Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, Aug. 1
Best bet: SANZIO (8)
Best value: LOVEUMISSUMEANIT (10)
FIRST: One More Freud, a January foal, compiled eye-catching work tab for debut. Whatarewedoing was a game second in last at Delaware; dangerous. Imperia Blue has shown flashes of ability in the morning; could be the goods.
SECOND: Prevent, a wire-to-wire winner on Gulfstream's Tapeta surface last out, projects as the main speed again with heads-up handling from the rail. Wolfie's Dynaghost also was a front-end winner in last; worth long look. Goldeneye, another that won last, could be in the garden spot if top two hook on the lead.
THIRD: Altered Shot could capitalize on soft lead with stretch to mile. Gone and Forgotten is riding a two-race winning streak and looms the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. It Takes Heart regressed in last after front-end score in prior; bounce-back threat.
FOURTH: The Grumpy Rabbit logged two works since solid third in debut; more to come. Americathegreat returns to maiden ranks and moves to grass; very interesting. Connect the Stars, an uncoupled barn mate of second pick, was a sharp second in last; must consider.
FIFTH: Margaux Treasure was freshened after clear-cut placing in last; 3-furlong bullet last week seals the deal. Aunt Yola is a big-time front-end threat with return to dirt; worth long look. Kadena moves back to main track for Chad Brown; be no surprise.
SIXTH: Schwarzenegger is training swiftly for debut; charting a must in field with eight newcomers. Turf Star, a Calumet firster, is bred to relish grass. Intricate Spirit noticeably picked up the tempo in last three workouts; must be factored into the mix.
SEVENTH: Luther gets rider upgrade after late-running third in stateside debut; gets there today. Zulu Kingdom has won six of seven starts; guaranteed underlay. Mi Bago is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead.
EIGHTH: Sanzio gets blinkers, Lasix and drops into maiden claimer; never find a softer spot. Army Proud was freshened after improved second in last; logical. Allofasuddenlee is 0-for-10 but more than good enough on "A" efforts.
NINTH: Outlaw Country ships in from Monmouth after improved third in last; call based on price. Heaven Street was done in by scorching splits last time; blinkers off is the key. Chess Master bested second pick by nearly nine lengths when winning last; price drop is cause for concern.
10TH: Loveumissumeanit was a better-than-it-looks fourth after wide run last time; slight cutback in distance is the clincher. Aviso worked twice since useful fifth last out; dangerous. Queen Atlas owns speed but lacks heart; must take the good with the bad. Life Advice is another that will be favorably positioned near the front. Competitive Threat is a short-priced contender from the Chad Brown barn; if chalk is your game.
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