Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Saturday, July 5
Best bet: RAGTIME (4)
Best value: JACKSON HEIGHTS (9)
FIRST: Ewing is from a dam that has produced four winners from five foals to race; charting a must in six-horse field with five newcomers. She's On a Roll is the lone entrant to have started; dangerous. Empires King is training swiftly; very interesting.
SECOND: Call Me Fast logs fast late-pace figures on best efforts. Leading Contender has the benefit of the rail; big-time player. Hero's Medal makes first start for new barn after clear-cut win in last; must consider.
THIRD: Strategic Risk lived up to heavy tote support when winning debut by more than eight lengths; more to come. Blinging It Back, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, was a fast-figured second in last. Obliteration obliterated seven rivals when winning first start by more than seven lengths; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Ragtime tallied rapid late-pace figure when winning debut by nearly four lengths; pairs up. Next On Stage should move forward with return to dirt. Adeliese's Smile owns fast back numbers; price will be tempting.
FIFTH: North End Lady needed last and logged only win on Spa sod. Backcheck overcame slow start to break maiden last time; very playable. Summer Whirl could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SIXTH: Connect the Stars was a useful fifth in debut; improvement predicted. Gorrono Ranch could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Matadora hails from profitable second-out barn; must consider.
SEVENTH: Filly Freedom should pack enhanced wallop with cutback to shorter sprint. Practical Lov should be favorably positioned near the front in bulky field. Gin's Beach Road is firing bullets for first start; follow the money.
EIGHTH: Boat's a Rockin projects as the main speed on the hedge with heads-up handling. Judge Davis could be the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Antares is another that would be aided by fast fractions.
NINTH: Jackson Heights gets confident, two-level price boost after winning last; more to come. Yo Banana Boy could play out as the speed of the speed; worth long look. Braciole was a game second in last; don't dismiss.
10TH: Intellect was compromised by soft splits when a sharp second in last; gets there today. Win for the Money fired 5-furlong bullet on Spa sod for first start in more than five months; very interesting. Donegal Momentum is 2-for-2 on Saratoga grass; right in the thick of this.
11TH: Opulent Restraint fits Chad Brown's signature pattern and owns win on Spa turf. Nitrogen is riding a five-race winning streak; very dangerous. Fionn owns four wins, a second and a third from six starts; must be factored into the mix.
12TH: Mama's Middie was a clear-cut second in last; return to maiden claimers seals the deal. Allofasuddenlee is speedy and rested; dangerous. Kings and Queens exits sharp placing in most recent; must consider. Capt Jax Parrow also was second in last; be no surprise.
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