Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, July 3
Best bet: HE'S GOT THIS (9)
Best value: HILARIOUS AFFAIR (7)
FIRST: I'm Solo N in Love drops and could be ideally positioned behind speed duel in opener. Flat On is fresh and training with a purpose; dangerous. Omey Island makes quick return, starts from the rail and will prove very tough if able to secure clear lead.
SECOND: Equus needed last and gets class relief; forward move predicted in second start since layoff. Toned Up, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, owns fast figures on best but takes precipitous price plunge; mixed message. Shezanarcticqueen owns sprinter's speed and starts from the rail; very interesting.
THIRD: Hollygrove is fresh and could capitalize on soft lead in compact field. Beauty Reigns could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Indy Bay is riding a three-race winning streak; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Going for Glory was a tough-trip third in last; weakness of field helps. Stirred Up owns two seconds and two thirds from five starts; another minor award? Aerialist's speed gives her a puncher's chance.
FIFTH: Cdakhat returns to dirt after regressing in last; rebounds on proper footing. Last Mango exits clear-cut score in most recent; very playable. Sassy Shenanigans owns fast numbers and makes third start of form cycle; worth long look.
SIXTH: Winrooski was an even third when favored in debut; tighter today. Birch Run also was third in first start and fired crisp 5-furlong drill in the interim; dangerous. Iron Orchard is firing bullets for debut; follow the money.
SEVENTH: Hilarious Affair packs potent late wallop on "A" efforts. Maya Prince compiled sharp work slate for first start in two months; worth long look. Heaven Street could play out as the speed of the speed.
EIGHTH: Play With Fire fits the classic Chad Brown profile; big effort on tap. Classic Q will be aided by return to rating tactics; very playable. Midway Memories and Lavender Disaster are two more Brown runners that must be factored in the mix.
NINTH: He's Got This tallied swift late-pace figure when a clear-cut winner in last; takes another. Swaggish, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, is rested and training sharply; big-time player. Skylander packs potent kick on best efforts; very dangerous.
10TH: My Anticipation overcame slow fractions when a determined maiden winner in last; more to come. Lamorna logged only win in Spa sod; very playable. Beyond Lucky could capitalize on unchallenged lead; worth long look.
11TH: So Darn Pretty gets Lasix, owns sprinter's speed and is training strongly; ready to roll. Home Wrecker is from a dam that has produced two turf winners; very interesting. Day Away runs late and could land in exotics at fat number. Peak Hype debuts for Chad Brown; obviously must be factored into the mix.
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