Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, July 31

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comJuly 26, 2025

Best bet: DYNAMIC ACTRESS (10)

Best value: WYNSTOCK (9)

FIRST: Minorinconvenience endured rough trip when favored in debut; deserves another chance. Stickupwithoutagun concluded work tab with pair of swift half-mile drills; could be the goods. Force ships in from Monmouth to make debut; follow the money.

SECOND: Scorch outworked 133 rivals in half-mile drill on July 20; charting a must. Devilish Grin (well bet in debut) and Great Actress (displayed speed in first start) finished two, three on June 29; both demand scrutiny.

THIRD: Sassy Shenanigans makes first start since claimed by high-percentage trainer. D's a Rock won three in a row at Finger Lakes; dangerous. Lady Orient drops and makes third start of form cycle; worth long look.

FOURTH: Carolina Smokeshow is riding a forward line on the numbers; more to come. Handle On You owns speed and needed last; very interesting. Brooklyn Dantz could impact if pace meltdown ensues.

FIFTH: Miss Magical moves to grass for profitable dirt-to-turf barn. Neshika was a useful fifth in first start; improvement expected. Maria Callas (Chad Brown) and Zelena (solid turf breeding) are newcomers that must be considered if the money shows.

SIXTH: Ty Ty Rose makes quick return and moves to dirt; timid call in 11-horse field with nine firsters. Run On States was a strong second in debut at Ellis Park; must consider. Back to Khali fired swift half-mile work to conclude training tab; charting a must.

SEVENTH: Midnightloveaffair exits clear-cut maiden score in last; takes another. Beautiful Crazy was freshened after winning second straight at Gulfstream in May; worth long look. Linarite packs potent late kick on best efforts; don't ignore.

EIGHTH: Royal Tryst takes two-level class drop and owns fast late-pace figures on "A" races; calling basement claimer. Khafre is speedy and can prove very tough on a soft lead. Aula regressed last time after hitting the board in previous six starts; don't dismiss.

NINTH: Wynstock tallied fast final fraction when winning most recent start; returns quick dividends in first start since claimed. Whatchatalkinabout is fresh and owns speed and fast figures but looms likely underlay; your move. Bank Frenzy will make presence felt if pace meltdown ensues.

10TH: Dynamic Actress projects as the speed of the speed with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Annelle could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat if fractions get hot and hectic. Bread to Run (four tight works since last start) and Sassy Princess (last-race winner) are two more that would be aided by swift splits.