Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, July 15
Best bet: SET PIECE (9)
Best value: OK HONEY (10)
FIRST: Lady Mine made forward move on the numbers when third in second start; experience is the key in seven-horse field with five newcomers. Im Just Kiddin owns win-early breeding on both sides of pedigree; stay tuned to the tote. Camp Akeela noticeably picked up the tempo in final morning drill; tipped hand?
SECOND: Customerexperience drops and gets favorable cutback to 6 furlongs. Remain Anonymous could be in the catbird seat if top selection wilts in the lane. Cadeau de Paix makes peak start of form cycle; worth long look.
THIRD: Biondi projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Whistler's Honor is fresh and training with a purpose; dangerous. Kingdom On Paws makes third start since layoff after even third in last; forward move expected.
FOURTH: Just Like This gets blinkers and Lasix and switches to dirt after even fourth in debut; improvement predicted. Suppressor owns speed but lacks heart; must take the good with the bad. Actualize also is quick from gate but has been wanting at crunch time; mixed message.
FIFTH: Tonal Impact gets class relief and packs potent wallop on best efforts. Juulstone, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, was compromised by wide trip last out; worth a look. Amedeus Music regressed in last after willing second in prior; bounce-back threat.
SIXTH: Danzigwiththestars logged both wins on Spa sod; takes another. Bar Fourteen is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Regal Speaker, 1-for-1 on Saratoga turf, needed last and drops; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Six Percent is training sharply for first start in seven weeks; big effort on tap. Corkman also is working strongly and has the benefit of the rail; very playable. Roman Empire could impact at fat price if pace meltdown ensues.
EIGHTH: Static Fire has yet to taste defeat in two starts and could secure the pocket with proper ride. Lady Scarlet owns a tractable running style and might fall through the cracks in the wagering; worth long look. Benbang could play out as the swiftest of the swift with aggressive handling; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Set Piece consistently logs the field's fastest late-pace figures; rail draw seals the deal. Yes and Yes owns sprinter's speed and will be favorably placed near the front in bulky field. Scuttlebuzz regressed in last after winning four of last five starts; rebound threat.
10TH: Ok Honey has drilled four times since non-stressful fourth in last; set to deliver big effort. Rossa Veloce gets class relief and owns fast back figures; be no surprise. Khali Magic (half-mile work since last start) and Pretty Clever (third start of form cycle) had only a half-length separating them when fourth and third, respectively, on June 17; both demand attention.
