Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Wednesday, Aug. 14
Best bet: R FUNNY BIZNESS (7)
Best value: NOT SO CLOSE (3)
FIRST: Jimmy P returns from freshener. Abaan needed last. Pickanumber was second in only start.
SECOND: Midtown Lights logged four tight works for first start in eight weeks. Cinderella's Cause could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Echo in Eternity logged determined score in first start on Spa loam; very interesting.
THIRD: Not So Close is fresh and could play out as the controlling speed with proper ride. Midnight Mile has finished second at short odds in last two starts; more of the same? Strikingly Spun regressed in last after game victory in prior; rebound threat.
FOURTH: Refuse to Lose tallied swift internal numbers last time after fast later-pace figure in prior; breakthrough predicted. Helcia is rested and gets Lasix for Chad Brown; big-time threat. Lord I Wonder was a strong second in debut; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Munny Grab was pace- and trip-compromised last time. Brocknardini needed last and drops into NY-bred field; dangerous. Summer Whirl made sustained rally to win last; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Cara's Dreamweaver was a solid second in debut; experience helps in field that's jammed with newcomers. Teller to Win is from a dam that has produced a grass winner. Annascaul concluded work tab with 5-furlong bullet; charting a must.
SEVENTH: R Funny Bizness makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; forward move predicted. Fontanafredda takes two-level price plunge; fire sale? Mon Petit Chou owns speed but lacks heart; must take the good with the bad.
EIGHTH: Revalita consistently logs field's fastest final fractions. Collaboration needed last and owns positional speed; dangerous. Miss San Gabriel is 1-for-1 on Spa sod; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Hilarious Affair makes first start since moving to Mike Maker barn; set for best. Dr Oseran adds blinkers after tough trip in last. Gaslight Dancer is fresh and logs swift numbers on best efforts. Final Verdict holds razor-sharp current condition.
