Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, July 11
Best bet: SIMULATE (10)
Best value: MAKE HASTE (7)
FIRST: Solo Empire owns speed and drops; call in weak opener. Golden Purchase exits hard-fought placing in last; regresses today? Stjames runs late and would be aided by fast fractions.
SECOND: Peak of Chic fired crisp half-mile drill for first start since 48-day freshener; ready for big effort. Bedtime Story is fleet-footed and should improve with return to dirt. She's Cool could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
THIRD: Eric From Miami logged rapid late-pace figure when winning last; more to come. Aelfgar ships in after winning two in a row at Finger Lakes; very dangerous. Swift Magic delivered subpar effort on turf last time; improves with switch to dirt.
FOURTH: Repole Stable entry: Carmen's Candy Jar was a seven-length winner in last and mate Slightly Busy owns speed and gets class relief. Brocknardini gets Lasix and returns to claiming ranks; very playable. Red Burgundy could play out as the speed of the speed; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Low Key is training with a purpose for first start with claiming tag; set. Always Practical makes second outing since claimed by Linda Rice; more than good enough on "A" effort. Madeline's Promise could prove very tough on a soft lead.
SIXTH: Epic Desire is from a dam that has produced a turf winner; tight work tab seals the deal. West Point entry: British Invasion and Honoree are newcomers that are bred to run on grass. Orbit concluded work tab with half-mile bullet; charting a must.
SEVENTH: Make Haste set sizzling splits when a front-end winner in last; sharp work slate for return is the clincher. Abientot, 1-for-1 on Spa sod, packs potent kick on best races. Spirited Boss was compromised by poor start in last; must consider.
EIGHTH: Dark Devil is fresh and training sharply; earned career-best number at Saratoga. World Fair has finished second in last three starts; another placing? Sounds Like Fun should move forward with return to main track; don't ignore.
NINTH: Shared Success is working strongly for first start since April; fires big effort. Rhetorical owns two wins and a third from three starts; be no surprise. Ocala Dream is speedy and could prove tough to collar on clear lead.
10TH: Simulate tallied swift final fraction when a tough-trip fourth in last; two works in the interim seal the deal. Strate Cash, a winner in lone start, makes first outing for Cherie DeVaux barn; big-time player. Souper Times is training swiftly for first start in more than four months; worth long look. Assertiveness owns positional speed in bulky nightcap; must be factored into the mix.
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