Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, Aug. 7

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comAugust 2, 2025

Best bet: SARATOGA SNOW (10)

Best value: READY FOR TROUBLE (3)

FIRST: Belmont Union drops and returns to dirt; weakness of field helps. Kavanaugh makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; dangerous. Otto Nipoti should move forward in second start; must consider.

SECOND: Jet Off could encounter softer pace flow with stretch to mile in field of newcomers. Teddy's Rocket makes first start for surging Miguel Clement barn; charting a must. Olivetti debuts for Chad Brown; need more?

THIRD: Ready for Trouble logged three tight works for first start since seven-week freshener. Linda Rice entry: Golden Degree is speedy and should be aided by cutback to 6 furlongs and Proud Foot runs late; potent pairing. Despo's Dream is a last-race winner that could get overlooked in the wagering; don't dismiss.

FOURTH: Freedom Speaks fired crisp half-mile drill for first start since Memorial Day; ready. Alluring Angel drops and looms the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Vive Veuve has trained sharply since winning last at Churchill Downs; right in the thick of this.

FIFTH: Shadow Surge compiled tight training tab for first start in 16 months; set for return. The Closer, a sharp second in last, outworked 36 rivals in half-mile drill on July 29; big-time player. Dark Devil also exits placing in most recent; must consider.

SIXTH: Simone returns to maiden ranks after wide third in Schuylerville Stakes on Fourth of July; timid call in 11-horse field with eight newcomers. Beach of Dreams was favored when second in debut at Ellis Park; worth long look. Baseball Lady should improve in second start for Saffie Joseph, Jr.; don't overlook.

SEVENTH: Love Cervere has fired bullets since winning second in a row on June 21; more to come. Luna Louska could play out as the speed of the speed with aggressive handling. Abientot could impact if fractions get hot and hectic.

EIGHTH: Iron Dome tallied swift late-pace figure when breaking maiden by 10 lengths last out; takes another. Jaa Mode was done in by poor start in last; dangerous on unchallenged lead. Refuah owns 15 seconds and eight thirds from 40 starts; another minor award?

NINTH: Valuation Metric fits Chad Brown's signature pattern. States' Rights packs potent late kick on best efforts. Maui Strong could capitalize on uncontested lead; don't ignore.

10TH: Saratoga Snow drops and sheds the blinkers; set for breakthrough in third start of form cycle. Alittlebitnaughty makes first start since moving to Linda Rice barn; dangerous. Lucy Playa regressed in last after displaying improved speed two back; rebound potential. Kissed by Karma is rested and should be favorably positioned near the front; price will be tempting.