Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, July 25

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comJuly 19, 2025

Best bet: ECHO IN ETERNITY (2)

Best value: GATE TO WIRE (9)

FIRST: Miss Im Pulsive projects as the speed of the speed with proper ride. Accelerated News could accelerate past them all in the lane. Sunshine Lily is fresh and owns competitive numbers on best.

SECOND: Echo in Eternity makes first start since seven-week layoff; logged most recent win after similar absence. Spring Magic was done in by pace pressure last time; dangerous. Killy Start could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.

THIRD: Athaliah is fresh and gets class relief; tight work tab seals the deal. Ashes and Diamonds sheds blinkers for barn that logs profitable numbers when taking off the shades. Bourbon Milk Punch displayed improved speed in last; very interesting.

FOURTH: Bob John Ray drops two price levels after making first start in nine months; forward move predicted. True Connection worked four times since front-end maiden score last month; very playable. Ultimate Strike gets class relief and returns to dirt; worth long look.

FIFTH: Parade Ring tallied one of her best numbers when coming back from similar layoff. Silver Pearls could roll past them all if fractions get hot and hectic. Aunt Nona's speed must be respected; price will be tempting.

SIXTH: Styner was a wire-to-wire winner in last at Finger Lakes; ready for prime time. Peek should pack intensified wallop with cutback to mile. He's Got This bounced last out after clear-cut score in prior; rebound threat.

SEVENTH: Ms Daredevil made sustained run when second in debut; more to come. Market Chill and Red Violet are uncoupled newcomers from the Chad Brown barn; what a game. Time to Dream debuts for Repole/Pletcher; charting a must.

EIGHTH: Sheer Will drops and returns to main track; set for best in third start of form cycle. Cara's Chianti makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; don't ignore. Kate Barry noticeably picked up the tempo in final work; could be the goods.

NINTH: Gate to Wire should pack enhanced kick with cutback to 6 1/2 furlongs. Macho Music owns speed and fast figures; big-time threat. Gunmetal logged five works since last start; right in the thick of this.

10TH: Practical Romance drops after non-stressful eighth in last; improvement expected. Dividend Recap gets the meds for first start in more than 20 months; worth long look. Catholic Edition raced wide when third in debut; must be factored into the mix. Purest Performance is competitive on best efforts; don't ignore.