Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Wednesday, Aug. 20
Best bet: ALL CLASS (2)
Best value: JACKSON HEIGHTS (4)
FIRST: Hidden Path exits clear-cut score over Spa jumps last out; takes another. The Insider is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Jimmy P was an even fifth in last; don't ignore.
SECOND: All Class won by more than five lengths the first time she touched Spa loam; more to come. R Disaster is fleet-footed and looms a big-time wire-to-wire threat. Striker Has Dial spun her wheels in the slop last; dangerous on dry land.
THIRD: Chalky White displayed newfound speed in last; breakthrough predicted. Mr Browns Town, aptly named, debuts for Chad Brown; need more? Missing Brian and Lexington Pike are uncoupled newcomers from Todd Pletcher barn; follow the money.
FOURTH: Jackson Heights made powerful runs to win last two starts; keeps on giving. Stewie, another last-race winner, could get overlooked in the wagering. Barksdale drops and cuts back to 6 furlongs; very interesting.
FIFTH: Spirit of the Law logged swift late-pace figure in last; more to come in first start since claimed by Mike Maker. Oat Coutour was a willing second in last; dangerous. Before the Wind has benefit of the rail and could secure the lead in field that's light on speed.
SIXTH: Ticket to Ride was a tough-trip third in last; likely short price is the problem. Midtown Mischief is working swiftly for debut; charting a must. Last Call Jenna is from a dam that has produced five grass winners; could be the goods.
SEVENTH: Call Me Fast makes quick return and gets confident price boost after even third last week; forward move predicted. Leading Contender will be aided by cutback to mile and owns fast back numbers. Flat On holds razor-sharp current condition; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Irwin must overcome tough post but is training sharply and hails from streaking stable. Saratoga Flash was freshened after winning last at Gulfstream and has the benefit of the rail today; very playable. Barnstorming is riding a two-race winning streak; don't overlook.
NINTH: Bolt House drops, gets Lasix and moves to grass; improvement expected. New Attitude should pack intensified late wallop with cutback to sprint. Aunt Nona gets Kendrick Carmouche and should be favorably positioned near the front. Victoriously debuts for profitable first-out barn; follow the money.
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