Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Saturday, Aug. 9
Best bet: ORTUS (12)
Best value: CHATTER (11)
FIRST: Yo Banana Boy cuts back to distance of both wins. I'm Wide Awake could prove tough on a clear lead. Dear Chairman also is speedy and must be factored into the mix.
SECOND: Shipman displayed improved speed when third in last. Hours in a Day compiled tight work tab for first start since November. Rivalry is fresh and adds blinkers; worth long look.
THIRD: Run On States ships in from Kentucky after game placing in debut; call based on price. Trading Trouble also was a strong second in first start; dangerous. Miami Style could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
FOURTH: Walley World was rested after hard-charging score on June 21; three tight works for return seal the deal. White Palomino owns speed and fits Chad Brown's signature pattern. Be of Courage also is fleet-footed and should be aided by cutback to mile.
FIFTH: Forgiving Spirit won last and now gets price hike in first start since claimed; quick dividends. Looms Boldly is fleet-footed and drops for Brad Cox; big-time player. Muazarah also is speedy and rates a puncher's chance at beefy odds.
SIXTH: Handsome Linc displayed improved speed in last after late-running second in debut. Golden Tornado is training swiftly for debut; charting a must. Oscar's Hope concluded work tab with pair of 5-furlong bullets; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Tut's Revenge could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat with proper handling. Depiction will be the prime beneficiary if top selection fires a blank. Gilded Craken is speedy and could prove tough to collar on a soft lead.
EIGHTH: Damon's Mound gets class relief after being done in by sizzling splits in Grade 2 stakes last out. Little Ni cuts back to distance of all three wins; very playable. Surveillance should improve with return to main track.
NINTH: Laurelin tallied sharp final fraction when upping record to 4-for-4 last out; more to come. Opulent Restraint could play out as the main speed on the hedge; very dangerous. Go Go Boots makes stateside debut for white-hot Miguel Clement barn; don't ignore.
10TH: El Rezeen was compromised by wide move when second last time; reverses decision. Far Bridge beat top pick to the punch when winning Bowling Green on July 12; obviously could take another. Nations Pride, 11-for-22 lifetime, packs potent kick on "A" effort.
11TH: Chatter is training strongly for first start with Lasix; big effort on tap. Next On Stage owns speed and fast figures; big-time player. Street View drilled four times since clear-cut win on June 12; very interesting.
12TH: Ortus overcame tough trip to win key race on June 14 at Gulfstream; nice fit in nightcap. Charles J owns strong wallop on best efforts; dangerous. Amplitude is another that would benefit from fast pace. Skyler's Starship exits sprint and should be favorably positioned near the front from the rail.
More horse racing
