Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, July 4
Best bet: SURVEILLANCE (11)
Best value: REAGAN'S WIT (8)
FIRST: Betula projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Any Port logs fast late-pace figures on best efforts. Miss Mottley has the benefit of the rail and owns two wins and a second from four starts; big-time player.
SECOND: My Sweetheart has trained swiftly since front-running score in turf debut; handles move to main track. Miss Magical was a clear-cut second in valuable race over the track; dangerous. Evolution is speedy and could prove tough on an unchallenged lead.
THIRD: Over and Ollie, 1-for-1 at the Spa, compiled tight work tab for first start since January. Ridgewood Runner could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Magnolia Midnight is speedy and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead.
FOURTH: Profound displayed improved speed in last and fired five tight works in the interim. Dirand tallied solid final fraction when third in debut; dangerous. Vintage Vino has finished second in last three starts; another minor award?
FIFTH: Ranger Battalion was claimed after fast-figured maiden score in last; more to come. Frantic never got going in the mud last out; improvement expected on dry land. Western Wolf could play out as the speed of the speed; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Mo Dodgy moves to grass after non-threatening eighth in debut; forward move predicted. Irish Goodbye is working swiftly for first start; follow the money. Essentially Fast is from a dam that has produced a turf winner; charting a must.
SEVENTH: Good as He Gets makes quick comeback and returns to dirt; improvement expected in first start for new barn. Gamebred is training with a purpose for first start since last summer; price will be tempting. Fort Nelson, another off long layoff, gets Lasix and is working sharply; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Reagan's Wit logs fast late-pace figures on "A" efforts. Zulu Kingdom is 5-for-6 lifetime; probable underlay. Capitol Hill should move forward with return to grass; price will be on your side.
NINTH: Tank is riding a three-race winning streak and has the benefit of the rail; more to come. New Century runs late and would be aided by fast fractions. Final Gambit was a tough-trip third in lone grass start; don't overlook.
10TH: Phileas Fogg is 1-for-1 at Saratoga and projects as the main speed on the fence. Locked packs potent late kick on best efforts; dangerous. Disarm is right in the thick of this on "A" races.
11TH: Surveillance adds blinkers and should get the early jump in bulky field; owns win on Spa sod. Axthelm is fresh and would be aided by pace meltdown. Works for Me overcame poor start to win last; very playable. Witty is another last-race winner that must be factored into the mix.
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