Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, July 24
Best bet: HAMILTON'S WAY (10)
Best value: TEN CENT TOWN (5)
FIRST: Birch Run fired 5-furlong bullet since a clear-cut second in last; more to come. Spitfire worked three times since placing to a runaway winner in debut; dangerous. Sparkling Mama is firing bullets for first start; follow the money.
SECOND: A Bourbon for Toby should pack enhanced kick with cutback to shorter route. Noble Confessor owns two seconds in three starts on turf; dangerous. Orgonite was pace- and trip-compromised last time; don't ignore.
THIRD: Imagine John returns to maiden ranks after third in Sanford Stakes. Bobrovsky lost a head bob for all the money when second in debut; big-time player. Mr. J ships in from Ellis Park for first start; follow the money.
FOURTH: Lotus Petal displayed improved speed in last; drop into maiden claimer seals the deal. McKinzie's Glory is working with a purpose for first start since last November; worth long look. Classic Cara was a solid second in last; must consider.
FIFTH: Ten Cent Town fired half-mile bullet for first start since gelded; big effort on tap. Set exits clear-cut placing in last; dangerous. Power Attack could prove very tough on a soft lead.
SIXTH: Irish Jackson packs solid kick in field where pace meltdown could come to pass. Geopolitics is speedy and firing bullets for return from seven-week freshener; very dangerous. Nina Kay is another that's fleet-footed and rested; don't overlook.
SEVENTH: Aerate wheels back in a hurry for new barn after tough-trip sixth in last; improvement predicted. Senor Poncho fired half-mile bullet since sharp second in last; be no surprise. My Man Magoo drops and returns to dirt; very interesting.
EIGHTH: Goats On a Tree, a winner of four of last six, can be effective from on or off the pace. Tax Implications owns fast late-pace figures and hails from the Chad Brown barn; could easily take this. Malleymoo, an uncoupled barn mate of second selection, is more than good enough on "A" efforts.
NINTH: Crudo is rested and projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Strategic Focus has won both starts for Chad Brown; could easily take another. Chancer McPatrick, another Brown runner, is 2-for-3 on Spa loam; right in the thick of this.
10TH: Hamilton's Way drops and gets favorable cutback in distance; forward move expected. Right to Win was freshened for 59 days after determined maiden score in last; very dangerous. Kid Kreesa logged only win on Saratoga turf; don't ignore. Dancinginthepark made late surge to win last; must be factored into the mix.
