Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Sunday, Aug. 4

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comAugust 3, 2024

Best bet: CAPE TRAFALGAR (8)

Best value: MODICA (10)

FIRST: Quietside outworked 137 rivals in half-mile drill on July 21; charting a must in field of newcomers. Ragtime (bullet works and strong pedigree) and Ivory and Ebony (tight training tab) are two more that demand scrutiny.

SECOND: Next has elevated his game to another dimension; for watching only. Nimitz Class is firing bullets for first start since May. Masqueparade could land in exotics.

THIRD: Gun Maestro projects as the main speed on the rail with proper ride. Higher Quality will be in the garden spot if top selection wilts in the stretch. Pit Boss is riding a two-race winning streak; must consider.

FOURTH: Mano E Mano drops and adds blinkers; wake-up call from the hedge. Kick a Buck also gets class relief but will offer far shorter price than top selection. Sugar Hook could impact if allowed a soft lead.

FIFTH: Linarite may have finally found a field she can run past in the stretch. Shaman Princess is speedy and rested; worth long look. Boss of All exits game placing in last; be no surprise.

SIXTH: Twirling Lulu debuts for potent first-out barn. Scythian is from a dam that has produced five winners from five foals to race. Saratoga Snow owns win-early pedigree.

SEVENTH: Pediatric Princess goes from jockey-trainer combo that's 2-for-2 in last 60 days. Love Tempo made sustained rally when third in debut; dangerous. Magenta could move forward with switch to sod.

EIGHTH: Cape Trafalgar logs fastest late-pace figures on best efforts. Chattalot is fleet-footed and could play out as the dominant speed. Top Gunner notched determined win the first time he touched Spa loam; very playable.

NINTH: White Sands has been ultra-impressive in both starts; more to come. Dare to Breeze tallied handy score in first start at Saratoga; dangerous. Anakarina set hot fractions when winning last; right in the thick of this.

10TH: Modica fired 5-furlong bullet for first start since maiden score on May 23; takes another. Now and Later packs potent late wallop on "A" efforts. Beary Funny owns positional speed in bulky field. Nostalgic One made eye-catching, sustained rally to win last; must be factored into the mix.