Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Sunday, July 13
Best bet: WILD MISCHIEF (10)
Best value: JET SWEEP JOE (9)
FIRST: Sturdy logs fast late-pace figures and is training sharply for first start since May. Bob Mo owns sprinter's speed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Secured Lender owns a second and a third from last two starts; must consider.
SECOND: Good Long Cry could play out as the main speed in field that's lacking a front-runner. Competitive Market has delivered strong efforts in all three starts. Aterradora faced stakes rivals in last two starts; don't ignore.
THIRD: Belmont Union fired 5-furlong bullet since clear-cut third in last; rail draw seals the deal. Article drops two price levels; worth long look. Uncle Barrie is competitive on best efforts.
FOURTH: Sugar Run was a change-of-pace fifth in last; forward move predicted. Cleopatra's Key gets Lasix after speed and fade in debut; very interesting. Scarlett's Halo fits Chad Brown's signature pattern; must consider.
FIFTH: Kunshan Bridge gets class relief and makes quick return (seven days); set for "A" effort. Dot's Dollar owns speed and could play out as the controlling front-runner. Paxsational regressed in last after front-end score in prior; bounce-back threat.
SIXTH: Augustinian just failed to push it across the line when a game second in debut; deserves another chance. Heeere's Johnny is from a dam that has produced a stakes winner on turf; follow the money. Freestate is another that owns top-shelf grass breeding; charting a must.
SEVENTH: Van Vollenhoven was rested after six-length maiden score on May 10; ready for return. The Paddock Pastor consistently fires big efforts; very dangerous. Dancing Bear exits sprints and could play out as the main speed.
EIGHTH: Gone and Forgotten drops and should pack amplified wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs. Intermittent Fast is speedy and also gets class relief; worth long look. Jackie the Joker is a front-running threat on best efforts.
NINTH: Jet Sweep Joe swept past three rivals in the stretch to win last; takes another. Grayscale could play out as the swiftest of the swift with aggressive handling. Insubordination logged three 5-furlong works for first start in 50 days; don't ignore.
10TH: Wild Mischief tallied career-best number on Spa sod last summer; first start with maiden-claiming tag is the clincher. Calling an Audible owns three seconds and a third from last five starts; another minor award? Vino Samara was compromised by wide trip in last; price will be tempting. Dividend Recap drops and gets first-time Lasix; don't dismiss.
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