Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, Aug. 22
Best bet: MAGGY'S PALACE (2)
Best value: WYNSTOCK (8)
FIRST: Three Thirteen was done in by pace pressure in debut; softer flow predicted. Cristobal was a useful third in debut; dangerous. Make a Prediction should improve with race under belt; don't ignore.
SECOND: Maggy's Palace was freshened after dominant score on June 7; picks up where she left off. Caress could play out as the main speed on the rail. Tricky Temper drops and makes third start of form cycle; worth long look.
THIRD: Angel Gift endured tough trip in Adirondack Stakes last time; return to NY-bred ranks makes the difference. Iron Orchard lived up to heavy tote support when winning debut; big-time threat. Shakti bested a next-out winner when a five-length victor in first start; must be considered.
FOURTH: Quick Hammer is speedy, rested and hails from Linda Rice barn; tight work tab seals the deal. Royal Tryst could impact if top selection hits the wall. Bold Endeavor consistently delivers strong efforts; must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: Wecallemfuncoupons drops and returns to dirt; improvement predicted. Tarpaulin makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; dangerous. Zakat logged determined maiden score in first start on Spa loam; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Raging Bloom was compromised by poor start in debut; worth another chance at a price. Counterintuitive debuts for Chad Brown; straightforward logic. Actis could be aided by today's added ground.
SEVENTH: O P Firecracker was a dud in last after clear-cut win two back; rebounds. Laughing Boy is speedy and could prove very tough if able to secure unchallenged lead. Manta Rey was a hard-fought second in last; be no surprise.
EIGHTH: Wynstock has the benefit of the rail and will be aided by stretch to 9 furlongs. Mama's Gold was overmatched in Whitney last time; front-running threat against these. Cagliostro is right in the thick of this on "A" efforts.
NINTH: Moonage Daydream should be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat with proper ride. Spinning Colors is fleet-footed and could easily take this field wire to wire. Silver Skillet is competitive on best races.
10TH: Reynolds Channel makes first start since claimed by Mike Maker. Cousin Ed was an even third in last; very interesting. Alexis Zorba is speedy and gets class relief; dangerous. Holding the Line should be favorably positioned near the front; right in the thick of this.
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