Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Wednesday, July 27
Best bet: PHANTOM VISION (9)
Best value: WEYHILL FARM RD. (3)
FIRST: Ancient Times is 1-for-1 over Spa sod; steeplechase opener that should be a non-betting exhibition after day's flat races. Proven Innocent may do the best jumping late; dangerous. Bee Major could be sitting in the pocket; must consider.
SECOND: Bastet is rested and training strongly; price play in basement claimer. Knot Anymore could play out as the main speed on the rail. Bells On Her Toes would be prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
THIRD: Weyhill Farm Rd. should make big-time forward move with switch to grass. Disarmed, a newcomer with fast works, is an uncoupled barn mate of top selection. Disco Demolition is firing bullets at Fair Hill training center; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Bella Sofia holds an edge on final figures in four-horse field; pathetic excuse for Grade 2 stakes. Amadevil has compiled a 7-for-8 slate at minor-league tracks; up to litmus test? Frank's Rockette always fires but hasn't seen winner's circle in more than a year.
FIFTH: Jarreau may get lead by default in small field that's light on speed. Dante's Fire, an uncoupled stable mate of top pick, makes peak start of form cycle. Neotropic has the benefit of the rail on tight-turned course.
SIXTH: Danseur d'Oro projects as the main speed with top-notch front-end rider at the helm. Gambling Girl has trained strongly since useful fourth when favored in debut; be no surprise. Berning Honor concluded work tab with half-mile bullet; very interesting.
SEVENTH: Spooky Road gets class relief in second start since three-month layoff; improvement expected. Hatari packs potent late kick on best efforts; another that's uncoupled with top pick. Mirth 'n Merriment is speedy and can prove very tough on a soft lead.
EIGHTH: Unlock returns to dirt and could get early jump from favorable outside post. Lady Yellen wheels back in a hurry after seven-length maiden score on July 10; big-time contender. O'Gotten Girl is fleet-footed but will likely be undervalued; mixed message.
NINTH: Phantom Vision owns sprinter's speed and could capitalize on unchallenged lead with heads-up handling. High Opinion tallied rapid late-pace figure when a determined winner in last at Parx; very dangerous. Messidor regressed in last after hard-charging victory in prior; rebound threat.
10TH: Alessia was a solid third in key-race debut at Keeneland this past spring; demand fair price on moribund Nick Zito barn. Course Runner hails from potent second-out stable; very playable. Glitter Up owns speed but lacks heart; must take the good with the bad. Liquidity Provider debuts for Chad Brown; obviously must be factored into the mix.
