Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, Aug. 18
Best bet: URAGANO (10)
Best value: RECOGNIZE (6)
FIRST: Sensibleconclusion wheels back on one week's rest and drops to lifetime low; weakness of field helps. Uncle Water Flow was an improved third in last; added furlong could play to strength. Lucky Macho Man logged three thirds in last four starts; gets show dough again?
SECOND: A Bit o'Irish Sass owns speed and returns to dirt; controlling front-runner with proper ride. Epona's Dream could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Bustin Bay is right in the thick of this on "A" efforts.
THIRD: Dancingwthdaffodls should pack enhanced wallop with cutback to abbreviated sprint. Jill's a Hot Mess was a solid second in last; dangerous. Get the Candy is fleet-footed and can prove very tough on a soft lead.
FOURTH: Mexican Wonder Boy succumbed to pace pressure last time; softer flow predicted. Flamingo Hawk visually and numerically impressed when winning last; very playable. Alcools owns speed and will be aided by slight turnback in distance.
FIFTH: Forbidden Secret spun his wheels when debuting in the mud on July 21; dry land is key. Clear the Deck will be in the catbird seat if top selection wilts in the stretch. Childers owns win-early breeding on both sides of pedigree; could be the goods.
SIXTH: Recognize projects as the dominant speed with switch to turf route. April First compiled sneaky-good work tab for streaking Dave Donk barn; very interesting. Bernt Again was a tough-trip sixth in debut; don't dismiss.
SEVENTH: Charles Chrome makes first start for the newly resurrected David Jacobson stable; only in horse racing. Loaded Joe earned one of his two wins on Spa turf; price will be tempting. Immortalization regressed in last after fast-figured win in prior; bounce-back threat.
EIGHTH: Winit won last by an expanding three lengths; more to come. Nabokov got some R&R after failing to beat a runner in Dwyer Stakes last time; more competitive at this level. Perceived packs potent late kick on best efforts; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Dream Central is riding a two-race winning streak; keeps on giving. Royal Dancer owns sprinter's speed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Robyn and Eli makes third start of form cycle for Chad Brown; must consider.
10TH: Uragano was pace- and position-compromised last out; rail draw seals the deal. Lookin Grand was an improved fourth when favored in last; logical contender. Toga Dancer is training with a purpose for first start in eight weeks; very interesting. Loz makes first start with maiden-claiming tag after firing half-mile bullet last week; don't overlook.
