Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, Sept. 1
Best bet: BE YOUR BEST (10)
Best value: TAPPLE CIDER (7)
FIRST: Freddy Flintshire was a convincing winner in first start over Spa fences; takes another. Who's Counting was an easy winner over Colonial jumps last time; dangerous. Decisive Triumph is speedy and ultra-consistent; must consider.
SECOND: In Sky We Trust is tractable and could be ideally placed in the stalker's seat. Ragtime Blues almost always fires big efforts; be no surprise. Bronx Bomber is more than good enough on best efforts.
THIRD: Sirius Light was a hard-charging second in last; more to come. Influentialous is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Numero Seis also is fleet-footed and must be factored into the mix.
FOURTH: Glynn County should pack amplified kick with cutback to shorter route; class drop seals the deal. Bye Bye Melvin owns speed and could capitalize on an unchallenged lead. Flop Shot flopped last time after determined win in prior; bounce-back threat.
FIFTH: Bees and Honey compiled eye-catching work tab for first start in 54 days; ready to roll. Sweet Willemina could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. W W Fitzy is a front-running threat on best efforts.
SIXTH: Balsa moves to grass after speed and fade in debut; improvement predicted. Inflation Nation looms the prime beneficiary if top selection wilts in the lane. Antares owns turf breeding on both sides of pedigree; must consider.
SEVENTH: Tapple Cider logged solid late-pace figure when breaking maiden in last; pairs up. I'm Buzzy has finished second in last two starts; gets there today? Maybe Later will be favorably positioned near the front; dangerous.
EIGHTH: Melting Snow fired half-mile bullet for first start since claimed; primed for new barn. Short Summer Dress could play out as the dominant speed on the fence. Rossa Veloce owns fast figures on "A" game; don't ignore.
NINTH: Cowichan, fast-closing second last time, gets call if able to escape AE list. Gustiamo should move forward after useful sixth in debut; very playable. Illicit is fleet-footed and a serious threat on a soft lead. Up and Down debuts for Chad Brown; could be the goods.
10TH: Be Your Best visually and numerically impressed when winning debut; keeps on giving. Whichwaze, a front-end winner in dirt debut, could prove a tough customer on unchallenged lead. Recognize also owns speed and makes quick return after wire-to-wire score on Aug. 18; right in the thick of this.
11TH: Power Agenda drops after failing victim to swift splits last time; make sure price is right. Once a Giant will be aided by cutback to 7 furlongs; very interesting. Scotto could impact if fractions get hot and hectic; odds will be tempting. Be the Boss drops and returns to dirt; must be factored into the mix.
