Later was an improved second in last; hard to toss.
FIFTH: My Girl Lexi was a four-length winner at 12-1 in last start and could fall through the cracks in the wagering once again; price is everything. Aidanike also won last out but will offer decidedly shorter odds than top pick. Greatest Love drops in first start since claimed; fire sale?
SIXTH: Ee Yah succumbed to pace pressure and swift splits when second in debut; third-place finisher was a next-out winner. Three Zero was a much-improved third in last; dangerous. Jeremy's Jet was a sharp second in last start; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Big Package made big late run when a strong second in last; two-time winner on Spa sod. Principled Stand is quick from gate and will prove very tough to catch on unchallenged lead. Smooth B will be favorably positioned near the front in bulky field.
EIGHTH: Caragate was a change-of-pace second in last; more to give in third start of form cycle. Mia Bea Star packs potent kick and could be in the garden if fractions get hot and hectic. U Guys Are No Fun owns fast figures and has the benefit of the rail; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Coinage is 1-for-1 on Saratoga turf and could secure stalker's seat in wide-open group. Practice Squad owns a win, three seconds and a third from last six starts; worth long look. Dakota Gold (3-for-4 lifetime) and Timbuktu (broke maiden on Saratoga grass last summer) are two more contenders in deep field.
10TH: Shackled by Lust was a useful sixth in debut at CD; move to grass plays to strength. Factor That could play out as the dominant speed with aggressive handling. Margaret Burbidge is from a dam that has produced two turf winners. Strut (firing bullets) and Georgees Spirit (high-percentage first-out barn) are two more newcomers that demand attention.
