Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Wednesday, Aug. 17
Best bet: SHINSUN (9)
Best value: WISH ME HOME (6)
FIRST: Down Royal has won three in a row. Snap Decision owns three wins over the Spa hurdles. Chief Justice was just a neck behind top selection last time; must consider.
SECOND: Greeley and Ben owns fast numbers and makes first start for the resurrected David Jacobson stable. Winning Drive was second in last two; runner-up again? O'Trouble was a determined winner over the track on July 17; very interesting.
THIRD: Backed by Gold drops one level after game placing in last. Keen Dancer could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Perfect Provision is fresh and owns fast back numbers; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Miss Invincible gets class relief after displaying improved speed in last; call based on price. Freedom Machine was compromised by wide trip in last; very tempting. I'm Buzzy was a sharp second at Monmouth last out; nice fit with the locals at this level.
FIFTH: Binsky is the only member of eight-horse field with experience; moves forward off debut. Mija is firing bullets for first start; charting a must. Padma makes debut for the white-hot Bill Mott barn; must be factored into the mix.
SIXTH: Wish Me Home overcame slow splits and wide journey to win last at Laurel; ready for prime time. Legends Can't Die regressed in last after determined maiden score in debut; bounce-back threat. Emboite logged hard-fought maiden victory in first start on Spa sod; worth long look.
SEVENTH: Crypto Mama was second to a runaway winner in debut at Monmouth; more to give. U Glow Girl called it quits in the stretch after setting stiff splits when favored in debut; dangerous. Risk Free shows work tab that culminated with half-mile bullet; follow the money.
EIGHTH: Silken Dollar could get the lead by default in field that's light on speed. U Guys Are No Fun packs potent kick on best efforts and could be in the garden if top selection wilts at crunch time. Mia Bea Star gets additional furlong after late-running second in last; must consider.
NINTH: Shinsun was pace- and position-compromised last time; improvement expected. Tetragrammaton, a wire-to-wire winner at Monmouth last out, could play out as the main speed once again; very playable. Dakota Gold consistently fires big efforts; logical, short-priced contender.
10TH: Dixie Cannon is fleet-footed, fresh and training with a purpose; fires big shot. Go Big Green logs fast late-pace figures on best efforts; big-time stretch threat. Cafe Fleur drops two price levels for Chad Brown; fire sale? Funwhileitlasted is a front-running contender on "A" efforts.
