Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Wednesday, July 16
Best bet: DOUBLE YOUR MONEY (8);
Best value: TRAIL OF GOLD (9)
FIRST: Official start of Saratoga meet with a jump race to kick things off. Kitten Around owns sit-and-pounce running style. China Beach has won three in a row. Beat Le Bon could play out as the controlling speed.
SECOND: The Closer moves to grass after game placing in last; bred to handle switch. Cuando fired half-mile bullet since clear-cut second in last; dangerous. Beer Run owns three seconds and three thirds from eight starts; another minor award?
THIRD: Just Clarity owns field's fastest late-pace figures; should get favorable setup. Aero Star could prove very tough if able to secure clear lead. Miles and Miles drops in first start since claimed by Brad Cox; mixed message.
FOURTH: Shakeitforthebird is speedy and logged three sharp works for return to dirt; call based on price potential. Iron Dome will be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Hello Beauty finished third in last two; more show dough?
FIFTH: Joe G Twentythree moves to turf after useful fourth in debut. Illmatic is from a dam that has produced four grass winners. Diliello debuts for potent first-out barn; charting a must.
SIXTH: Timia moves to grass in first start since switching barns; forward move predicted. Sailaway was a front-running maiden winner in last; very interesting. Starlight Dancer also was a clear-cut maiden victor in most recent; must consider.
SEVENTH: Tap Into This should pack intensified wallop with cutback to 7 furlongs. Mainstream was an ultra-game second after bad start in last; very playable. Duration is fresh and training with a purpose for Chad Brown; you know the drill.
EIGHTH: Double Your Money bested a next-out winner when a six-length victor last time at Parx; ready for prime time. Welaka drops and makes third start of form cycle; very interesting. Sagamore Mischief is more than good enough on "A" efforts; don't ignore.
NINTH: Trail of Gold logged sharp final fraction when a determined winner in last; pairs up. Blossoming Erudite owns sprinter's speed and has won two of last three; big-time player. Carmen's Candy Jar, another last-race winner, moves to turf after seven-length score; very playable. Mommy's Turn lost a head bob when second to top selection on June 12; right in the thick of this.
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