Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, Aug. 26
Best bet: DONEGAL SURGES (7)
Best value: ANEJO (9)
FIRST: Miracle fired two bullet drills since front-end score in debut; more to come. Maple Leaf Mel lived up to massive tote support when a much-the-best winner in first start; very dangerous. Song Parody, another that won debut, makes first start since moving to Christophe Clement barn; right in the thick of this.
SECOND: Kant Hurry Love gets Lasix for first start since December; main speed. Voleuse should pack enhanced kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Photon bested Voleuse by more than two lengths when second in last; must consider.
THIRD: Barese logged fast final fraction when winning NY Derby at Finger Lakes last out; takes another. Price Disciple owns two wins and a second from three starts for Chad Brown; obvious threat. Montebello is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead.
FOURTH: Chulligan was bought for $825K as a yearling; ready to make a dent in that investment. Michael Leis owns win-early bloodlines; very interesting. Quick to Accuse is another newcomer that's bred to come out running; charting a must.
FIFTH: Fingal's Cave has impressed in winning all three starts; keeps on giving. Let Her Inspire U, riding a two-race winning streak, has benefit of the rail. Venti Valentine owns fast figures on best efforts; must respect.
SIXTH: Silver Fist projects as the main speed in bulky field with aggressive handling. Trinity Titoli moves to grass after dominant wins in last two; very dangerous. Tis a Pity could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
SEVENTH: Donegal Surges visually impressed when winning debut; pairs up. Andiamo a Firenze was dueled into defeat in Sanford Stakes last time; fleet-footed and dangerous. Acoustic Ave won debut by an expanding seven lengths; could easily take this.
EIGHTH: Classic Colors is fresh and owns fast late-pace figures on best efforts. Pure Bode is fleet-footed and holds razor-sharp current condition; very playable. Marvelous Maude is riding a two-race win streak for Chad Brown; any questions?
NINTH: Anejo closed into hot final fraction when a strong second in last; call based on price. Key Point has logged fast figures in three starts for Chad Brown; be no surprise. Excellent Timing owns bulletlike speed and can prove very tough if able to get the early jump.
10TH: City Man made sustained rally en route to dominant win last out; takes another. Therapist owns fast numbers but is 0-for-10 at the distance; mixed message. Somelikeithotbrown's speed always gives him a puncher's chance.
11TH: Your Mission drops and packs potent late wallop. On Palm Sunday owns speed but lacks heart; must take the good with the bad. Cash Bail was a useful sixth in first grass start; lots of upside. Dressedforthefifth is another lightly raced runner with ample room for improvement.
