Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Wednesday, Aug. 10
Best bet: MONTATHAM (7)
Best value: FRANK'S ART (9)
FIRST: Hurtgen Forest was a wire-to-wire winner over the Colonial jumps last time; takes one over Spa fences. Spring Heeled Jim needed last; dangerous. State of Affair owns speed and is more than good enough on best.
SECOND: Prince of Fenton could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Offutt Cole is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Drink the Wind makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; dangerous.
THIRD: General Banker was a solid second in debut; call based on price potential. Makar has drilled twice since useful fifth in debut; potent second-out stable. Boss Jim debuts after noticeably picking up the tempo in final workout; charting a must.
FOURTH: Sibelius could play out as the swiftest of the swift in speed-laden field. Kinetic Sky could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Mexican Wonder Boy owns fast numbers on "A" efforts.
FIFTH: Tonal Impact was pace- and position-compromised last time; forward move predicted. Be the Boss owns sprinter's speed and drops; very interesting. Skylander packs potent late kick on best efforts.
SIXTH: Im Just Kiddin was a clear-cut second when favored in debut; needs scratches to escape AE list in 14-horse field with 11 newcomers. Maple Leaf Mel is firing bullets for first start; could be the goods. Security Code compiled sneaky-good work slate; very interesting. Love My Candy is another firster training swiftly; better have luck on your side to play this race.
SEVENTH: Montatham should pack amplified wallop with cutback to sprint. Fore Harp is quick from gate and could play out as the controlling speed. Vocalize could be ideally placed in bulky group; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Southern District is riding a three-race winning streak for Chad Brown; keeps on giving. Isolate owns speed and fast numbers; dangerous. Mr Phil also is fleet-footed and could prove to be very tough if able to shake clear.
NINTH: Frank's Art overcame rough trip when a last-to-first winner in debut; more to come. Battle Scars is training with a purpose for first start since last fall; worth long look. Mr. Kringle regressed in last after game placing in prior; bounce-back threat.
10TH: Vintage Year projects as the main speed on the hedge with heads-up handling. Tiz a Giant has finished second in last three starts; runner-up again. Remote was less than two lengths behind "Giant" when third on July 14; must be factored into the mix. Cloud Forest moves to turf for streaking Bill Mott barn; don't overlook.
