Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Wednesday, Aug. 6
Best bet: GAME WARDEN (7)
Best value: ANOTHER CLEESHAY (5)
FIRST: Curlin's Malibu gets much-needed class relief and has trained strongly since last start. Swaggish was a game second in most recent; dangerous. Castle Island is a front-running threat on best efforts.
SECOND: Royal Bobbie sheds the blinkers and returns to dirt; forward move predicted. Sweet Anniversary owns speed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Summer Whirl makes first start on main track; needs fast fractions to be effective.
THIRD: Whistler's Style should pack amplified wallop with cutback to 7 furlongs. Mursal drops and logs fast numbers on "A" races. Jackie the Joker owns speed and rates a puncher's chance at beefy price.
FOURTH: Brocknardini gets Lasix, drops and should receive ideal setup from rail. Red Burgundy could prove a tough customer if able to shake clear from other front-runners. Snowy Evening packs potent kick on best efforts. Latest Edition could play out as the speed of the speed; price will be tempting.
FIFTH: Another Cleeshay turns back to distance of only win; set for best in third start of form cycle. Lollipops drops after speed and fade in last; big-time player. Best Impression makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; right in the thick of this.
SIXTH: Devilish Grin was a solid second in debut; more to give. Great Actress was just a half-length behind top pick when third in first start; very playable. Imminent Risk ships in from Kentucky to make debut for Joe Sharp; charting a must.
SEVENTH: Game Warden, a two-time winner on Saratoga loam, can be effective from on or off the pace. Digital Ops owns speed and fast numbers; logical contender. Lambeth owns a win at 1 1/2 miles; must consider.
EIGHTH: Notable Exchange is riding a forward line on late-pace and final figures. So Darn Pretty, a front-end maiden winner in first start on Spa sod, could play out as the dominant speed once again. Midway Memories could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
NINTH: Run On States ships in from Kentucky after ultra-game placing in debut; needs scratches to get in. Trading Trouble, also below the AE line, is another that was a solid second in first start. I Rest My Case was a useful fourth in debut; worth long look. Setting Sun debuts for Miguel Clement; follow the money. Dancingwithdestiny, another newcomer, is bred to handle grass; don't dismiss.
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