Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Wednesday, Aug. 31
Best bet: LACHAISE (9)
Best value: BALLYDOOLEY (7)
FIRST: Project Two was a commanding winner over Colonial fences last time; takes another. Who's Counting also was an easy victor over Colonial hurdles in most recent; dangerous. Proven Innocent was a clear-cut second at Spa course last out; must consider.
SECOND: Summer Snow is fresh and could get the early jump with aggressive handling. Laughter was a hard-fought second in last; regresses today? Maddie's Surprise could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
THIRD: Rock Chalk was a sharp second in debut; more to give. Three Zero chased fast splits when fourth in same last race as top pick; worth long look. Closethegame Sugar ships in from Presque Isle Downs with sharp work slate; could be the goods.
FOURTH: Scottish Star owns sprinter's speed and could capitalize on soft lead. Secret Time packs potent kick and could be in the garden spot if top pick hits the wall. Zainalarab is a fresh and rested runner from Chad Brown barn; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Road to Success is speedy and makes first start since claimed by George Weaver. Dontbelate also is quick from gate and gets class drop; dangerous. The Big Grey should move forward with return to dirt.
SIXTH: Eau Claire makes return to turf and first start with maiden-claiming tag; breakthrough predicted. Sals Dream Girl logged three tight works for first start in seven weeks; big-time threat. Wine Goddess is another that's training sharply for return from freshener; must consider.
SEVENTH: Ballydooley projects as the controlling speed with proper handling. Xy Speed is fresh and gets class relief; very dangerous. Seven Scents is another that takes sizable class drop; very interesting.
EIGHTH: Joe Di Baggio could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Durkin's Call logs fast late-pace figures on "A" efforts. Double Shot is rested and owns swift back numbers; don't ignore.
NINTH: Lachaise visually and numerically impressed when winning debut; pairs up. Battle of Normandy also logged eye-catching score in first start; very playable. Bourbon Therapy owns sprinter's speed and could play out as the dominant front-runner; worth long look.
10TH: Devil Boy fired half-mile bullet since last start and drops into maiden claimer; weakness of field is selection's strength. Capt' Remington has finished second in last three starts; another placing? Sinful Dancer is 0-for-10 but owns swift numbers on best efforts. Beach Boy Al gets class relief and is working consistently; must be factored into the mix.
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