Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, Aug. 28

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comAugust 23, 2025

Best bet: BRAMITO (9)

Best value: TACTICAL TRACKSTAR (5)

FIRST: Encantar tallied solid final fraction when second to a runaway winner in debut; more to come. San Antonio Sara was freshened after third when favored in first start; must consider. Oh compiled eye-catching work tab for first start; could be the goods.

SECOND: Cadenza moves to turf after being done in by pace pressure in debut; crisp half-mile drill last week seals the deal. Mousseline is from a dam that has produced three grass winners; charting a must. Siouxse (Graham Motion) and Market Hours (Chad Brown) are two more newcomers that must be factored into the mix.

THIRD: Blown Cover turns back to sprint after displaying improved speed in route last out; three works in the interim seal the deal. Mo Go goes turf to dirt for Linda Rice; fast numbers on "A" efforts. Shattuck runs late and could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.

FOURTH: Immensitude makes third start of form cycle after improved second in last; more to come. Kathynmarissa gets Lasix for first start for Chad Brown; very dangerous. Alluring Angel, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, packs potent late kick on best efforts.

FIFTH: Tactical Trackstar set fast, pressured pace when breaking maiden in last; returns quick dividends in first start since claimed by Linda Rice. Bye Bye Miles, training sharply for first start for Mike Maker, could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Hedge is rested and drops; competitive on "A" efforts.

SIXTH: Clap Back turned up the tempo to conclude work tab; timid call in 10-horse field with nine newcomers. R U Bluffing owns win-early breeding and hails from capable first-out barn; charting a must. Lake Ariel is from a dam that has thrown two stakes winners; follow the money.

SEVENTH: One More Freud delivered on heavy tote support when winning debut by 14 lengths; more to come on grass. Capital Partner made sustained rally to win first start for Chad Brown; big-time player. Heeere's Johnny was compromised by soft splits when a clear-cut second in last; don't ignore.

EIGHTH: Cromwell owns fast late-pace figures and moves to grass for Cherie DeVaux; breakthrough predicted. A Bourbon for Toby logged swift final fractions in last two starts; worth long look. Iron Sight makes first turf start for Chad Brown; need more?

NINTH: Bramito is fresh and tallies swift late-pace figures on best races; big effort on tap. Barksdale makes first start since claimed after fast-figured win in the slop last out; dangerous. Reddington owns positional speed in bulky field; don't overlook.

10TH: Cynane owns sprinter's speed and starts from the hedge; wire to wire with proper ride. Quite Continental could impact if top selection hits the wall; price will be tempting. Competitive Threat fires big efforts with machinelike consistency; be no surprise.

11TH: Red Sea drops, adds blinkers and needed last; sitting on wake-up. Lough Currane could play out as the main speed with Kendrick Carmouche aboard; dangerous. Repurpose debuts for Chad Brown in less-than-stellar group; stay tuned to the tote. Extraordinary One would be aided by fast fractions.